2024 Zerk 40 Backpack

I needed a new day-pack, with volume in the 30L range that could carry 4L of water - without a hip-belt- and after a lot of searching, and review viewing and reading, I took a chance on the 2024 Zerk 40, as it was on sale and ridiculously cheap! BEST gear decision I ever made! I just knocked out 10-miles with 21 pounds, and never have I been able to carry 20+ pounds in a day-pack without trap and shoulder pain. It is easily compressible, and all the pockets are a game-changer. Adjusting the harness straps and sternum strap produces a wide variety of fit options. I’m 5’9”, 165 pounds with an 18.75” torso length and easily found a sweet spot for this pack on my back. Yes, it is designed by, and seems made for, a much bigger man, and I could not recommend this pack for a person smaller than me. I have about an 1.5 inches of harness strap left before I max it out. Years from now, when I’ve worn this one out, I hope they size this a little smaller. People complain about the length of the harness straps - and they are long! - but I simply stuffed the dangling ends in the “squirrel-cheek” pockets, and problem solved! I really like the EXTREEMA recycled nylon fabric, it is so supple and quiet, unlike my other packs made of EcoPak (which wore out after only 2.5 years! Never again!). The construction, materials, and hardware are all first-rate. Except for sizing, I could go on and on singing the praises of this pack. Mountainsmith will now be my first-call pack supplier!

Love this pack. Good for fastpacking as well. Would be nice if there was a smaller size for smaller people.

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