Wraith
Re-engineered for 2004, the Wraith is lightweight, technically advanced, and close fitting. Lots of extra details make it an exceptional day pack and a staff favorite...
FEATURES
--- Internal pocket for hydration reservoir with shingled exit port
--- Panel load main compartment with fleece padded inner valuables pocket
--- Front zip bellowed vertical pocket
--- Ice axe loop and daisy chain
--- Quick store bungie
--- Padded waistbelt
--- Spinal chimney for enhanced ventilation
--- Side mesh pockets
--- Delrin hoop
ScottyS - Feb 2, 2004 11:42 pm - Voted 4/5
Untitled ReviewThe pack I have is the older blue 2002 version, so some things will differ from the current product.
This is another *almost perfect* pack. It weighs almost nothing, and offers incredible flexibility due to the pocket setup and other features. I bought it primarily for dayhiking during transitional seasons when some extra gear is required, or for summer alpine climbs when clothing is minimal, but some light climbing gear is needed.
Highlights
Mountainsmith included a nice hydration pocket and port (this pocket is larger than the one in the Ghost, and tends to hold bladders better). There is the main compartment, which is accessed via a nice large water-resistant zipper (as on all pockets) that allows partial side loading as well as top. Then there is the secondary compartment, which loads from the side and resides under the daisy-chain surface. A third pocket is right on the top of the pack and is lined with a fuzzy padding (fits sunglasses or a small camera just fine). The daisy-chain is a full-length handy item, and is well-constructed. I love the material they make these packs out of --- it's quite durable and keeps the elements out! Like the Ghost, the waist-belt is ample and comfy. If mine is really 1600ci, then it's a large 1600!
Drawbacks
1) One size. This is a pretty darn comfortable pack, even if it is a little too small for me. The problem for me is that I have a large torso, and the weight of the pack is not allowed to rest on the belt quite how it was designed to.
2) Padding too squishy. The padding for the back and on the shoulder straps is not as thick as the Ghost's. They should have stayed with the same winning design! I understand that less weight is carried on this pack, but even so it would make a world of difference.
3) No internal support There is no frame or structure to my model; however, this is something they may have fixed with the latest edition.
4) No hydration bladder hanger Like the Ghost, this pack needs a small loop or fixture to allow for hanging of a bladder in the pocket.
Performance
This seems to be filling the void between my little hydration pack and the Ghost. It likes to climb.
Bottom Line
A solid 4-star pack with potential. The price is a little steep for the model I have. Current sale prices on the old version are decent. Perhaps the newer model has the improvements needed to justify the premiums.