Mountain Project Logo

MHW SummitRocket 30 vs. Scrambler ULT

Original Post
Jeremy Bauman · · Lakewood, CO · Joined Feb 2009 · Points: 1,067

Anyone have any thoughts about these two packs?
I'm in the market for a small alpine climbing pack and these two have caught my eye. I already have an REI flash 18 and a BD Speed 30 and am looking for something in between.
The Scrambler and the SummitRocket seem to be just about the lightest packs out there for their size and I have a $100 gift card at a local store that carries MHW so I'd like to use that.

Anyway, I'm having trouble deciding between the two because, on the one hand, the scrambler will likely carry a rope under the brain better, but the SummitRocket will be more durable because it is partially Dyneema.

Has anyone had any luck carrying a rope on the outside of the Summitrocket?
Are there any other packs in the 1 LB range that you have had good experiences with?

Thanks.
Jeremy

Jeff Maurin · · Pittsburgh, PA · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 40

Hi Jeremy,

Did you end up getting the Summitrocket? I just picked one up used... not very comfortable - left a bruise in the small of my back after a 14 mile approach. Not that great to climb in - seemed to sit high and in the way when looking up with a helmet on. I'm curious about your experience; maybe I need to carry or load it differently. (But it is light)

Thanks for any info! -Jeff

Jeremy Bauman · · Lakewood, CO · Joined Feb 2009 · Points: 1,067
Jeff Maurin wrote:Hi Jeremy, Did you end up getting the Summitrocket? I just picked one up used... not very comfortable - left a bruise in the small of my back after a 14 mile approach. Not that great to climb in - seemed to sit high and in the way when looking up with a helmet on. I'm curious about your experience; maybe I need to carry or load it differently. (But it is light) Thanks for any info! -Jeff
I did end up getting the Summitrocket and quickly jettisoned it on eBay for a slight loss. I found it a terribly designed pack for my purposes. It does not cary heavy loads comfortably and when compressed, it is floppy and doesn't carry well. A friend bought the new scrambler and I find it to be a much better design, however, I still prefer the older scrambler for its use of materials and horizontal compression straps.

Instead I bought the MEC Genie 30 which I find to be vastly superior to the Summitrocket or the Scrambler.

To solve the comfort of issue of the Summitrocket, put on my harness for the approach sans leg loops so that the small hip belt of the Summitrocket will rest on top. This will allow the pack to sit slightly lower and be much more comfortable. Concerning the helmet problem, I can't think of any way to fix that with this particular pack. Just a poor design IMO.

FWIW, if I was to go at it again, I'd probably look at the BD Speed 22 as well as Cilo and CCW offerings.

Jeremy
Jeff Maurin · · Pittsburgh, PA · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 40

Thanks a lot for the replies, guys.

coldfinger · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 55

Go for the summit rocket 40 if you want a pack big enough for ice/alpine gear. LOVE the removable pad as it has eliminated any worries of popping a hole in my thermarest. Good to have for bivies, splinting etc.

The scrambler is a VERY versatile pack, especially for day/lite hikes and cragging.

Add some bungy cord to the back of either with a toggle.

Have and love both.

Jeremy Bauman · · Lakewood, CO · Joined Feb 2009 · Points: 1,067
Ben Beckerich wrote:The Scrambler has no provisions for ice tools, so I immediately returned it and exchanged for the Summitrocket 30 once I made that realization. I used it for a bunch if climbs, and did have some complaints- the buckles all come loose constantly, so you have to readjust your shoulder and hip straps all the damn time, and it's definitely hella flimsy. I think aside from that, I overall liked it... destroyed it on a fall, am now back to my BD Octane for 30L pack needs.
The buckles are indeed very flimsy! Another good reason to shy away if you plan on using this pack for any extended period of time. You can fit ice tools on the Scrambler using the simple and common ice axe loops by putting the loops through the heads of the tool and clipping them with a biner.

How to use ice axe loops w/ ice tools. Downloaded from coldthistle.blogspot.com/20… Cold Thistle
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Climbing Gear Discussion
Post a Reply to "MHW SummitRocket 30 vs. Scrambler ULT"

Log In to Reply

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.