I have a bad back. In fact, I am quite limited in how much I can haul, which prevents me from doing the kind of backpacking I would really like to. Instead of moping about what I cannot do, I have focused on what I can.

Given that I am limited to how much I can carry, you can probably guess that when I check out backpacking gear for potential purchase, I scrutinize the gear's weight very closely. In the past, I have used a Kelty Redwing 2400 daypack, which I like. But it really isn't big enough for some trips, and it weighed more than I prefer. So last year I set out to find the most ideal backpack I could find that would meet my size and weight requirements.

During my research, I found many very lightweight rucksacks used by fastpackers that could hold a decent amount of gear. But after taking a closer look at them, they had minimal or no padding in the straps, and most didn't have a waste belt. Because of my bad back, I wanted a backpack with more comfort in the shoulders, and a waist belt in order to take some of the weight off my back and put in on my waist. Due to these needs, these lightweight rucksacks didn't make the cut. So I kept on searching.

After checking out the specifications for many different backpacks, I finally stumbled upon the Mountainsmith Ghost backpack. This bag holds 3,100 c.i. of gear and only weighs 2 lbs. 6 ounces. Not only was the backpack bigger than my previous pack, but it also weighs less. Compared to everything else I saw, I decided to give this pack a try, and I ordered one.

Features of the Mountainsmith Ghost

Before I talk about how the Ghost has worked out in the real world, I want to take some time and describe to you its key features. The Ghost is designed to comfortable hold up to 35 pounds. While larger than the standard daypack, it makes a good daypack for day hikes or group treks where you only need to carry the gear you need during the day.

Even though this bag weighs so little, it still offers most of the features you would expect from any top-quality backpack. Some of these include:

• Full suspension, including padded shoulder straps and a full waist belt
  
   
• Top-loading makes for easy access to your gear
  
   
• Numerous shoulder-strap and waist belt adjustments 
  
   
• Waterproof material and zippers
  
   
• Hydration system compatible
  
   
• Two large mesh bottle holders
  
   
• Side ski holsters

So exactly how can a pack of this size weigh only 2 lbs. 6 ounces? There are two different ways the designers at Mountainsmith achieved this goal. The first is the use of very lightweight, but very strong fabric called Dimension Polyant. Not only is it waterproof, it is lighter, more abrasive resistance, and more tear resistant than 500 denier Cordura. 

The second way that Mountainsmith achieved weight saving is by using a fiberglass hoop load transfer system instead of the typical stay or framesheet that is used in other backpacks. It is designed to distribute the weight evenly throughout the pack for comfortable carrying, and at the same time provides shoulder lift. When you first pick up one of these packs, the feel of the fiberglass hoops seems a little strange. But once put the pack on, it can't tell it from any other packs, except that it weighs much less.

Using the Mountainsmith Ghost Pack in the Real World

Obviously, one of the most important aspects about any pack is does it fit well? And like any pack, this is often a function of how well you have adjusted it, and the same is true of the Ghost. Fortunately, the Ghost offers multiple adjustments to allow it to fit almost anyone. Unlike many other bags, the Ghost is only available in one size. But even though I have a very long torso, I didn't have any problems fitting the pack properly and comfortably. I also recommend that you made appropriate adjustments every time you put the pack on, as different content weights, distribution of gear in the bag, or your clothing may affect the ideal adjustments. This only takes a few seconds once you get the hang of it.

The pack fits very tightly against your back, which helps to maintain your balance when hiking or scrambling. In many regards, it becomes a part of your back, and you may soon forget that it is even on.

I have used the Ghost in a wide variety of weather, and it is surprisingly waterproof. I would still recommend storing critical gear, such as down sleeping bags or extra socks, in waterproof dry bags if you expect lots of foul weather, but for the most part, very little water ever seeped into the pack. If you like, you can leave the pack cover at home.

While its size is not huge when compared to some other packs, I have found that it works very well for 2-3 day trips and trekking. And if you are a fastpacker, it could easily handle a week. I stow my sleeping back inside the bag, along with all my other gear, except for water bottles (they go in the mesh bags on the outside of the pack) and my sleeping pad, which I strap on the back of the pack.

The pack is a top-loader, and doesn't have any pockets. This helps to minimize weight, and should present any problems as long as you pack your less used gear at the bottom, and your most used gear at the top. Personally, I use a lot of stuff sacks to organize my gear, and this makes finding what you need very easy.

Recommendation

If you are looking for a very lightweight pack, and 3100 c.i. is enough for your needs, then I highly recommend the Mountainsmith Ghost. And even if you are only looking for a daypack, you will find that the Ghost weighs less than most of them, and at the same time, provides you with a extra room for extra jacket and gloves that you wished you had last time, but didn't bring because of a lack of room in your pack.

Product Notes

The Mountainsmith Ghost is only available in one size, but it is designed to fit most torsos. Only by trying one out will you know for sure if it will fit you. The pack only comes in a steel blue (more gray than blue) color.

If you would like a larger bag than the Ghost, Mountainsmith also offers some larger bags made of the same lightweight material as the Ghost. They include the Specter (5,600 c.i., 4 lbs. 5 ounces) and the Auspex/Chimera (4,200 c.i., 3 lbs. 7 ounces.) These are both very lightweight and offer a full suspension system and plenty of features.