Mountain Hardwear Fluid 18 Review
--Product Information--
Product Name: Fluid 18
Product Brand: Mountain Hardwear
Best Use: Day Pack
Sizes Available / Specs: 32L, 24L, 18L, 12L
--Test Information--
Location of Test: Dog Mt and Ape Cave
Duration: 1 day each location
--Ratings--
Value Rating: 9
Durability Rating: 9
Overall Rating: 9
Full Review: I've taken this pack on two separate trips to Dog Mt and the Ape Caves on St. Helens. The 18L has all the features that you would normally have to size up for. A pocket for delicate goods such as shades, another small pocket with a key clip, hydration compatible with four route options, 2 side/water bottle pockets, compression straps, a compressible outer pocket, and hiking pole loops, and fully adjustable straps to make carrying comfortable. Easy to lock down so it's nice and tight to your body even when loaded up.
When the lady and I went to the Ape Caves we had 2 shells, 2 mid layer jackets, a small med kit, 2 headlamps, 2 flashlights, 2 water bottles, and our lunch (no wimpy lunch either) with a bit of room to spare. In other words if you are carrying just for yourself this pack will carry everything you need for a day trip across varying weather conditions easily.
Pack is still fresh but durability seems solid. Brushed up against the rocks several times during our hike through the Ape Caves and the pack showed no wear.
The Good List: Fully featured comparable to larger packs.
The Not so Good List: None.
The Bottom Line: Great pack that comes in a variety of sizes and colors with slightly different features depending on size.
Product Name: Fluid 18
Product Brand: Mountain Hardwear
Best Use: Day Pack
Sizes Available / Specs: 32L, 24L, 18L, 12L
--Test Information--
Location of Test: Dog Mt and Ape Cave
Duration: 1 day each location
--Ratings--
Value Rating: 9
Durability Rating: 9
Overall Rating: 9
Full Review: I've taken this pack on two separate trips to Dog Mt and the Ape Caves on St. Helens. The 18L has all the features that you would normally have to size up for. A pocket for delicate goods such as shades, another small pocket with a key clip, hydration compatible with four route options, 2 side/water bottle pockets, compression straps, a compressible outer pocket, and hiking pole loops, and fully adjustable straps to make carrying comfortable. Easy to lock down so it's nice and tight to your body even when loaded up.
When the lady and I went to the Ape Caves we had 2 shells, 2 mid layer jackets, a small med kit, 2 headlamps, 2 flashlights, 2 water bottles, and our lunch (no wimpy lunch either) with a bit of room to spare. In other words if you are carrying just for yourself this pack will carry everything you need for a day trip across varying weather conditions easily.
Pack is still fresh but durability seems solid. Brushed up against the rocks several times during our hike through the Ape Caves and the pack showed no wear.
The Good List: Fully featured comparable to larger packs.
The Not so Good List: None.
The Bottom Line: Great pack that comes in a variety of sizes and colors with slightly different features depending on size.