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Mountain Hardwear's Maestro Backpack
| Step Into the Light |
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The ultralight philosophy may crystallize the less-is-more approach to backcountry camping, but some (like me) greet the go-light gospel with a degree of skepticism. Not necessarily because we don't understand it, but more because, stubbornness notwithstanding, sometimes we just want more (especially if undertaking trips into snow-covered terrain for some off-piste powder turns and other activities that require loads that easily breach the 20-pound mark). Lucky for us, the evolution of backpacking gear isn't isolated to the ultralight set. Witness the Maestro, part of Mountain Hardwear's new Exodus Backcountry series. At first glance, this wunderkind backpack looks like a cross between an old-school external frame model and a space-age jetpack. And the former impression isn't too far off—the pack's rigidity comes from two heat-treated scandium tubes that deliver max strength and minimal weight. The tubes synch up with a custom-fit hip belt that pivots to keep the bag flush against your back when your torso shifts, providing a staggering amount of flex, maneuverability, and support. This contoured frame is crowned by a u-bar construct that loops around the top and connects with the shoulder and chest straps to evenly distribute the weight and allow for quick, on-the-fly adjustment to the pack's torso length. The frame then slips into the top-loading backpack, which has all the expected accruements, including waterproof zips, compression straps galore, 4,000 cubic inches of storage, a hydration sleeve, and a detachable day pack.
It does take some time to achieve that custom fit—and you'll need an extra set of hands to get the shoulder/chest and hip straps aligned. But once you've got it set, the Maestro fits like a dream. And what's better, the hip and shoulder straps always retain their shape, settling in as you use the pack to assure a custom fit every time. The pack contours comfortably to your lower back and shoulders, leaving a gap of breathable space at the arch. The u-bar set-up is a breeze to adjust, and two shoulder-strap synch positions allow for either straightforward movement with minimal torso swing, or for more maneuverability when it's required. Simply put, the Maestro moves with you—more so than any other pack I've worn. And while not even Houdini could make a 40-pound load disappear, this five-pound, 12-ounce pack evenly distributes the weight, making it one of the most comfortable high-performance backcountry packs around. That'll surely help keep you in backcountry dreamland for days on end.
$369, www.mountainhardwear.com
Details mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication
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