2024 Zerk 40 Backpack

It’s nice to find a running vest style pack for bigger guys instead of the normal twig sized running vest packs. Lots of pockets which I like. The bag is big enough for a thru hike if your gear is dialed in for an ultralight kit. I bought mine off a different site that had a sale going on. I like the blue but wish I had gotten the gray version instead.

Alas! This backpack is great in many ways, but as the name ZERK suggest, you need the build of a Berserker. Dear Mountainsmith: how about a version with a harness fit for the smaller Berserkers among us? Not all heroes come in XL.

I looked at my last review & noticed you used pictures that are not mine ? That is not the bag i purchased store will not refund my bag for a proper bag that fits i tried the bag on it felt like it would fit once taking it out & filling my gear with it it sat below my butt after. the straps will not adjust properly to pull the bag up & tighten it the shoulder straps do not adjust either

I used it the the first time hiking Mount Williamson it was too big for me it sits below my butt i didn’t like it at all I think it was made for a guy not a female it was very expensive for a one time use

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!!