The Mountain Hardwear Scrambler RT 20 OutDry Backpack, as the name suggests, features OutDry fabric that is truly waterproof. I’ve been using the Scrambler RT 20 on morning ski tours with wet, heavy snow. The contents of my bag have remained dry and ready to go for the transition to downhill mode. According to Mountain Hardwear, the Scrambler RT 20 OutDry Backpack has been “rain room tested for 24 hours.” While I haven’t been out in the rain or snow for 24 hours, I have been pleasantly surprise to always find my gear dry on even the wettest of days. The pack will be a great go to option come spring time as the weather moves from snow to rain showers.
Water droplets from my water bottle sat on the exterior of the backpack, never soaking through for the 4 hours that I allowed the pack to sit on the counter after a morning adventure.
Features
The Mountain Hardwear Scrambler RT 20 OutDry Backpack is lightweight and features a rolltop design. The backpack is easy to pack with one large main compartment. You don’t need to search many small zippered compartments to remember where you stashed an item. The rolltop closure is easy to open and close with gloves or mittens in place and eliminates fussing with zipper tracks that can leak or break down over time or allow water to enter the pack. The rolltop can be rolled according to the load you are carrying and also creates a convenient second handle or carry handle.
The Mountain Hardwear Scrambler RT 20 features two stretch side pockets. The pocket easily accommodates a Yeti Rambler 36 oz bottle (pictured below) or a Hydroflask 21 oz bottle. Use one pocket for hydration and the other for snacks, your Buff or gloves, or any other highly used items. The pack also features trekking pole loops along the bottom and a bungee cord at the top to help secure the poles.
The Mountain Hardwear Rambler RT 20 OutDry Backpack was comfortable on a 6 hour ski tour in the Colorado backcountry.
The pack features an adjustable sternum strap that is easy to slide up and down the track to accompany multiple users. The hip belt is pretty no nonsense, without all the bells and whistles of a zippered compartment or padding. I didn’t mind this feature when wearing ski pants, but on longer hikes I might want a bit more substance to help distribute the load. Overall, the minimalist design of the pack is to help save on weight, so that is a tradeoff you have to be ok with.
Uses
The Mountain Hardwear Scrambler RT 20 OutDry Backpack features a slim design and rugged fabric that can tackle a variety of activities. I recently packed the Scrambler RT 20 as a stuff sac inside my backpacking pack on a hut trip. I was then able to use the back on our day tour and carried an extra hard shell, down jacket, 2 pairs of mittens, snacks, shovel, probe, and goggles with room to spare. The pack would also be incredible for wet weather bike commuting, as a camera bag for wet weather photo shoots, for day hikes, or to help tote your gear to your favorite climbing spot.
Specs
The Mountain Hardwear Scrambler RT 20 OutDry is available in 5 different colors: Stone Green/Black, Black, Manta Gray (light Gray), Fresh Bud (Bright Yellow), and Phoenix Blue (Bright and Royal Blue).
Weight- 13.7 oz / 389 gCapacity – 1257 cu in / 21 ltrPack torso length 19 inFits torso length of 16 in – 22 in / 41 cm – 56 cmFits waist of 25 in – 38 in / 64 cm – 94 cm
Scrambler RT 20 OutDry Backpack on a ski tour near Gray’s and Torrey’s: 14 ers in Colorado. The pack was ample room for a half-day adventure.
The Mountain Hardwear Scrambler RT 20 is a versatile daypack that is worth the money as it ensures that your gear stays dry, which maximizes your enjoyment in inclement weather. For more information or to purchase, please visit mountainhardwear.com or moosejaw.com/mountainhardwear.
