An All-Conditions Backpack

Lots of backpacks come with rain covers, which is fine if you don’t mind the added weight or bulk. Or that everything inside still gets wet if you accidentally drop it in a river or marsh puddle. Or that you actually have to dig it out and scurry to get it on when a sudden squall hits.

Mountain Hardwear’s Scrambler 30 Outdry kicks all those concerns to the curb: This day-cum-summit pack is constructed from a waterproof fabric — rather obviously called OutDry, which is owned by parent company Columbia, whose economies of scale enable it to do things like make weatherproof packs for affordable prices. If you’re picturing a flimsy, rain-jacket-style nylon, don’t — this stuff is tough, 400-denier grade, which successfully resisted abrasion and tears despite my recent best efforts in the slot canyons of southwestern Nevada.

At 30 liters, with ice axe loops and rope straps, the Scrambler is clearly oriented toward climbing and, of course, scrambling, and for an alpine summit attempt, where you’re carrying relatively light, bulky load of layers, water, and some gear, it’s ideal.

$130 • BUY

Read more from Steve Casimiro at his blog, Adventure Journal.