By Mary Webb
The Mountainsmith 2012 Tour lumbar pack is a viable alternative to the traditional over-the-shoulder backpack. The Tour pack features fresh design elements for the new year, an internal padded sleeve, a raised dual density lumbar control point pad, an air mesh back panel with durable water repellent (DWR), increased ergonomics and nylon reinforcements.
In addition to design enhancements, Mountainsmith incorporates tried and true features from previous designs, 100% recycled PET fabric, two deep-zippered pockets, two drink holders, mid-waist straps and removable shoulder strap.
Quality characteristics, old and new, unite together to make your hiking experience a fortified adventure. The Tour facilitates traveling as well, we experienced improved efficiency and organization on our flight to San Diego, California.
On our day hike to Lake Shasta Dam, I had plenty of room in the Tour’s deep-zippered pockets to store personal belongings, necessary for this adventurous writer to function in the great outdoors. There are two zippered-pockets in this lumbar series Tour pack, the main compartment and the front panel.
The main compartment was just right to help me store a lightweight jacket, electronic music device, GPS cache unit, trail mix, flashlight and a tube of sunscreen. An internal padded sleeve is sewn in the main pocket which allowed me to place edibles on one side and technological devices on the other. I like how the padded sleeve is made of stretch fabric, as it forgives items that may be larger on either side.
A suspended zip up pocket is sewn into the main compartment. As the main compartment is quite deep, it was nice to have this suspended pocket to place nutrition bars and change; this permitted time to snack at our rest point instead of spending precious moments digging for power bars at the bottom of the bag.
There is sufficient room for water and juice inside the main compartment of the Tour, but you will frequently take advantage of the two water bottle pockets located on either side of the exterior, holding up to 32 ounces of thirst quenching beverages. The water bottle pockets have sewn-in elastic bands that expand and contract to oblige various sized drinks.
The front panel pocket is also deep, yet doesn’t have the volume width we find in the main compartment. I kept my keys in this front compartment, as there is a key ring sewn inside. It was nice to return home “fumble free” in search of the house key. I was eager to kick off my hiking boots, jump into the living room and relax with a book.
Both the main compartment and front panel pockets consist of yellow fabric lining, contrasting nicely to the color ways of our Tour. In addition to serving as an aesthetic liner, the yellow color promotes visibility to motorists and passersby. Additional reflective hints are found in the front panel elastic band. This elastic band can be cinched up tight to keep items in the front panel from tossing about along winding treks.
Using the Tour helped make our traveling trouble-free. The back foam panel has an open-face pocket that held our San Diego airline tickets, rental car confirmation and luggage claim tickets. The documents were held securely in place and accessible amidst the hustle and bustle of travelers.
DWR is evident throughout the back foam panel. This technology was a welcomed addition on a warm California day, as quite a bit of perspiration accumulated down and along my spine. Sweat was wicked away along my lower back, keeping me nice and dry.
Many athletes know that the strength of most exercise comes from the core of your abdomen. Mountainsmith created a dual density lumbar control point pad in the Tour to secure the pack load to the lumbar region, locking it into the small of the back. The weight of the pack is ergonomically correct and will appropriately disburse weight towards the control point pad. I felt stable on uneven terrain.
I correctly used the mid-waist straps of the Tour by pulling the adjustable straps to their proper position. It was a reprieve to walk the full distance to the dam without my neck and shoulders bearing the weight of a traditional back pack.
The two mid-waist straps of the Lumbar pack not only have two mesh pockets sewn into the straps, where we kept some extra cash for coffee, but also have a tuck-away waist belt clip that locks firmly in place. When you are traveling long distances, you may require secondary support out on the trail. The lumbar Tour pack has a removable shoulder strap with a sliding pad that helps carry the weight of heavier jackets and water bottles. For those who need even greater support for the load, a strapette compatible system is also available for an additional $25.00.
Of all the enhanced features of the Tour, the high tenacity nylon reinforcements are ideal for extending the longevity of the pack. While hiking in the Tour, the mid-waist straps rubbed against my body; these areas along the straps that receive this kind of wear and tear are now protected like never before.
While we selected the heritage red color, for a MSRP of $70,00, you may choose from black, charcoal, cobalt, heritage teal, lotus blue, or pinon green. With so many colors to pick, travelers may decide to purchase two bags, one for hiking and one for travel. Fill both packs with necessary accessories, zip them up and away and ready to grab and go.
If you are traveling under the stars on the evening trail, or over the clouds by plane, the lumbar series Tour pack has your back. Mountainsmith, producing products with 100% recycled material to protect the Earth, one pack at a time.
Details and Specifications:
Details
450d PET body fabric (100% Recycled)
Patented Delta Compression System
YKK® Zippers
210d RipStop Liner
Specifications:
Dimensions: 10” x 11.5” x 5”, 25 x 29.25 x 12.75 cm
Weight: 1 lb 5oz, .59 kg
Volume: 488 cu. in., 8 liters