New Lumbar Pack Rugged, Versatile

Product: MountainSmith Backcountry Courier

Description: High-quality lumbar pack available in two sizes and ready to take on a variety of applications: cycling, skiing, traveling, commuting, campus cruising. Features large main compartment with divider, zipped “Inner Sanctum” pocket for keys, change and the like, floating lid pocket with cinching straps covering a large mesh pocket. Available in two sizes: Backcountry Courier I (1,414 cubic inches) or Backcountry Courier II (1,780 cubic inches).

Pro: Lumbar packs are like bikes: performance is all in the ride. MountainSmith uses its OmniBelt to best advantage, creating packs that ride high and tight against the lumbar region … and stay there. The wide belt features cinching straps high and low to compress the load and pull it tight against your back, plus a TufGrip panel against your back to keep it from slipping.

Two mesh water bottle pockets with bungee cords at the necks mean liquids are accessible but secure. Clever design utilizes floating outside lid over large mesh pocket.

Outside the floating pocket the bag features good-sized double-zippered compartment (for entry from either side), shovel loop, crampon patch and map pocket. Large main compartment, which is behind the mesh pocket and top loading, is divided and suitable for backcountry necessities or books, laptop and files. Interior pockets for pens, business cards or ski scraper.

Con: The large mesh pocket is basically open at either end, which makes sense if all you intend to use it for is to carry a jacket, fleece pullover or the like. Since it cinches tightly, there’s little chance of losing anything bulky.

Small items, such a camera or radio, run the risk of falling out without warning - a situation that bellowing mesh material at either end would solve.

Comments: The folks at MountainSmith like to refer to this as the chameleon of lumbar packs, and with good reason. It performs admirably when cycling, whether you’re a commuter or single-track fanatic.

It’s perfect for ski touring and heavily-loaded day hiking, but is just as at home filled with legal briefs and laptop and slung across your shoulder as you board the plane for an out-of-town case.

Well-designed and nicely executed in quality materials. Not inexpensive by any means, but worth every penny.

Suggested retail: Backcountry Courier I, $110; Backcountry Courier II, $125.

Company: MountainSmith, 18301 West Colfax Ave., Golden, Colo. 80401; (800) 426-4075 or (800) 551-5889.