Mountainsmith Lumbar-Recycled Series Tour TLS R Backpack

I did a lot of research prior to getting this bag, and after all of that, this bag has been the right bag for my purposes. It's well built, spacious, and has several good carrying options. I replaced the shoulder strap and pad with a 2.5" piece of webbing (personal preference) from the local climbing store. The waist band tucks into the back-padding, and I got another little piece of webbing and ran it across the pad to keep everything in place (there were eyelets already in the needed places). The YKK zippers are nice and big and sturdy, and the back has some straps that you can adjust to really suck the bag in close to your back, which is critical. The bag itself is pretty straight forward - few bells and whistles, just does what it's supposed to and does it well. I've been really pleased with it. My uncle has the same bag that he got a while ago, and apparently they used to have some adjustable drawstrings, instead of the flat elastic, for the water bottle pouches. He says he likes the draw strings better, and I can see why he would - it can be tricky getting your water bottle back into the pouches with the flat elastic. I'm not afraid to mod this thing though, and if/when the flat elastic fails (or when I decide it's too much of a pain), I'll put my own drawstring in there.

I bought this item for a two-week trip I took to Peru where I would be walking and hiking a ton. My back is in such disrepair (compression, bulging discs, arthritis, cracked transverse processes and scoliosis) that I was afraid to wear a backpack on my walks. So I chose this. It was amazing! First of all it did not strain my back at all. I was able to walk pain-free for the entire two weeks. Next, as others have said, it's very well made. I wore it every day, all day. I filled it and used it continuously. The zippers and all parts held up as if it were brand new. Very tough and durable. In addition, the thing holds a ton. It is a bit large for a fanny pack but it holds a ton. I was able to put the following in: a lightweight long sleeve shirt for layering, a thick travel book, money & passport, cell phone, small purchases like jewelry and small dolls, other miscellaneous things. And I was able to also use it to secure my fleece through the outside straps. Lastly it has just about every feature I could imagine useful! A strap to wear it over my shoulder like a purse, a strap for my waist if I wore it that way, outside bungies to secure things, synch straps to hold the pack snuggly to my body, water repellency, zippers that repel water, tough zippers that don't jam, padding for comfort and air flow... The only drawback I see to this bag screams "TOURIST" if you use it in a city... but what fanny pack doesn't? :-)

It almost every respect this is a great bag. Its versatile, durable, and well built using quality materials. The size of this bag is such that it works great as a lumbar pack. However, the size and design of this make it extremely functional as shoulder bag as well. I've found this bag to be equally at home as a lumbar day pack as it is as a diaper bag for the kid. With a heavy load, used as a lumbar pack, the optional strappetes are pretty much essential, otherwise you'll have to cinch this thing down so tight, it just wont be comfortable. With the strapettes you get a first rate, incredibly comfortable daypack with a lower center of gravity, better ventilation on your back than with a traditional pack. I've used this in day length adventure races up to 24hrs, and love it... except for that one thing. This is a 4 star bag because of the bottle pouches. I feel that everything about this bag says that it should be able to securely and comfortably fit 2 1 liter nalgene type bottles... And it does. However, to get those bottles in without removing the bag or shifting it to the front, you are going to have to do some serious gymnastics with your fingers, and even then it will be tight. Using smaller bottles works fine too, 22 oz sport bottles are great, and you can get the bottles in and out with relative ease, however going smaller gets you the opposite problem of having less security. If you plan on using this pack hard, there is a very high likelihood that you are going to lose bottles. The ideal bottle for these pockets are probably 16oz disposable water bottles, but I just feel like limiting yourself to ~32oz of water really limits the potential for this bag. That being said, Dr. Browns baby bottles are also basically perfect, again with the diaper bag plug. The pockets need about 1-2 more inches of depth, and just ever so slightly less tension in the elastic. The one additional thing I would love to see is some thought to accommodating a hydration bladder. I can comfortably fit a 2L bladder in the bag sidewise, but I would love some type of structure to secure it a little better, and separate it from the rest of the bag. If you're not planning on running through thick woods or stumbling over gnarly terrain, and you no need or desire to use 1L Nalgenes, you really cant go wrong here. This is easily one of the most versatile bags I own, its not hard to find a use for it. If this wasn't being used as a diaper bag currently it would work equally well as a laptop bag for the 11 inch Lenovo Thinkpad I use for work. Extremely well thought out design... except for those pesky side pockets...

This will easily hold all of your day hike essentials, lunch for one, a two persons first aid kit and emergency items in case you may have to spend the night in the woods. A extra layer of clothing can be strapped to the front of the pack using the shock cord or under the pack using the straps. The pack is built tough but not over built like Maxpedition gear. The hip belt is adjustable from 26 to 52 and is very comfortable. The size of the water bottle pockets on the sides concerned me at first. They appeared to be very small and I didn't think anything bigger than a 20 oz water bottle would fit. Surprisingly, I was able to fit 1qt GI canteens in them. They fit snugly but not so bad that it would be a hassle to take them in and out. That's 64 ounces of water with the two GI canteens. I can't find my Nalgene bottle right now so I couldn't say if one would fit. I also purchased the shoulder straps with the bag. I think the straps are a must if you plan on filling the bag and carrying two bottles of water. For dayhikes, I think I'm done with backpacks. This is much more comfortable and your back will stay cool. If you like to pack light for dayhikes but don't want to sacrifice the essentials, this is a perfect option. If you prefer packing a little more than you actually need or for winter dayhikes, you may want to go with the Lumbar Day pack which is the next size up.

I bought this bag to take to Cuba, where I traipsed up and down the streets of Havana, through the national park in Viñales, and across the beach of Varadero. The construction strikes me as very sturdy. (My friend has had a bag a lot longer than I and his is still going strong). I really like the three different options for carrying it: hip belt, over-the-shoulder strap, and handles. In general, I like the size of the bag: big enough to hold some stuff, but not too big that it becomes a pain to walk long distances, or lengthy amounts of time, with it. The one thing I should say is that a manila folder with regular 8.5 x 11 papers will get the edges beat up. One last question I have relates to the elastic band on the back. I'm told it can be used to hold things like a sleeping pad, but it doesn't look like there's room between the loops to do that. Overall, I'm very pleased with the purchase. I plan on using the bag for years to come on day hikes and other trips.

This is a potentially great pack, but the "new" design really blew it on the water bottle holders. The older version had mesh pockets with an adjustable cinch cord that would accommodate 4x10 Nalgene bottles easily; to get that size bottle in this pack's pockets is a herculean struggle. Even bicycle-size bottles are a bit of a job to get in, and both are nearly impossible to manipulate while wearing this pack. Otherwise, this pack is built and functions very well. I'd suggest buying this pack only if you never intend to use the water bottle holsters. I really hope Mountainsmith corrects this problem on future versions, as I really like this pack and would buy another if they do!

Very versatile and durable travel and everyday pack. I've owned this for over a year and use it daily- thus far it has definitely exceeded my expectations and I've been very pleased with this great Mountainsmith day pack! I've bought and used other brands of various size day packs over the years, but Mountainsmith is by far the best in functionality, design, and durability. Multi-functional with several zippered inner and outer compartments, the very well padded and wide waistband (which I don't use very often) tucks away neatly on the back panel, the adjustable shoulder strap which is what I primarily use is very secure and durable- the only minor annoyance is the shoulder pad does tend to slide a bit on the strap as its not stationary. Overall, this is an Excellent midsize day pack that's become my trusty everyday pack!

This is an extremely well made pack. At first i thought it might be too large but after thinking about it for a while i thought it would be perfect for day trips where i would need more space for light jacket,sweater, lunch etc. The main compartment is huge! I love the shoulder straps , external bunge cord, and strap tie downs on the bottom of the pack. This pack will last a lifetime! If you are trying to decide on size get a piece of cardboard and cut out the dimentions of the pack. This will give you a good idea of the size.I'm sorry I just can't visualize cubic inches Also, I just ordered the Kinetic Mountainsmith pack which is smaller in size. I'll have a choice depending on how much i need to pack that day.

バイクに乗るのに使おうと買いましたが、軽いし収納性も今まで使っていたバッグの中で最高ランクです。 特にウエットスーツに使うような材質の仕切りは、バッグの中で荷物がしっかり固定されるので気に入っています。 内装が黄色なので目視も非常にしやすい。 外の仕切りの中にもキーをつなげるフックもあって便利。 ファスナーの取っ手も大きくて、先についているゴム質の黒い部分も滑りにくく、手袋をしていても開け閉めが楽。 手提げになるので車に乗るときも軽く助手席に置きやすく、両手を使いたいとき肩掛けもなる・ また、単なる肩掛け紐ではなく、滑り止め付きの本格的なパッドがついています。 とてもよく考えられたバッグで、バイクに乗るために買ったのに、お出かけ用バッグになっています。 本来、これがメインという、腰に付ける形でまだ使っていないのですが、バイクに乗るときもしっかり固定されそうでいい買い物をしたと思います。

I’m female, 5ft 3in and was unsure which size lumbar pack would be most suitable for my size, height and needs. I purchased both the “Tour” TLS R and “Daylight” TLS R lumbar packs for daily walking excursions. The “Tour” was purchased through Amazon, but the “Daylight” was purchased locally. Each pack is for a specific personal need and has proved to be a very practical choice. My normal go-to pack for daily walking around town is the “Tour” because of its slightly smaller size. Its main compartment still has plenty of room to store a light jacket, sunhat, sun-glass case and a few small purchases, etc. If I plan to buy a few groceries to cart home, I take the “Daylight” instead. Due to RA, I try to minimize carrying things in my hands/arms. I’ve tried several carrying options such as a backpack (small & medium size), back-pack style purse, cross-body sling-style backpack (small & large size) & cross-body shoulder-strap purse, etc. However, all of these options caused upper back, shoulder and neck pain/strain. The Mountainsmith “Tour” and “Daylight” lumbar packs do not cause any discomfort since most of the weight is distributed on the hips and lumbar area, plus the purchased “strapette” eliminates any excess carrying discomfort. Although I have one temperamental hip, the weight from the lumbar pack still does not adversely affect or aggravate it. Dimensions of both packs: “Tour” – 5.1”Dx9.8”Hx11.4”W (13Dx24.8Hx28.9W cm) E.g. holds 2 (750g; 26 oz) Yogurt containers. “Daylight” – 8.1”Dx13”Hx12”W (20.5Dx33Hx30.4W cm) E.g. holds 3 (750g; 26 oz) Yogurt containers. 2” Wide waist-belt – fits from 25” waist up to 52” waist. Note: If your waist is smaller than 25”, the waist-belt can be modified by folding and sewing each side shorter. Excess waist-belt on both sides can be folded and tucked into elasticized belt loops. The main compartment of both packs has two heavy duty YKK zippers & the inside is lined with yellow rip-stop nylon fabric. The zippers have a flap which makes opening/closing a bit sticky, but is necessary for rain protection. Both packs have a separate area (elasticized neoprene panel) inside the main compartment that’s padded on the backside, which can hold a 10”Lx7 1/2”Wx3/4”D (25.4Lx19Wx1.9D cm) tablet (dimensions include tablet’s case). Note: A 15” laptop will not fit in either pack. Inside the main compartment there is also a hanging yellow nylon 4”Wx9”L (10.1Wx22.8L cm) zipped compartment for storing important items such as keys, wallet, credit cards, money, cell phone, etc. In front of the main compartment is another single heavy duty YKK zippered compartment with a black interior 11”Lx6 1/2”H (27.9Lx16.5H cm) with an attached plastic hook for keys. On the outside is a yellow bungee cord handy for strapping on excess clothing, etc. On the bottom of the pack are two 3/4” wide (1.9cm) adjustable black nylon straps which can hold additional items. There are two elasticized nylon side pockets (that collapse flat) for water bottles. The pockets fit up to 32 oz (.94 Lt) size bottles. However, I am unable to retrieve the water bottle, or re-insert it without first removing the strapette (or shoulder strap) and turning the lumbar pack, which is slightly inconvenient. The waist-belt has two elasticized mesh pockets (one on each side of the belt), which are handy to store and easily access items such as tissues, credit card, bus ticket, cell phone, etc. Pocket dimensions are: "Tour" 5"Lx4"H (12.7Lx10.1H cm) and "Daylight" 5 1/2"Lx4 1/2"H (13.9Lx11.4H cm). Because the pack is situated on the hips/lumbar area, in warmer weather the upper back/shoulder area doesn’t become hot and sweaty. Both packs come with an adjustable detachable shoulder strap. However, with body movement the strap shifts and then rubs against the side of the neck. To prevent this, wrap the shoulder strap around the waist-belt to secure its position. Weight inside the pack will make it hang away from the back, but is eliminated by pulling on the side nylon straps (upper & lower) which makes the pack hug closer to the curve of the back. Using the included shoulder strap, the pack can also be carried on the shoulder or across the body like a messenger bag. The waist panels are then stuffed into the back of the pack so they are hidden and out of the way. On the back of the pack, there is also a padded pocket for additional storage (E.g. map, passport, pocket book) that runs the length of the pack. The pocket dimensions are: “Tour” 8 1/2”Lx6 3/4”W (21.5Lx17.1W cm) and “Daylight” 10”Lx6 3/4”W (25.4Lx17.1W cm). Due to the recommendation of other buyers, I also purchased the separate “strapette” to replace the included shoulder strap. The strapette is well-constructed from heavy-duty nylon material and is easily installed on the "Tour" or "Daylight" lumbar pack. The 2 1/2" wide shoulder straps are padded, are adjustable for length and has a stationary sternum strap which provides added support, plus prevents the straps from sliding off the shoulders. Two slight drawbacks: (1) The sternum strap should be designed so that it's adjustable - it would add to the user's comfort level if it could be moved up or down the chest according to personal height. (2) Once the length for the shoulder and sternum straps are adjusted to personal size, the excess 1" wide nylon straps just hang. There should be elasticized loops to tuck the excess straps into so that they're not flapping around. The strapette disperses the pack’s weight evenly, (much better than the included shoulder strap), which makes carrying it far, far more comfortable. In my opinion, if you do any amount of walking, hiking or carry heavy loads, the strapette is a “must” and is well worth the extra expense. It’s too bad that Mountainsmith doesn’t include this with the "Tour" or "Daylight" lumbar pack instead of the shoulder strap. It would be nice if the lumbar pack had a separate easily accessible, but zipped cell phone pocket on the outside. Of course the elasticized mesh pockets on the waist belt can suffice, except they’re not totally secure. Both the “Tour” and “Daylight” lumbar packs are made from heavy-duty nylon material and are well-constructed. They are water resistant to a point, but the separate yellow rain cover is an option to consider for additional protection, especially if out in really wet weather.

Used daily this versatile bag. In summer it carries my camera, winter my shower/wet gear. Just need to get one for the dog when we are out on our trice daily wanders in the surrounding vineyards. Strong hard wearing bag. Only negative needs to be waterproof or have an accessory available to purchase when being this item. You-tube video's were excellent.

Aunque los tiradores amarillos no me agradan (por llamativos) , su tacto gomoso permite un facil agarre. La riñonera dispone de dos compartimentos cerrados por cremallera, que a veces cuesta abrir cuando esta llena, pero que denotan calidad y resistencia. Los bolsillos laterales son capaces de recoger dos botellas de hasta 750 ml, lo cual es suficiente incluso para salidad en dias calurosos. El color amarillo de su interior es una buena idea, pues se distinguen perfectamente los objetos, incluso tiene un pequeño bolsillo interior con cremallera para documentos o pequeños objetos. En las cinchas de cierre, dos pequeños bolsillos elasticos de malla para pañuelos, mechero, pequeñas cosas. El acolchado lumbar muy bueno, comodo y no da demasiado calor. Por poner un pero, las asas son un poco grandes, y la cincha de bandolera, que se puede desmontar, no sabe uno que hacer con ella (yo he optado por engancharla con las comitas amarillas de la parte frontal) En definitiva, una buena riñonera de calidad: Lastima que no la hubiera en color verde oliva, es mi preferido para el campo.

ベルトが幅広で安定しており、ウェストが引き締まる感じ。大きさもちょうどよい。ベルトが使わないときは収納できるので、手提げかばんとしても十分使える。遊びと半ビジネスのときに愛用中。