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Traditional Pack
$160

Mountainsmith

Mountainsmith Scream 55

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.

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

Specifications

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

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

Cons

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

Compare the Mountainsmith Scream 55

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51 L1.81 lbs210D recycled Extreema ripstop

Weight

1.81 lbs

Capacity

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Frame

Internal Frame

Best for: Hikers wanting the option to run framed or frameless from one pack
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Kelty Coyote 65
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Weight

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Capacity

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Frame

Internal Frame

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$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
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