Gear Review Mountain Hardware Cima Alta daypack

Deadeye008

Deadeye008

Hambone
Joined
Jan 18, 2012
Messages
742
Mountain Hardwear Cima Alta

Just got this in the mail today so this is a preliminary gear review. I'm being lazy and not getting my dslr out for this one so sorry about the crappy pics in advance. I used my phone. I mainly got this pack as a daypack to bring along on backpacking trips. It weighs 14oz, and has a capacity of 1525 cubic inches or 25L. Mesh side pockets, an overload pocket on the back, and an anti-pickpocket pouch(for all those pickpockets you'll encounter in the backcountry) between the shoulder straps that has a key ring clip in it. It also is h2o system compatible.The coolest part about this pack in my opinion though is that when the back pad is removed it folds up into it's own pouch. Another plus is that I got this on a deal from STP for $20. Looking forward to using this pack on some backpacking trips this year. Some pics...

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Deadeye008 said:
...for all those pickpockets you'll encounter in the backcountry...
Click to expand...
Those sneaky bastards! LOL! This is my favorite part of your review!:twothumbs:

Great review... That pack looks very nice! Nice mesh pocket on the side for the water bottle!
 
Very nice. Love the idea of a UL day pack. Great price too.
 
Dang, just realized my new day pack is 1 lb 14 oz HEAVIER than your Mountain Hardware!
 
HomerJ said:
Those sneaky bastards! LOL! This is my favorite part of your review!:twothumbs:

Great review... That pack looks very nice! Nice mesh pocket on the side for the water bottle!
Click to expand...

Haha. Yea, in the official product description it actually mentions that the pouch is well protected from pickpockets. I guess they were considering all of those urban hikers out there...

It has dual mesh pockets by the way. I'm pretty impressed by how many features it has for a UL, inexpensive pack.
 
I've had the chance to take this pack on 3 dayhikes now and I really like it. The foam back panel isn't as sturdy as the other day packs that I have but as long as you don't have a lot of weight in the pack it's fine. I used it on 2 day hikes this past week on Cedar Mesa in conjunction with a Nalgene h2o bladder and it worked nicely. I would say this pack is great for ultralight day hikes but not for hikes where you are planning on carrying a lot of heavy gear. The back panel also does not breathe very well since it is flat against your back. I noticed this on one of the hikes I did this past weekend when climbing a couple hundred feet out of a canyon and I had worked up a pretty good sweat.
 
Just wanted to post a follow up to this review. I have used this pack on a number of backpacking trips now and I love it. Usually when I backpack I will go to an area and set up a base camp and then fish/explore the surrounding area. This pack is perfect for that. It is compact and light when I fold it up into it's own pocket for when I pack in and out. I usually throw all my fishing, photography, snacks, and H2O in it. One other really cool thing is that my ultra light fishing net fits perfectly in the outside pocket and there is a bungee strap that holds it in place. The foam pad in it makes for a nice seat on hard areas as well.


IMG_5967__.jpg by Deadeye008, on Flickr
 
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