I am considering a Mountainsmith DAY or TOUR lumbar pack. Has anyone used either of these and give me a +/-?

I normally use camelbaks or backpacks for day hikes but have been enjoying my running belts modified for more gear carry.

Been looking at reconstituting my LBE with buttpack or a Wildfire firefighter rig, but would need to add 32 oz lexan bottle holders. I intend to use the Mountainsmith Strapette harness that complements their packs.

Thanks for your feedback.

I use one-I forgot what model it is. I suggest finding the suspenders for it-rides MUCH better that way.
The model I have is quite capable of holding a surprisingly large amount of equipment-I can get a good sized survival kit in there, and even a soda can stove with a little thing of fuel. A jacket strapped on the outside, it makes a great emergency/overnight pack.

I have an old Mountainsmith lumbar pack I got in the late 80's. It's very comfortable to carry, has straps to tie on jacket, pad, etc. and expands a little. I like to use it on short hunting trips, and used to take it on occasional minimalist overnights.
Mountainsmith, REI, Cabela's and several others make quality lumbar packs that should do what you want. shop around and find one that feels good on you and go with it.
And yes, the suspenders are vital to carrying any load in them.

I have both models. The Tour is very good size for a day hike and I've used it quite a lot.

But the Day model is almost too big - it just doesn't ride right. I have never used it with the strappettes, which convert it into a quasi-day pack and I'm sure it would work better that way. however - I have several day packs which I'd prefer.

Really the Day model is too much of an in-betweener. If you want mine I'll give it to you at a good price!

Strongly recommend the Tour.

I prefer a backpack with a sturdy hipbelt.

I tried on a mountainsmith Tour pack and didn't like the water bottle set ups. Its just drawstring cords which are not very secure.

I am reconstituting my LBE with two nalgene water bottle holders instead of canteens, ammo cases to old odd/ends and my buttpack for storage. Unless I find something different, I will start to manufacture my own suspenders and belt to old all this gear, just to get the GI style off it. It would certainly be lighter.

My dad has an older USFS wildfire belt & suspender kit that he is looking for. Always liked those too and will try that out.

I haven't had a problem with my mountainsmith Tour, as far as the water bottles. Haven't had any fall out, or even start coming out, either in 20 or 32 ounce size. And I've used it a lot.

Ugh...don't. Can't put it any more succinctly than that...just don't. Massive slippage and poor weight distribution.

Recommended: the Pack Shack's webgear (bottom only):

http://thepackshack.com/shop/agora.cgi?product=Packs

Nobody is going to know what's going to fit you except you, so see if you can arrange a meet-and-greet-and-fit with one of the Tonto's 'shot crews (PV, Payson, and Globe)...they might think you're nuts, but they'll probably let you hike around with one for a bit. Shot crews are down right now, so ask for the Hotshot Superintendent or the AFMO (Assistant Fire Management Officer). The Mesa RD engine crews also used them if that's closer to home (Lower Salt River Rec).

This is all ten-years-plus info, by the way. But somebody should know what you're talking about and be willing to help out.

@Yelp: based on PM's I have always liked the way you think. Great advice.

@Tom: good to know about slippage. I am paranoid about losing gear and if its not secured I'd just as well dummy-cord it. After trying the Tour on, I was underwelmed at the placement of the water holders and my ability to reach it easily and put it back easily.

This is why I may go with an LBE now and then stitch up my own suspension system in the end. I'd just use the milispec gear along the belt. I do have some 'rigger' skills and my father is much better than I. If I wanted to Big Shot it, I have a custom build company I have worked with in the past that is out of this world on gear.

Any chance we can keep this thread going? Any experience with Mountainsmith lumbar packs?

Comms, you're right - reaching the water bottles can be a bit awkward (never a deal-breaker for me)... but they won't fall out!