This Mountainsmith Scream 25 Pack review is about the new version of the popular daypack. This is an ultra-lightweight 1 lb 5 oz (0.58 kg) pack that stows into its own lid pocket.
Key features & benefits
- Ultra-lightweight.
- It stows into its own lid pocket.
- Very reasonable price.
What this is about
Those familiar with the Mountainsmith Scream series know that this 25-liter pack has been around for at least 6 years already, this is how long I know about it. But now in 2018, they have launched new versions of the Scream series which includes this 25-liter, the 20-liter, and the 55-liter packs. You can see the new 55-liter pack in my separate review.
Note that this 25-liters pack is very different from its larger cousin; here you have a top-loading design. So you have a lid with a pocket with a key clip. This pocket can reverse and the pack can be stored in this lid pocket and you can transport it in your luggage and use when needed, see the picture below.
Under the lid, you have an expandable spindrift collar with a drawcord. There is a single buckle that secures the lid with the strap on the front.
The Scream 25 is hydration compatible, you have a sleeve in the main compartment where you can store a 3-liter reservoir (not included). The port is in the middle on the back.
Note that this new version has no functional differences as compared with the previous version, so if you have it already no need to buy a new one. As far as I can see the main difference is in the fabric color.
Who is it for
This is a daypack so you can use it as a summit pack or for any other outdoor activity. It is small enough and so nicely packable as you have seen above, so you can put it into your larger hiking backpack and use for short day tours and for city tours.
Construction & materials
You have quality materials here. So the fabric is 210D robic HT nylon with a 210D nylon embossed liner. The pockets are with quality YKK zippers.
The suspension
The back panel is very lightly padded, there is no frame of any kind here. So the structure is built completely flexible. The shoulder straps are without any padding, everything is just a very breathable and pleasant mesh as you realize from the picture below.
The hip belt is removable and narrow, just a strap without any padding. The sliding sternum strap is there and it is equipped with a safety whistle.
Pockets
I already mentioned its lid pocket, and you also have a very large front pocket with the side entrance through a long vertical zipper from the right side.
The pack is also equipped with stretch side pockets for water bottles or any similar item, they are big enough for most of the 32 oz (0.95 L) bottles, see the picture below. One small pocket is on the left shoulder strap (also visible below). So all in all, you have 5 pockets, not bad for such a minimalist and tiny pack.
Attachment elements and compression straps
The pack is with two very long vertical daisy chains that run along the front; those are the yellow webbing lines which you see in the pictures. Here you can attach a lot of stuff with the help of some extra cords.
One trekking pole loop is on the left front side, and it is paired with a bungee tie-off higher on the pack. Note that you have single compression straps on the side (see the picture below) so you can use them to stabilize the load in the pack, or to fix in place any object which you store in the side pockets.
Specifications
- Type: top-loading daypack.
- Weight: 1 lb 5 oz (0.58 kg).
- Volume: 1585 in³ (26 L).
- Carry weight: 25 lb (11.3 kg).
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 20.5 x 10.25 x 7.25 in (52 x 26 x 18.4 cm).
- Waist belt fit: 28 – 48 in (71 – 122 cm).
- Torso fit: 15 – 19 in (38 – 48 cm).
Mountainsmith Scream 25 vs Competitors
In the table below I give the Scream 25 side by side with two new models from top brands, both have appeared in 2018. You can see how much difference a few grams can make. The Osprey’s pack is with a frame and a rain cover included. Please follow the links to see more.
Weight, g
Volume, l
Adjustable harness
Access
Padded hip belt
Pole attachment loops
Rain cover
Frame
Side straps
Reservoir
MS
Scream 25
580
26
no
top
no
yes
no
no
1
no
Osprey
Hikelite 26
737
26
no
panel
no
yes
yes
yes
2
no
Gregory
Inertia 25
710
25
no
panel
yes
yes
no
no
2
yes
Final thoughts, rating, pros & cons
In the summary of this Mountainsmith Scream 25 Pack review I would stress that the workmanship of this pack is at the level of the brand and this means you have again a very reliable and strong item. But it lacks several features which I find necessary like padding on the shoulder straps, rain cover, padding or fins on the hip belt.
The pack is built to carry up to 11 kg of weight and it surely can, but the question is if your shoulders can with such shoulder straps. For much less load it might work fine, and it will surely last for years.
The price is fair for what you have here. Please see how I rate it:
Mountainsmith Scream 25
Pros
- Very lightweight.
- Very good price.
- Reliable and durable construction.
Cons
- No padding.
- No ventilation.
- No rain cover.
I gave some alternatives in the comparison table above, but if you need more please visit my page with packs below 35 liters, only the best items are there and described in detail. Check this Deuter Futura 28 SL if you need a padded hip belt and ventilated back section.
Thank you for reading and please use the comment box below in the case of questions or comments. Have a nice day.
Leave a Reply