2024 Zerk 40 Backpack

This pack (the Zerk 40) checks all the boxes! It's lighter and comfier than my more expensive 40L dyneema pack. And it's so much quieter! Lately the loud crinkling noise of dyneema has really been getting on my nerves. The Zerk is much better for stealth camping and just generally not making a ton of noise around camp. My minifly tarp, stake bag, and 15 ft hammock straps all fit easily in the generously sized mesh outer pocket, and the mesh - like everything on this pack - is nice and strong, no worries at all about tearing. The icing on the cake is the chest strap pockets. There's a double pocket on each strap, so 4 pockets total. Again, generously sized. My smart phone (3 1/8" x 6 3/8" with protective case) slides easliy into any one of the 4 pockets, with no effort at all. I can put my phone in the inner pocket and still fit a pair of reading glasses in the outer pocket on the same strap. A small plastic water bottle (16.9 oz) will fit in a chest pocket, with minimal effort and stretching. The daisy chain loops are genius and make it super easy to clip quick-access items to the outside of the pack with a carabiner, like cordage, a headlamp, or a small knife. The roll top is quick and easy to close. You can clip the two ends together, one quick snap. Or you can clip them to the sides and cinch it down. There's a top strap if you want to strap down a foam sleeping pad. This just might be the perfect pack!!

Great for traveling instead of luggage

Planning to do the Camino de Santiago and needed a versatile lightweight backpack. The Zerk 40 is perfect for what I need. Duper comfortable and versatile with all of the capacity and extra pockets.

I normally go ultra light but during the cooler weather here in Florida I needed a larger pack. Especially one that will comfortably take a few bulkier winter items like a quilt for my hammock and long sleeve shirts for me. Didn't need a fancy one with all the bells and whistles , just one that's proven to be practical and works. I have other Mountainsmith products and all of them are top notch , quality items.

This backpack is *solid* and the perfect solution for lightweight to ultra lightweight hiking. I've loaded the pack with 30 lbs of content plus various extra things hanging off it (stove, fuel bottle, sleeping bag). Very comfortable even this loaded, the weight mostly transfers to the chest area. The multiple options for closing the roll-top and the webbing for attaching multiple items by carabiner are super convenient as is the front pocket for easy access to items (I stick extra socks, a hat gloves and my emergency med kit here). The side and chest strap pockets are also a big win, all can be accessed without removing the pack. I am in love with it, I literally can't think of anything wrong with it. One caveat is that I didn't feel much need for the detachable hip belt, but others whose packs are packed with a different weight distribution etc. may find it useful. This is in my top 3 favourite outdoor gear purchases.