Take Mountainsmith's signature lumbar pack with you on the trail. The Epic Lumbar Pack stays stable as you hike or run, plus it has a one-liter reservoir with a hose so you stay hydrated. Mountainsmith gave the Epic its Air Flow back suspension, which means the only thing against your back is porous mesh. Plus, there is space for air to flow between this mesh and your pack—you won't get all sweaty underneath the Epic. Compression straps lets you cinch down this lumbar pack so it won't bounce as you hike, and its baffled reservoir doesn't allow your water to slosh around. A mesh flap pocket holds your energy bar, and a mesh sleeve holds your energy gel. A padded sleeve protects your MP3 player, so you can jam out on the trail.
Bottom Line: Carry food, drink, music, and a jacket with you in the Mountainsmith Epic Lumbar Pack on your next run, hike, or bike ride.
The suspension system keeps your back cool. But the hydration pack is rather difficult to take out for refill. Due to the suspension, the volume of the pack is being trade off.
I almost sent it back at first because the reservoir is difficult to remove and re-install for cleaning, it is secured with 5 bottons that are hard to access and the bag will hold little else with the reservoir filled.
I took the reservoir out and use a 1 liter bottle in a bottle pouch attached to the side. This leaves room in the bag for rain gear or a light windbreaker. The padded sleeves inside the pouch are great for a cell phone, GPS, compass or MP3 player if you don't want solitude. The outside flaps work well for energy bars. It has a great suspension system that keeps your back cool and is solid and comfortable on the hips. The bag is made really well and I am glad that I was able to adapt it for the 1/2 day mountain hikes that I enjoy. If you are a runner and use it for the inner hydration bag, energy bars and MP3 player it is very stable.
I am a hiker and a little bit of jogging. For me it was too bulky and bounced all over the place. It was also very difficult to get the water pack in and out.
