PCT 55L Backpack
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Quantity
Why We Like The PCT 55L Backpack
Mountain Hardwear built the PCT 55L Backpack for better load control on long overnights and weekend excursions. Featuring their innovative Hoverbelt hip belt, the PCT follows our body's natural motions and actively shifts weight to where it's supposed to be, reducing fatigue and giving the feeling that it's virtually floating there. This works in unison with the trampoline back panel and lightweight aluminum frame to better support us as we maneuver jagged rocks and scraggly scrub brush. And if that tear-happy terrain happens to snag a part of our pack, we don't need to worry much. The base and shell are made of high-denier fabric that resists the daily trials of the trail.
Details
- Multiday pack that specializes in better carrying weight
- 55L size is great for 2 or 3 days in the woods
- Dual-density foam on hip and shoulders provides soft padding
- Dynamic Hoverbelt moves with your body for better carry efficiency
- Trampoline back panel is supportive and breathable
- 7000 series aluminum frame gives lightweight strength
- Over 9 external pockets provide plenty of fast access
- Removable hydration sleeve doubles as daypack
- Item #MHWZ9I5
- Responsible Collection
- Recycled/Repurposed
- Material
- [shell] 200D recycled ripstop nylon, [base] 420D Cordura nylon, [lining] 70D ripstop nylon, PU coating
- Volume
- [small/medium] 55L (3356cu in), [medium/large] 57L (3478cu in)
- Support/Suspension
- 7000 series aluminum perimeter stay
- Shoulder Straps
- dual density foam
- Waist Belt
- 3D dynamic, dual density foam
- Hydration Compatible
- yes
- Reservoir Included
- no
- Access
- top, bottom
- Pockets
- 2 side stretch water bottle, 2 hip belt, 2 zippered top lid, 1 bottom sleeping bag, 1 front shove-it with zippered interior, 1 front zippered
- Ice Axe Carry
- yes
- Trekking Pole Carry
- yes
- Sleeping Bag Compartment
- yes, bottom u-pocket
- Detachable Daypack
- yes
- Compression
- dual-side
- Dimensions
- [torso] (small/medium) 16-19in, (medium/large) 18-21in
- Claimed Weight
- [small/medium] 3lb 12oz, [medium/large] 3lb 13oz
- Manufacturer Warranty
- lifetime
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
4 based on 11 ratings
Review Summary
Customer Images
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageOctober 31, 2024
Quality pack with all the right moves
The pockets are well designed and make sense! The pack fits nicely and adjusts easily. It is about perfect for overnight pack trip.
Originally reviewed on mountainhardwear.com
October 28, 2024
PCT 55L
Just picked one of these up and it’s a great pack. Done two backpacking trips since buying it with about 30lbs and this pack handled it beautifully. Adjustable shoulder straps makes for a great fit and plenty of features to accommodate all my gear and water bottles. Excellent pack.
Originally reviewed on mountainhardwear.com
July 31, 2024
Great backpack but unacceptably noisy.
I'll rate this 10/10 for comfort, convenience and features. I've owned many packs and this one is the most comfortable by far. The material is durable. Everything is well though out and things inside are easily accessible. The side pockets are a joy to use. I just could not take the constant squeaking when hiking. I returned it reluctantly, because there is so much to like about this product.
Originally reviewed on mountainhardwear.com
June 5, 2024
So much potential, but design problems.
The pack is yet to be used, but will be a couple times soon. There is a 'fatal flaw' in the design of the day pack bladder holder. Customer service was unable to grasp it and/or give me a straight answer. The day pack is a roll top like a dry bag. In that design MHW forgot about HOW the bladder hose would EXIT the day pack to the user. The only options, from my perspective not MHW, is to either cut a hole in the day pack (immediately voiding any warranty) or leaving the top open, which interferes with how it attaches to the main pack. I exclusively use a bladder for hydrations so I'm struggling with whether I want to use this pack at all now. Another more minor flaw is the sewing on the hip belt. It was not finished well and missed by Quality Control on the particular pack I received. There is a ROUGH part that I am hoping gets used to smooth, but we'll see as it touches directly to my person and may cause a hot spot and chaffing. Now that I'm done complaining about it. The design features are great. It, in theory, met what I needed, and I'm eager to try it. Not sure how I'll use my 3 ltr bladder though. I can't recommend this pack at this time, but I own it and will have to deal with it and see...
Originally reviewed on mountainhardwear.com
June 1, 2024
Perfect except very noisy.
This pack is everything I wanted. Super comfortable, lots of pockets, very versatile. However, it is the noisiest pack I've ever owned. I'm hoping it will quiet down after breaking in, but after a year it's still noisy. Are there any tricks to break it in and quiet the rustle/creak of fabric?
Originally reviewed on mountainhardwear.com
March 10, 2024
Best backpack
Superb design and construction!! A real innovative backpack. Beautiful product!
Originally reviewed on mountainhardwear.com
July 10, 2023
So many great features
Comfortable, light and tons of features in this pack. The side water bottle pouches are my favourite feature by far. The hip belt has a pocket that comfortably fits an iPhone, and includes a small day pack on the inside. I liked this bag so much in the 55L which are very well allocated space, that I bought a smaller day pack in this line as well.
Originally reviewed on mountainhardwear.ca
May 22, 2023
Great pack
Great pack, could use an interior zipper pocket. Side pockets were perfect for easy access to water, snacks and maps
Originally reviewed on mountainhardwear.ca
January 15, 2023
Well Constructed Pack
After trying out around a dozen backpacks, I ultimately settled on this pack due to how well its constructed and how comfortable it is when loaded with weight. I am yet to take it on a long trip, but I have confidence it will remain comfortable on a multi-day drip. After trying so many backpacks, it came down to this bag, and the Gregory paragon 58. Though the paragon was slightly more comfortable, it is made with flimsy fabric doesn't seem like it would last very long or take abuse from the trail very well. One thing I would change about the PCT 55 is the hydration reservoir pocket, which doubles as a day pack. This part of the bag is sort of clunky and not the easiest to deal with. I would rather have a traditional hydration reservoir pocket on the bag. A little disappointing, but not a deal breaker. Along with this, the pockets on the hip belt don't seem large enough to be practical, but the comfort and the durability of the rest of the bag makes it seem as though its worth the sacrifice, especially since this bag has such large side pockets where things can be stuffed. This seems like a durable bag that will last me decades, not to mention Mountain Hardwear has a great repair shop for their products if they happen to break or wear down prematurely.
Originally reviewed on mountainhardwear.com
October 29, 2022
Great pack
Freaking love the size and just how it's put together. Haven't had a chance to put it to use yet but just from how it feels and packs I'm happy with it.
Originally reviewed on mountainhardwear.com
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