![\"Mountainsmith](\"images\/Mountainsmith_apex.jpg\")
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I am an amatuer backpacker with experience roaming around in the Wind Rivers, Zion National Park, Yosemite, and other great sites in the western United States. \u00a0My latest adventure has been working for a wilderness therapy program in southern Utah. \u00a0Its a great job, but puts a lot of wear and tear on the body, the mind, and especially gear. \u00a0<\/p>\n
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We admit as staff that whatever goes into the field is usually destroyed since we are camping with the students for 8 days straight every other week for months. \u00a0Daily basic itinerary: get up, eat, pack up camp, hike, find water, set up camp, eat, and go to bed. \u00a0For the safety of the students, our own well being, and to make sure we have everything the program needs, we are regularly carrying from 70 to 90 lbs of gear every day. \u00a0Sometimes it seems a bit excessive, but the Mountainsmith Apex 80 backpack has made it very doable. \u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"Mountainsmith](\"images\/Mountainsmith_Apex1.jpg\")
I am a smaller body at 5’7″ and have found that I can carry any load with comfort with all of the adjustment straps for the shoulders, back, and waist. \u00a0I can easily transfer the weight to my preference of my hips or my shoulders, depending on what I need for the day. \u00a0I have loved having a large compartment to store my -30 degree sleeping bag in, and still having plenty of room to put my fire gear, extra clothes, food, and water. \u00a0<\/p>\n
But one of the best designs of this pack is all of the accessable loops and straps on the outside of the pack. \u00a0We regularly find as staff that we need to add or transfer gear, student medications, more water, and\/or clothing that would be difficult to move in certain conditions. \u00a0With spacious side panels, loops for caribiners to attach to, mesh pockets, and drawstrings, I have plenty of places to keep these things accessable. \u00a0<\/p>\n
The pack has held up over many miles and has shown little sign of wear or breakdown. \u00a0I have had no problem with loose straps, torn fabric, defective zippers, or other ruined gear. \u00a0I have gone through hot, cold, snow and rain, and I am happy to still be carrying the Apex 80. \u00a0Happy trails!<\/p>\n
Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Parallel Y-Frame adjustable suspension<\/p>\n \u2022 Load distributing Lumbar Control Point\u2122 pad<\/p>\n \u2022 ICS Cup\u2122 waistbelt fitment (ICS – Iliac Crest Shelf)<\/p>\n \u2022 Anvil Airway\u2122 perspiration control system<\/p>\n \u2022 Dual density shoulder straps<\/p>\n \u2022 Delta Wing Compression\u2122 belt adjustment system<\/p>\n \u2022 Front panel pocket fits Ten Essentials with zippered access to main compartment<\/p>\n \u2022 SlingShot\u2122 detachable top lid converts into a lumbar pack or shoulder sling<\/p>\n \u2022 Side panel mesh pockets fit most water bottle styles<\/p>\n \u2022 Zippered side panel accessory pockets<\/p>\n \u2022 Separate sleeping bag compartment with internal divider<\/p>\n