Marmot Ultra Kompressor Climbing Pack

Excellent small pack for hiking or summiting
January 09, 2011

I have used this pack for both day hiking and as a summit pack on backpacking trips - it works great for both uses. Its size is just right for a small first aid kit, water, food, and extra layers. The outside mesh pockets work well for quickly accessing needed items (water bottle, snack bars, map, etc.). With the foam back pad removed it compresses well using the three external compression straps built into the pack. This is a great feature when the pack is used to store clothes or a sleeping bag inside a larger backpack. The materials used make it much more durable than the other compressible packs I researched. I would definitely recommend this product.

Not too bad
March 12, 2012

I've recently purchased the backpack was was looking to use it as a daypack. I"ve only used it once in Vegas while going on an ATV tour, so I haven't had a chance to hike with it as a day pack. But the few usage I did get out of it, the shoulder straps had very little padding so carrying a heavy bad will hurt the shoulder. Pros: light weight, relatively roomy for a daypack, hydration bladder compatible Cons: the shoulder straps had very little padding so if you're thinking to put heavy gear your shoulders will hurt after a while.

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light, comfortable & just enough room
November 11, 2010

I was a little worried that this pack would be too small and too flimsy for the day hiking I usually do, but in fact it's 20 litre capacity is almost the perfect size for an emergency kit, rain gear, lunch, and water. The mesh cages work well for stashing your map and water bottle, and the lid compartment is big enough for a thin book, camera, compass, and a few other odds and ends. The pack's light weight belies its sturdy construction, and there are plenty of ways to adjust it to make it fit you just right. It rides comfortably in the middle of my back (I'm 6'). The shoulder straps are very comfortable, but the waist straps fall about 2" above my hips and so provide little support other than keeping the load close to my back. A removable foam pad separates the water bladder sleeve from the main compartment. But the pad offers little extra support, and I found it stiff and bulky, so now it sits in the bottom of my closet. I haven't found any way to tuck the whole pack into its own lid, a cool feature of the other Marmot Kompressor models. But for lightness, comfort, cost and capacity, the Ultra Kompressor is becoming my favourite piece of trail luggage.

Excellent light daypack
January 23, 2012

I bought this as a light daypack that I can pack into a larger pack if necessary, yet can stand alone when I need it. First off, I've purchased other packs in this category and been disappointed by poor designs and flimsy build quality. Honestly, even the Kompressor and Kompressor Plus didn't catch my eye. My girlfriend bought this for me as a Xmas present and I'm glad she did. The pack actually feels like a backpack, with comfortable shoulder straps, and a sternum strap and a waist strap for added stability. It has 3 mesh pockets, 2 for water bottles, and another one I've used for sunglasses, a camera, etc...And with 1300 ci of storage space between the top pocket and main compartment, you can fit everything you need for walking around town or a day hike. Once you remove the inner cushion, you can easily fit the pack into its zipper pocket. I think it's important to know exactly why you're buying this pack. Yes, it actually fit my laptop, but the pack doesn't offer much protection, and can hardly fit anything else, especially in the mesh pockets, if you decide to cram the main compartment. But if you need an ultralight bag that can pack into a larger pack, then I believe this is the best product in its category. I look forward to taking this pack on my next yearlong sojourn around the world!