The Mountainsmith Phantom gives you everything you want in a weekend backpack, without the weight penalty of "overkill" features you don't need. At 3300 cu. in. and just over 3 lbs., the Phantom works well for backpackers with a lightweight philosophy.
Mountainsmith designed the Phantom specifically for backpackers who don't carry more than 35 lbs. The Phantom's suspension system does not have all of the adjustability and support found in Mountainsmith's Auspex and Spectre packs, but if you can keep your pack weight under 35 pounds, the extra suspension (and the extra weight penalty) becomes less important.
In addition to trimming out unnecessary suspension weight, Mountainsmith has also reduced weight by incorporating advanced materials like the VX-21 pack bag fabric and Brock foam in the waist belt. These materials might cost a little more, but the result is a lightweight pack that is both durable and comfortable.
The Phantom incorporates Mountainsmith's Ghost suspension system with these great features:
Lightweight foam waistbelt with 1/4" Brock foam wrapped in moisture wicking stretch fabric contours to the hips for form fitting comfort
Fiberglass Transfer Load System distributes weight evenly throughout the pack for comfortable carrying and shoulder lift
Breathable Brock foam shoulder straps are independently adjustable left and right for hikers that require an asymmetrical fit
Adjustable position sternum strap allows comfortable adjustment of the shoulder strap position
Spinal chimney ventilation with a woven stretch fabric keeps contact away from spine, and allows cooling air to circulate
Perforated HDPE framesheet provides additional support and keeps your gear from poking you in the back
The Phantom features waterproof YKK urethane-coated zippers, a quick store bungie, a pleated mesh front pocket, and a custom fit top hood with a pocket and inner zippered valuables pocket. The Phantom is a top loading design with a drawcorded expandable top sleeve.
The Phantom's side and bottom compression straps can be used to compress the pack for a tighter, more comfortable carry, and provide a handy means for attaching accessories or gear.
The Phantom has mesh pockets on each side for your water bottles or tent poles. There's also an internal hydration reservoir pocket with shingled exit ports on each side.
The Phantom pack bag is made of Dimension Polyant VX-21 fabric with nylon reinforcement at key wear points. This special VX-21 fabric has over 2.5 times the abrasion resistance and over 5 times the tear strength of 30d nylon.
Features
Custom fit top hood with pocket and inner zippered valuables pocket
Top-loading design
Interior hydration reservoir pocket with shingled exit port for effortless hydration
Side pockets for water bottles and tent poles
Side and bottom compression straps compress pack and allow for adding on accessories or gear
2 ice axe loops
Quick-store bungie
plark42 - Jan 24, 2006 1:12 am - Voted 5/5
Untitled ReviewI recommend!!