• Home
  • ABOUT
  • HOW TO START
  • ALPS
    • Austrian Alps
    • German Alps
    • Italian Alps
    • Slovenian Alps
    • Swiss Alps
    • Huts and Shelters
    • Roads and Passes
  • TENERIFE TOURS
  • ABOUT EQUIPMENT
  • FAQs
  • WRITE FOR US

Mountains For Everybody

Site about mountaineering, climbing and equipment, for those who love mountains

  • Outdoor Sleeping
    • Tents
      • Solo tents
      • Tents for 2 People
      • Tents for 3 People
      • Tents for 4 People
      • Tents in general
    • Tarps and Shelters
    • Sleeping Bags
    • Sleeping Pads
  • Backpacks
    • Day Packs
    • Mid-Size Packs
    • Large Packs
    • Kids & Youth
    • Packs FAQs
  • Clothing
    • Men’s
    • Women’s
  • Footwear
    • Men’s
    • Women’s
    • Insulated
  • Gear
    • Camp stuff
    • Lamps
    • Poles
    • Filters
  • Newsletter subscribe

Mountainsmith Mayhem 30 Pack Review (Unique Spectra Fiber)

Last Modified: 12/04/2023

This Mountainsmith Mayhem 30 Pack review is about the new series with an ultra-durable unique Spectra Fiber technology and a metal frame.

Mountainsmith Mayhem 30 Pack.
Mountainsmith Mayhem 30 Pack.

Key features

  • Very durable materials.
  • Metal frame.
  • Panel loading pack.
  • Unique fabric – Spectra Fiber.

So what this is about

What you have here is a pack from the new Mayhem series. If you are familiar with these packs, already from the title you see an important difference – these packs now come in different sizes. Previously, they had Mayhem 35 and Mayhem 45 packs, but now they build them as Mayhem 30 and Mayhem 40 liters.

Note that the declared volume of this Mayhem 30 is in fact 1770 in³ (29 l). But there are more changes, so keep reading. The pack is hydration ready and this means you have a hydration sleeve in the main compartment, and two ports for the pipe.

This is a panel loading pack and this implies an exceptionally long inverted-U shaped zipper that goes almost all the way from the top to the bottom. This is why you do not have a bottom compartment, the zipper opens the pack completely.

The unique fabric

This is the first pack in the U.S. with 210D Spectra Fiber Technology, an ultralight and ultra-strong fiber used by the US military. This is an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene known for its strength and abrasion resistance.

This is a lightweight but incredibly durable material here, the top in this industry. You can read more about this technology on Wikipedia.


A bit more about features

Suspension

The suspension is based on a 2 mm diameter spring steel peripheral frame, and a high-density foam frame sheet and Hex ridged EVA back panel padding with ventilation channels in several directions, see the picture below.

Shoulder straps are with a dual-density EVA/PU padding, with load lifter adjustment, and an adjustable sternum strap. Note that the shoulder harness is fixed but it is suitable for the torso length 15 – 18 inches (38 – 46 cm). The forward pull waist belt is with side adjustment webbing; this is used to stabilize the pack and to keep it closer to the body.

The suspension system.
The suspension system.

Pockets

  • One large pocket with buckle is on the front.
  • One zippered pocket is on the top.
  • One zippered pocket is on the underside of the top panel.
  • Two stretch mesh pockets are on the sides, for water bottles or anything similar, see the picture below.
  • Two pockets are on the hip belt.

Attachment elements and straps

  • There is one central daisy chain on the front, and here you also have a carry handle.
  • Yet another carry loop is on the top, the yellow color visible in the picture below.
  • Dual compression straps are on the sides; the lover is inside/out type to run through the pocket and over it.
  • Dual set of loops and bungees is on the front/bottom for poles.
  • There are also sleeves on the bottom to use with one of the bungees to store an ice axe.

Note that all Mountainsmith products come with the Forged for Life Guarantee which is a unique official Mountainsmith lifetime warranty.


Specifications

  • Weight: 2 lb 9 oz (1.2 kg).
  • Volume: 1770 in³ (29 l).
  • Weight capacity: 40 lb (18 kg).
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 22 x 10.5 x 7 in (56 x 27 x 18 cm).
  • Torso size range: 15 – 18 in (38 – 46 cm).
  • Waist belt fit: 28 – 48 in (71 – 122 cm).

Mountainsmith Mayhem 30 Pack vs Competitors

I have decided to show you this pack side by side with Kelty Redwing Tactical 30 because they are a bit in the same style, both lack some features that may be important for hikers. I also include Deuter Futura 30 on purpose, to show how this Mayhem 30 compares with a fully-featured hiking pack.

The Futura is heavier than the other two packs but it has far more features yet it is less expensive than Mayhem 30. Please follow the links for more details:


Features

COMPARE PACKAGE FEATURES

Weight, lb (kg)

Volume, l

Adjustable harness

Access

External pockets

Rain cover

Metal frame

Bottom compartment

Price

MS
Mayhem 30

$99

Payable Every Month

2.65 (1.2)

29

no

panel

6

no

yes

no

$$

check
on amazon

Kelty Redwing
30 Tactical 

$399

Payable Every Year

2.75 (1.25)

30

no

panel

4

no

yes

no

$

READ
MY REVIEW

Deuter
Futura 30

$399

Payable Every Year

3.26 (1.48)

30

no

top, bottom

6 + 1

yes

yes

yes

$$

Read
my review


Final thoughts, rating, pros & cons

This new Mountainsmith Mayhem 30 Pack is big enough for any hiking day tour or overnight hut tours, and it is also suitable for travel. The price is a bit steep but this is a high-quality product. I do not think you will find many packs on the market that could match its durability. Fully recommended.

They have also a women-specific Mayhem 30 pack and you can see it in the pictures below.

This pack is on the market with the price tag that may look a bit steep for a pack of this size, but as I said above, here you have some unique fabric and also excellent warranty conditions. Please see how I rate this pack against the usual criteria used for all the packs here in the site:

Mountainsmith Mayhem 30 Hiking Pack

Mountainsmith Mayhem 30 Hiking Pack
8.4

Volume/Weight ratio

8.4/10

Features & Bonuses

8.5/10

Comfort

8.3/10

Pros

  • Top-quality fabric.
  • Strong suspension.
  • Great warranty conditions.
  • Reasonable price.

Cons

  • No bottom straps.
  • No torso adjustment.
  • No rain cover.
Buy on Amazon
Buy at Mountainsmith

You might want to compare this pack with yet another from the same size range, the Osprey Talon Pro 30 pack for men.

Note that this is not a sponsored text and I am not paid by the manufacturer. What do you think about this new Mountainsmith’s series? Please share your thoughts, there is a comment box below. Have a nice day. 

Spread the love

Mountains for Everybody site is reader-supported. This means that some of the links in the text are affiliate links, and when you buy products through our links we may earn some small commission to keep running the site. Filed Under: Day Packs Tagged With: Mountainsmith Mayhem 30, Mountainsmith Mayhem 30 backpack, Mountainsmith Mayhem 30 review

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


My photo on the summit of Jalovec.Hi everybody and welcome to my site which I nurture with love and passion. Here I describe my own climbs and give reviews of equipment. I hope you will enjoy it. More about the site and about me here.

Categories


Cookies Statement

In this site we do not have any cookie tool. But we do use services by third parties that either use cookies or may be doing so, yet we do not have any control of it. This is covered in their privacy policies. For more details please check in our Privacy Policy page.


  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure

My Most Memorable Tours

  • Magic Moments On Mount Teide Tenerife
  • Climbing Weissmies solo
  • Climbing Mount Fuji
  • Climbing Zugspitze solo
  • Lagginhorn my first 4000er

Recent Posts

Can an Overweight Person Go for a Trek featured picture.

Can an Overweight Person Go for a Trek?

The Physiological Impact of Thru-Hiking featured picture.

The Physiological Impact of Thru-Hiking: Body’s Response and Effects

Are Canvas Backpacks Good for Hiking featured picture.

Are Canvas Backpacks Good for Hiking?

Why Is There a Gap Between My Back and Backpack featured picture.

Why Is There a Gap Between My Back and Backpack?

Huts and Bivouacs in Dolomiti di Brenta Alps: Interactive Map featured picture.

24 Huts and Bivouacs in Dolomiti di Brenta Alps: Interactive Map

Affiliate Disclosure

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. So when you buy something from this website, I may receive an affiliate commission. These are my opinions and are not representative of the companies that create these products. My reviews are based on my personal experience and research. I never recommend poor quality products, or create false reviews to make sales. It is my intention to explain products so you can make an informed decisions on which ones suit your needs best.

Categories

  • About mountains in general (33)
  • Alps (138)
    • Austrian Alps (5)
    • German Alps (3)
    • Great mountain roads and passes (10)
    • Huts and Shelters (27)
    • Italian Alps (84)
    • Slovenian Alps (25)
    • Swiss Alps (21)
  • Backpacks (248)
    • About Packs in General (76)
    • Day Packs (63)
    • Large Packs (79)
    • Mid-Size Packs (52)
    • Packs for Kids & Youth (2)
  • Clothing (22)
    • Men's Clothing (11)
    • Women's Clothing (8)
  • Equipment (61)
    • Camp stuff (37)
    • General Stuff (3)
    • Headlamps (8)
    • Trekking poles (3)
    • Water filters & purifiers (9)
  • FAQs (125)
  • Footwear (22)
    • Insulated Footwear (4)
    • Men's Footwear (17)
    • Women's Footwear (6)
  • Guest Author posts (5)
  • Hiking tours (22)
  • Sleeping Bags (109)
  • Sleeping Pads (90)
  • Tenerife (24)
  • Tents and shelters (256)
    • About tents in general (22)
    • Solo tents (23)
    • Tarps and Shelters (12)
    • Tents for 2 People (69)
    • Tents for 3 People (57)
    • Tents for 4 People (91)
    • Winter tents (25)

Copyright © 2025 · Mountains for Everybody · All Rights Reserved