Mountainsmith Tour Lumbar Pack : A Load off Your Back

My Belize guide book suggested a bag slung over the shoulder or around the waist would be more comfortable than a sweaty back in the heat and humidity. Correct!

I especially like the Tour’s versatility. This good-sized lumbar pack (with a volume of 660 cubic inches) comes with an adjustable, padded shoulder strap for slinging over your shoulder; handle straps that allow you to carry it like a purse; and it can be fitted with a shoulder harness system. It also features a thoughtfully placed lumbar cushion on the back of the pack for added comfort.

I assumed I'd just cinch mine around my waist during my adventures, but I found that I changed how I carried the Tour depending on where I went and what I was doing. For example, while climbing up and down several steep ancient Mayan pyramids, I definitely wanted my hands free for balance and grip. When traveling and wandering in more populous towns and cities, I carried the Tour like a shoulder bag for more security. (The Tour easily converts to a shoulder bag--all I had to do was tuck in the waistband behind the mesh lumbar cushion).

The Tour’s three pockets and two side mesh water bottle pockets provided plenty of room to stash everything I needed for a full day in the tropics. In the main pocket, I usually stuffed binoculars, a book or two, a digital camera, a bandana, snacks, and a light jacket and hat. My sunscreens, lip balm, and other personal items fit perfectly in the inner zip pocket inside the main pocket. My journal, maps, sunglasses, and other papers and guidebooks zipped into the outer pocket. With a fully loaded pack, the wide, padded belt and compression system kept the weight comfortably distributed.

At the tail end of my vacation, I stopped by the Gulf Coast for several days of kayaking and more urban adventures. The Tour served me well wandering around New Orleans. With its attractive color combination and relatively streamlined appearance, I felt just fine touring the elegant courtyards and cafes of the French Quarter with the Tour as my purse.

Bottom Line: The Tour is a well-designed and durable pack. It held up great over several weeks of jet travel (I had 12 flights on my trip), hopping on and off buses and boats, and hiking in the steamy jungle. Trust me, I have had various packs in the past start to tear or come apart pretty quickly under the rigors of travel, and the Tour was a most reliable companion.--J.I. (May '05)

Price: $69.95

Manufacturer's Site: www.mountainsmith.com

Buy Online: , Altrec.com