πŸŽ’
Traditional Pack
~$160

Mountainsmith

Mountainsmith Scream 55

β˜…5(2 reviews)

The Scream 55 is Mountainsmith's lightweight backpacking pack: sub-3 lb for 55 L at $160, which is the best weight-to-price combination in this catalog. The catch is that it comes in exactly one torso length, so it either fits or it does not.

Approx. price
~$160
Capacity
55 L
Weight
2.81 lbs
Best For
Budget-conscious hikers with a 20 in torso wanting a sub-3 lb pack
Check price on Amazon β†’

We may earn a commission.
Price and availability on Amazon’s site may differ.

Type
Traditional Pack
Frame Type
Internal Frame
Capacity
55 L
Weight
2.81 lbs
Max Recommended Load
~35 lbs (tested)
Torso Fit
One size, 20 in torso; hipbelt 30-45 in
Material
210D Robic Dynajin nylon ripstop
Back Panel
Framed suspension; construction not published
Warranty
Manufacturer warranty; terms not published
Raincover Included
No
Fits BV500 Bear Canister
No

Features

Adjustable TorsoHydration SleeveHipbelt Pockets

Pros

  • βœ“Sub-3 lb for 55 L at $160 is the best weight-to-price combination in this catalog.
  • βœ“210D Robic Dynajin ripstop is a genuinely durable fabric at this weight.
  • βœ“Undercuts the Osprey Exos 58 by $125 while weighing about the same.
  • βœ“The hipbelt spans 30 to 45 inches, which is broad for a one-size pack.
  • βœ“55 L covers most multi-day trips without excess volume.
  • βœ“Mountainsmith is a mainstream brand with normal returns and support.
  • βœ“Around 35 lb of usable capacity is solid for a pack this light.
  • βœ“Hipbelt pockets included.

Cons

  • βœ—One torso length only, at 20 inches, with no adjustability -- the single biggest limitation.
  • βœ—Anyone outside roughly a 19-21 in torso should not buy this pack.
  • βœ—The max-load figure is inferred from testing, not stated by Mountainsmith.
  • βœ—No rain cover included.
  • βœ—Only one volume is offered.
  • βœ—No ventilated back panel.
  • βœ—Mountainsmith has a thinner backpacking reputation than Osprey or Gregory.
  • βœ—Bear-canister fit is not stated.

Common Questions

Compare the Mountainsmith Scream 55

πŸŽ’
~$225
Ultralight Pack

The Zerk 40 is Mountainsmith's ultralight entry, using a recycled Extreema ripstop and a removable frame sheet so it can run framed or frameless. At 51 L of measured volume for a 40 L badge it is one of the more honest under-claimers in this catalog.

51 L1.81 lbs210D recycled Extreema ripstop

Weight

1.81 lbs

Capacity

51 L

Frame

Internal Frame

Best for: Hikers wanting the option to run framed or frameless from one pack
Kelty Coyote 65
~$160
Traditional Pack

The Coyote 65 is Kelty's long-running value hauler and a fixture of 'best budget backpacking pack' lists for over a decade. Kelty has dropped it from its current lineup, so retailers now sell remaining stock at closeout prices β€” which makes it an even stronger budget buy while it lasts. A women's-specific version was sold as the Coyote 60.

65 L$200PerfectFIT Adjustable Harness

Weight

4.9 lbs

Capacity

65 L

Frame

Internal Frame

Best for: Budget family and scout-trip backpacking where durability beats grams
πŸŽ’
~$169
Traditional Pack
4.6(7)

The Asher is Kelty's value backpacking pack and the cheapest way in this catalog to a 55 lb load rating. At $169 and 2.94 lb it undercuts everything with comparable capacity, and reviewers consistently place it as the budget pick.

55 L2.94 lbs55 lbs

Weight

2.94 lbs

Capacity

55 L

Frame

Internal Frame

Best for: Budget backpackers who still need to carry heavy loads
REI Co-op Trailmade 60
~$189
Traditional Pack
4.3(13)

The Trailmade 60 is REI's entry-level backpacking pack, built around inclusive sizing and a fully adjustable fit at a beginner-friendly price. A huge U-shaped front opening makes it one of the easiest packs to load and unload on the market.

60 L$189Adjustable Fit

Weight

3.44 lbs

Capacity

60 L

Frame

Internal Frame

Best for: First-time backpackers who want the cheapest pack that fits properly
The North Face Terra 65
~$189
Traditional Pack
4.5(74)

The Terra 65 is The North Face's mainstay budget backpacking pack, a simple adjustable hauler that shows up everywhere from REI floors to college outdoor programs. The women's version is sold as the Terra 55/65 women's fit.

65 L$189Adjustable Torso

Weight

4.58 lbs

Capacity

65 L

Frame

Internal Frame

Also in 55 L

Best for: Casual backpackers who want a trusted brand at an entry price
Osprey Kyte LT 45
~$200
Traditional Pack

The women's-fit Kestrel LT, described by Osprey as purposefully built for the female frame with narrower shoulders and contoured straps rather than a scaled-down men's pack. Same AirScape backpanel, five-inch sliding harness and included raincover, on the same 28 to 65 L ladder and at the same prices.

45 LWomen's FitRaincover IncludedVentilated back

Weight

4.02 lbs

Capacity

45 L

Frame

Internal Frame

Also in 28 L / 35 L / 65 L

Best for: Women on overnights and short multi-day trips carrying 20-40 lb