The Mountain Hardwear South Col 70 Backpack .Light, flexible and roomy, this pack is the perfect one-pack solution for expedition climbing.
DECENT FEATURES of the Mountain HardWear South Col 70 Backpack
Flexible design concept allows suspension and bag components to be removed to significantly reduce weight when not needed
Versatile Alpine suspension provides outstanding stability, comfort and support
Highly functional Alpine Compression Strap System with glove-friendly buckles secures overloads, effectively shrinks pack to minimal volume, and tucks away inside front panel pocket when not needed
Skirt extension adds 500 cubic inches / 8 liter of carrying capacity when needed
FlapTop design allows pack to be used without the top lid with no compromise in compression or weather-protection
Durable front panel offers lash points for all kinds of mountaineering gear
Removable top pocket has webbing loops on top and rope strap underneath
Ski-friendly feature set including ski loops and shovel space in front pocket
Can be upgraded to optional BMG low-profile FitLock hipbelt for extra support with very heavy loads
What can I say? Mountain Hardware has a rep for making great (if pricey) products, and this lives up to that reputation and then some. I love this pack: feels great, and it's super flexible in terms of how you can basically tear it down from a solid 70L pack down to a very light summit-type pack. That's an incredible range of versatility, and with the solid construction I expect this to last a lifetime. If I ever get to the Himalayas, I'll be sure to be buying one of Mountain Hardware's 105L packs!
I used this pack on a recent trek and climb in Nepal and loved it. Besides being light, tough and roomy, I love how versatile it is. Many packs have a removable top lid, but this one has a very handy flap that covers the bag when the lid is off and the flap has two sleeves for holding a water bladder, small stuff, maps, etc making them very easily accessible. I am very please with this pack.
Love this pack because of the adjustability - compression straps are great, as you can scrunch it in two planes instead of simply one. I added older side pockets to improve the volume, but this beast is lightweight enough to be kind, rugged enough for Alaska. The Axe /Tool holders must have been designed by a tool, or I am a tool because I can't figure them out.
When I started the quest toward lighter weight backpacking and climbing, I assumed I would have to suck it up and use my Dana 7# Terraplane. While this was a great pack in its day, it is the pack of a martyr - and my days of suffrage ended years ago. Then, behold - the South Col 70 - lightweight, rugged, carries well, and fits all of my winter gear. I honestly I could use this on any lower-48 trip, and possibly Alaska for Big Mac if I was more organized. Only gripe - how do those damn tool straps work! I'm a bid old school, so to me, elastic cord seems like bullshit...maybe once I figure it out I'll change my tune.