Mountainsmith Frostfire

Review Date
October 22, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Jon (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $180.00 at REI outlet

Summary:
I purchased the frostfire 4500 about a year ago to replace my 14 year old jansport. What a difference. The first trip I took it on was a 3 day 30 mile cross country trip here in Ventura Co, California. The pack was a little hard to adjust, but I blame me and not the pack, I just wasn't used to being able to adjust anything. After the trip I was tired, but I wasn't sore anywhere, the pack was very easy to wear and felt like a natural extension of my body. My only gripe is the excessive clutter of zipper tags, bungee cords, and unnecessary straps, who needs a carrying strap for a backpack? Nothing a good pair of scissors couldn't solve.

Review Date
October 17, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: imation(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Wilmington DE

Price Paid:  $169.00 at REI-Outlet

Summary:
Just purchased the Frostfire 5500 a few weeks ago. I had purchased the Frostfire 2 some 11 years ago and have been pleased enough with that product to go ahead and purchase another backpack from Mountainsmith.
Clearly there have been some nice improvements to the Frostfire line since my original purchase. The 5500 has a much larger frame and hip belt than my original Frostfire 2 and subsequently seems to be much more capable of carrying larger loads (50+pds) of equipment comfortably.
The hydro bladder pocket is a nice extra that allows you to carry up to 100oz of liquid in a well-positioned location.
Material and workmanship seems to have remained top notch since my original purchase.
The 5500 has a large outer pocket that really adds a lot of extra carrying capacity compared to the Frostfire 2.
Finally the J-zip on the 5500 provides greater accessibility than the top loading design of my original Frostfire.
All in all I am quite pleased with this new purchase. Hopefully I'll get over 10 years of use out of this pack like I did my original Frostfire.

Customer Service:
Once I had some stitching come loose on the top pocket of my original pack. Mountainsmith fixed the problem quickly and professionally.

Similar Products Used:
Have only used Mountainsmith internal frame packs

Review Date
July 23, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Alex(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Washington, DC

Summary:
I've owned my Frostfire II for about 7 years now. In that time it's been on my back for many a trail mile. I've taken it on countless weekend trips, more 4-5 day trips than I can remember, and a few climbing treks--and it still looks as good as new.

The pack did take a bit to adjust to my body (or maybe I adjusted to it). But, like a good pair of boots, once it did it was very comfortable. Unlike some others reviewers, I've never found the waistbelt to be too mushy, but maybe MS used firmer materials on their older models. One caveat is that this is a big pack, and as others have said, it is easy to stuff too much into it.

I also own a MS lumbar pack, which I use on just about all of my fair-weather day hikes. I love the fact that on really long or winter trips I can attach the lumbar pack to the Frostfire for some extra pocket space.

If you are in the market for a very well made pack and are looking to carry big and moderately heavy loads, go with a Frostfire.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
March 17, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: KB(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Denver

Price Paid:  $175.00 at Sierra Trading Post

Summary:
I have the 5800, the short torso version. I'm 6-2, but apparently I have a short torso because this pack fits me perfectly. I'd like another outside pocket (mine only has one, although I see on the website that they now have two), other than than I don't have any complaints. It carries a load better than any other pack I've used. Like all packs, fit it the key. If this one fits you, get it!

Aside from fit, the quality is there, too. I don't abuse the pack, but it definitely lives a hard life and hasn't given me any problems. From what I see, I expect this pack to be with me for several more years.

Customer Service:
I ripped the water bottle pocket partway off on a Monday night. I called them the next day and dropped my pack off on Wednesday afternoon (I live just down the road from their offices) and had it back Friday morning. Can't argue with that.

Similar Products Used:
EMS 3000,
EMS 5000,
EMS 4500

Review Date
February 24, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: John(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Anamosa, Iowa

Price Paid:  $160.00 at Fin and feather

Summary:
I purchased the frostfire 55 about 2 summers ago. At first I had a lot of trouble getting it adjusted. Then the carry or lifting handle pulled off.I went to my favorite hiking spot(lots of hills} and after much effort got it somewhat comfortable. arter 2 days of hiking the little fiberglass strut poked out buy the wastbelt. so i packed it up and sent it to mountainsmith, they not only fixed it they replaced the suspension system, aperently it was the wrong one for the pack. Dealing with there customer service was pleasant and they went well out of there way to help me at no charg. when i got it back i noticed the different suspension system and readjusted it and filled it up with 65lb. and went out to the hills. It was agodsend, I did not know a pack could be so comfortable with that much weight. It balanced real well and I really liked being able to adjust the load while it was on my back. I have a low alpine outback that I have had for 4 years and it is onlycomfortable with a light load. Since i have had the frostfire I have rolled down a forthclass climb, drug it up a couple of cliffs and pretty much abused it to know end. It has held up like a champ without so much as a stich popping out. I have sworn off all other packs and will only buy mountainsmith again. though i think it might be a while before ill need another one.

Customer Service:
Although they maid a couple mistakes, there service was outstanding. they went out of there way to help me andeven fixed something i did not know was broke, all at no cost to me.

Similar Products Used:
low alpine outback