Such a slick pack, mountainsmith makes some quality gear! Its nice to see their bomber quality in a lighter weight option. Not sure I could go with a frameless pack though, I like my hip belts too much. Wanda is a big fan of her pack from them as well, you guys are basically twins!
The Zerk 40 has been a total gamechanger for me: The weight of the pack sits around my chest, a bit like a cone. It's by far the most comfortable backpack of any size I have ever used. The shoulder straps barely touch the tops of my shoulders, where every other pack rides hard and hurts after some hours on the trail. (This is without using the hip belt - I don't like hip belts and have never used one more than an hour or so - find them too constricting for the hip muscles). Even after hours on the trail I'm thinking what an incredible feeling that the weight of the pack is distributed all around my chest so I can't really tell where I'm carrying it. The answer to all my backpacking prayers! I'm 5'9", 160 lbs, so I shortened the shoulder staps almost an inch at the top...it helps and I may shorten them more. I don't quite understand how the designers achieved the miracle but am hugely grateful.
Great review man! I bought this pack when it first came out. Used it on a handful of trips and it still looks new. Durable! Lightweight! User friendly! This pack does come with a removable hip belt! Its not very load bearing but it does help keep the pack from shifting too much. I personally like the top strap. Not a fan of the side strap buckles though. They are small and dont work very well. I do like the wide mouth roll top opening. Things i would change: Color! Maybe tan, green, brown, black, white, grey? Subdued colors! Larger quality fastex buckles are needed. Also even though the vest style shoulder straps are nice i would have preffered normal padded shoulder straps with load lifting straps. I also think 2 button snaps for the main pack opening would have be nice. Please no velcro! Lol. 2020 version made of Spectra pack fiber and its nearly waterproof. The 2021-2022 versions pack material has changed. Not sure why they did that? Money savings? I prefer Spectra fiber. Dyneema would be a game changer though. The real hiking viking whom co-created this pack designed one for himself that i like called the jabba 40. Comes with a grey dyneema fabric. Would love to see it released to the public.! Zerk 40 is a great fastpack/ long distance pack if your gear is semi dialed in. Price is unbeatable too! Stay safe! Hike on!
Two things I would like to see Mountainsmith add: 1) Load Shifters - Basically a must in backpacks. I have no idea why manufacturers leave them off 2) Bottom Lycra Pocket - As popularized by Pa’lante. It basically replaces the need for hipbelt pockets/fanny packs Otherwise I really like the mesh backer and running vest style! Seems like it would really help with a frameless pack
I'm on the fence about bottom pockets. I guess I just need to try it! Interesting point on load lifters. With the Zerk, I haven't actually noticing myself missing them, while I definitely have for other packs.
I don't think load shifters would do much since this pack doesn't have a padded hipbelt. Aren't load shifters for shifting the load from your shoulders to hips?
@@joshwood3 I used to think the same thing before I picked up the Waymark Evolv this year... Total game changer. I didn't realize how much I missed them until Waymark included them. But I hear a lot of people with the counter position so I could just be wrong!
I've been looking for a new multi day pack. I have a cheap Ozark Trail 45L Montpelier I picked up a few years ago. It has done great, just not the most comfortable. Also, I need more storage capacity. Trying to go bigger and shed weight at the same time has been a difficult search for me.
Although this is marketed for long distance backpacking it also makes an awesome pack for peak bagging and overnights. Very at home somewhere like the White Mountains.
Sounds like it'd fit you! The biggest issue I can see with fit is a slimmer person with narrow shoulders and a chest would maybe find the shoulder straps a little wide. It could still work with a slimmer person, but would not be the ideal fit.
Hi Justin, I purchased Lanshan 1 Pro tent and Zerk 40 packpack, delivery is on the way. I just found out that backpack is 30cm width 14.6 depth, the 1 pro tent pack size is 34cm*15cm. Will the tent fits the backpack?
Dude -- it gets cold in California, too! 😆 There are mountains and deserts - not just warm, sandy beaches (and wildfires🔥😢). Have you watched too many Baywatch reruns maybe, eh? 😉
Such a slick pack, mountainsmith makes some quality gear! Its nice to see their bomber quality in a lighter weight option. Not sure I could go with a frameless pack though, I like my hip belts too much. Wanda is a big fan of her pack from them as well, you guys are basically twins!
The Zerk 40 has been a total gamechanger for me: The weight of the pack sits around my chest, a bit like a cone. It's by far the most comfortable backpack of any size I have ever used. The shoulder straps barely touch the tops of my shoulders, where every other pack rides hard and hurts after some hours on the trail. (This is without using the hip belt - I don't like hip belts and have never used one more than an hour or so - find them too constricting for the hip muscles). Even after hours on the trail I'm thinking what an incredible feeling that the weight of the pack is distributed all around my chest so I can't really tell where I'm carrying it. The answer to all my backpacking prayers! I'm 5'9", 160 lbs, so I shortened the shoulder staps almost an inch at the top...it helps and I may shorten them more. I don't quite understand how the designers achieved the miracle but am hugely grateful.
Just got the updated version in 2023. I think they’re where only a couple left in Colorado
Straps are the bane of my existence. Love the option to remove them without losing function! 😊 Ps loved the Drumheller footage.
Great review man! I bought this pack when it first came out. Used it on a handful of trips and it still looks new. Durable! Lightweight! User friendly! This pack does come with a removable hip belt! Its not very load bearing but it does help keep the pack from shifting too much. I personally like the top strap. Not a fan of the side strap buckles though. They are small and dont work very well. I do like the wide mouth roll top opening. Things i would change: Color! Maybe tan, green, brown, black, white, grey? Subdued colors! Larger quality fastex buckles are needed. Also even though the vest style shoulder straps are nice i would have preffered normal padded shoulder straps with load lifting straps. I also think 2 button snaps for the main pack opening would have be nice. Please no velcro! Lol. 2020 version made of Spectra pack fiber and its nearly waterproof. The 2021-2022 versions pack material has changed. Not sure why they did that? Money savings? I prefer Spectra fiber. Dyneema would be a game changer though. The real hiking viking whom co-created this pack designed one for himself that i like called the jabba 40. Comes with a grey dyneema fabric. Would love to see it released to the public.! Zerk 40 is a great fastpack/ long distance pack if your gear is semi dialed in. Price is unbeatable too! Stay safe! Hike on!
Two things I would like to see Mountainsmith add:
1) Load Shifters - Basically a must in backpacks. I have no idea why manufacturers leave them off
2) Bottom Lycra Pocket - As popularized by Pa’lante. It basically replaces the need for hipbelt pockets/fanny packs
Otherwise I really like the mesh backer and running vest style! Seems like it would really help with a frameless pack
I'm on the fence about bottom pockets. I guess I just need to try it! Interesting point on load lifters. With the Zerk, I haven't actually noticing myself missing them, while I definitely have for other packs.
I don't think load shifters would do much since this pack doesn't have a padded hipbelt. Aren't load shifters for shifting the load from your shoulders to hips?
@@joshwood3 I used to think the same thing before I picked up the Waymark Evolv this year... Total game changer. I didn't realize how much I missed them until Waymark included them.
But I hear a lot of people with the counter position so I could just be wrong!
Hi, any idea if a bear can (BV450) will fit inside this pack? Thx
Looks like it isn't deep enough to fit the can
The pack works awesome! Ordered it when it was in the funding stage before production. It has held up great.
Would you recommend this pack for a fella just over 6 fr with a longer torso?
I think it would work out for you!
Hi 👋 is this pack hydration resevoir compatible?
What hoodie are you wearing?
I've been looking for a new multi day pack. I have a cheap Ozark Trail 45L Montpelier I picked up a few years ago. It has done great, just not the most comfortable. Also, I need more storage capacity. Trying to go bigger and shed weight at the same time has been a difficult search for me.
How do you get it up to 30 lbs comfortably when others say closer to 20? Any special tricks you are using?
Although this is marketed for long distance backpacking it also makes an awesome pack for peak bagging and overnights. Very at home somewhere like the White Mountains.
Love this pack! Good to see others getting into it! Got a review on my channel as well.
No bladder tho or the ability to have one?
Great video as always! 👏
Would you still choose REI Flash 55 over this one?
Different packs for different purposes. When I have a lightweight pack, the Zerk is my go-to. When my pack gets heavier, I lean on the Flash :)
@@JustinOutdoors Thank you so much for replying!
Just picked this pack up for $109.98 from Mountainsmith. I'm pretty stoked.
what pants and shirt you got on there bud
I was curious about the pants as well.
MEC Mica 2!
What about the hoodie? Looks like it’s similar to the Patagonia airshed pullover. Thanks!
@@willsizoo583 It's the Outdoor Research Astroman Sun Hoodie
Great review! It checks all the boxes I'm looking for. I'm 5'6" and 175lbs stocky build. Do you think it would fit someone like me?
Sounds like it'd fit you! The biggest issue I can see with fit is a slimmer person with narrow shoulders and a chest would maybe find the shoulder straps a little wide. It could still work with a slimmer person, but would not be the ideal fit.
TEN THOUSAND SUBS!!!
yeehaw!
Congrats man!
This is pack is the best I love the options with this backpack lovely video my friend
Another great, informative video Justin. Thanks!
Love the video, no horseshit. A crying shame this thing doesn't have a real belt.
Wish they had a different colorway!
Great review, thank you!
Hi Justin, I purchased Lanshan 1 Pro tent and Zerk 40 packpack, delivery is on the way. I just found out that backpack is 30cm width 14.6 depth, the 1 pro tent pack size is 34cm*15cm. Will the tent fits the backpack?
It will for sure! I haven't had any problems putting the tent into the pack horizontally.
@@JustinOutdoors thanks for confirmation!
Nice vid again... congrats on 10K Subs!!!! I'm at 150 YES!!!! LOL I think the first 1,000 is SO HARD! Anyways, nice job!
Great video!
Thanks!
Great channel.
Dude -- it gets cold in California, too! 😆 There are mountains and deserts - not just warm, sandy beaches (and wildfires🔥😢). Have you watched too many Baywatch reruns maybe, eh? 😉
haha, from my igloo up here in Canada, everything looks like a warm sandy beach :P
Justin - You have an igloo?! 😳 Jealous! Where do you keep it? You must have a really big walk-in freezer! 😉😄
things no one is doing when buying this pack: carrying 30 lbs