Mountainsmith Wizard

Review Date
November 1, 2008

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: splash07s ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $120.00 at REI

Summary:
I bought this pack to replace my old REI external frame. I view it as more than a 1-2 day pack. I lived out of this pack for over a month while hitching across New Zealand. Now I live in Santiago Chile and it is my go to pack for trips to the patagonia. My pack is about 3 years old and the shoulder straps are ripping out of the back pads. However, I have put this pack through more than its normal share of abuse and use. I plan on sending it in for repairs when I move back to the states, not sure if the warranty will cover it but I will pay if not because I love this pack. It is a bit on the heavy side by today's standards and I plan on getting a new gregory soon.

Customer Service:
Will let you know after i send it in for repairs

Review Date
June 29, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: metoliusdmm(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Orem, Utah United States

Price Paid:  $129.00 at mountainworks

Summary:
This pack i really cool. it is the perfect pack for 1-2 night trips, although if you have a light down bag, which i do, an di pulled off 4 nights in this pack, which surprised me because its only 3100 Cubic Inches. kinda small. but there is one down side, not a lot of compression to it, so you got to pack smart, and not bulky with stuff poking out, but the major thing on this pack that isnt on most other packs is the Cresent zip that allows you to get into the middle of the pack, great designed pack, if they still produce this pack, go get one.

Similar Products Used:
marmot-shooting star, mountainsmith-realm

Review Date
June 3, 2002

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: metoliusdmm(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Orem, Utah United States

Price Paid:  $110.00 at mountainworks

Summary:
this is a very nice pack, just wish it was a little bigger, its only 3100 cubic inches, but a sweet bomber pack.

Review Date
October 26, 1999

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Andy(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Maryland

Summary:
Awesome pack. Very stable, fitting and adjustable. Used for lots of 1-2 night trips during all seasons and has been outstanding. Super comfortable. Also used it for ice climbing and mtneerng in NH and OR and it came in handy with the bungee and ice axe loops. Only downside is it seems a little floppy after alot of hard use. But nothing has ripped, broken or fallen apart. I would buy another for sure.

Similar Products Used:
Dana Bombpack- not as comtfortable and as stable.

Review Date
April 19, 1999

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: John Su(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Boston, MA

Summary:
the wizards is ideal for 1-2 nights in the summer...light loads. i like features like a place for a hydration bag, the huge lid can hold tons, and the extra pouch in front can be used to cinch wet clothes, etc. keep it light, though because the hip belt is thin.

Customer Service:
called mntsmith to ask about any changes in the pack recently (since i bought mine for $120 mail order and it was advertised as ""last year's model""). they were very helpful and admitted i was getting a good deal. they're based in colorado and know backpacking!

Similar Products Used:
dana design bombpack, arcteryx khamsin 50