EMS Packable Pack

Comments about Eastern Mountain Sports EMS Packable Pack:

I had the previous year's version and loved it except for the drawcord. When the new version went on sale this summer I bought it. I found everything an improvement except the pockets. I can't tell you how may times my water bottle has fallen out. I can put small things in the those outer pockets but it really needs a deeper outside water pocket with some sort of closure. If it weren't for the pockets I'd give this bag five stars.

Despite the bottle pocket issue, this is still my go-to bag. I've used it for all day hikes, airplane carry-on bag, organizer bag/stuff sack, shopping at the farmer's market. I'm so use to it that I can't stand the bulkier daypacks with the thicker padding.

Comments about Eastern Mountain Sports EMS Packable Pack:

As a traveling sales rep. I wanted a packable backpack to take with me when traveling. I use the pack for walking or biking when I'm exploring the cities visiting for business. This backpack fits nicely in my suitcase or laptop bag and when I'm ready to use it unpacks from itself and is ready to go. I carry my water, a thin pullover, camera, a small rain poncho, and couple of clif bars with me and it works great. However, the pack needs better water bottle pockets that are taller and more secure. It could also use an additional zippered pouch on the pack for storing maps or something small. The drawstring closure is terrible and it should be improved on or replaced with a zipper. Overall it works for what I need when I travel.

Comments about Eastern Mountain Sports EMS Packable Pack:

I used this as a bag to take on side hikes during my Philmont Scout Ranch 11 day trek. It easily carries four liters of water (and yes, two, 32 oz. Nalgenes do, in fact, fit in the side water bottle mesh pouches). I also carried a fleece, frogg-togg type rain suit, and some small electronics (camera, mini tripod, GPS, mini first-aid kit, snack). This bag carried very comfortably every time. While it doesn't state that it's water-proof, it did keep most of the rain water out. The only thing I might suggest is to waterproof it yourself, if you want it to keep your contents dry.

Comments about Eastern Mountain Sports EMS Packable Pack:

Got this for Christmas but just used it for the first time on vacation. Stored it away in my luggage for the trip down to the Bahamas, but then used it on a couple of excursions. Was impressed at how comfortably it carried my gear, how strong it was, and how light. I have an expensive day pack I purchased a couple of years ago, but I would consider carrying this one instead on some trips because of it's light weight. I've been hiking for 45 years and strongly recommend this to any traveler.

Comments about Eastern Mountain Sports EMS Packable Pack:

I got this day pack because I wanted something small that I could cram into my large backpack and use for short day-trips on a larger hiking/camping excursion. I have a go-to day backpack but it's a space-waster when it comes to packing for a several day trip. This little bag serves exactly the purpose I was looking for. It collapses into a really small ball of nylon and then its sort of amazing how much it actually holds when you unfold it, pack it, and put it on. More than enough space for water, food, a camera, a journal, an extra layer, and whatever it is you'd want to toss in for a day hike. I would not recommend overpacking the top compartment as it becomes a pain to latch and unlatch the bag. Also, water bottles will fall out of the side straps if you bend down for whatever reason, so I don't use them. Would also have liked it to be more weather-proof, but I guess that would have resulted in a much higher price-point. Still, it's small enough that you can easily keep it under a rain jacket or just toss a pack cover on if need-be.

Comments about Eastern Mountain Sports EMS Packable Pack:

Exactly what I wanted for travel. At 9 oz. it is very light, but more importantly it takes up little of its own space. Perfect for carryon "personal item" or to stuff in suitcase for day hikes. Also works great as a shoe bag (I turn it inside out for this purpose so the inside stays clean). The dark grey/black color is very unobtrusive unlike many other bags which have bright colors; this does not have any reflective elements at all which is great. Overall very nice.

Comments about Eastern Mountain Sports EMS Packable Pack:

The best part about this pack is that the whole thing folds up into its "brain pocket" to produce a highly stow-able backpack that easily fits within a kayak day-hatch. This feature really caught my eye because I've been looking for a backpack that could be stashed away within my kayak and used to carry my gear while hiking on island stop-overs and for portaging gear more efficiently from the beach to the campsite. This pack really fits the bill! I've found it to be comfortable so long as the load is light or the trip is a quick one. Despite its small volume this pack is still large enough to carry all of the essentials (jacket, towel, gadgets, snack, ect) and then some. Finally, the rip-stop nylon is inherently splash proof which adds to its utility as a "kayaking backpack" although I would still keep my stuff in dry bags while on the water just to be safe.

Comments about Eastern Mountain Sports EMS Packable Pack:

On the first use, the tie cord broke away from seam. I replaced it at the store. Not sure if I'll have the same issue again or not. I will try to go easy when closing the pack with the cord.

Comments about Eastern Mountain Sports EMS Packable Pack:

I NEEDED A SMALL BAG TO FIT IN MY LOCKER AT WORK AMD TWO HOLD 3 ITEMS!!! THIS BAG FAR SURPASSED MY EXPECTIONS!!! MY OPINION, THE BEST [$] YOU'LL EVER SPEND!!!

Comments about Eastern Mountain Sports EMS Packable Pack:

Even though it's a little bigger packed than I expected, I'm using it much more than I expected. Quality construction, great extra features like padded shoulder straps, water bottle carriers, and extra pockets.