35L MH Bag Compare/Contrast Input

MP Community,

I am in the market to expand my collection of bags by adding a 35L pack to the collection. I have narrowed it down to the Mountain hardware Scrambler 35 ( mountainhardwear.com/p/scra…)  and the Mountain Hardware Alpine Light 35 ( mountainhardwear.com/p/alpi…). I know there are some similarities but also some differences, namely the closing system up top. I plan on mostly using this around the Cascades for objectives < 3 days in length and any C2C mission where I may need extra gear. 

Does anyone have any experience with these bags and find one has greater advantages to the other?

I've never used the AL but have had the scrambler 35 for a couple years now. Gotta say it is sorely missing a proper hipbelt for overnight objectives and just heavier loads like trad cragging. There is a large tube space where one can be inserted and the belt from my Granite gear Blaze 60 seems to work pretty well but it feels like a missed opportunity. Besides that it's been a solid pack so far with great versatility.

Looking over the AL35 I like the hipbelt and more outer straps. I'd miss the water bottle pockets and lid because I use mine for more average hiking cragging daypack stuff but looks like a better ski and crampon carry, maybe better for your use case. 

JM Addleman wrote:

I've never used the AL but have had the scrambler 35 for a couple years now. Gotta say it is sorely missing a proper hipbelt for overnight objectives and just heavier loads like trad cragging. There is a large tube space where one can be inserted and the belt from my Granite gear Blaze 60 seems to work pretty well but it feels like a missed opportunity. Besides that it's been a solid pack so far with great versatility.

Looking over the AL35 I like the hipbelt and more outer straps. I'd miss the water bottle pockets and lid because I use mine for more average hiking cragging daypack stuff but looks like a better ski and crampon carry, maybe better for your use case. 

I noticed the hip belt on the scrambler was pretty small and didn't look like it offered much support. I have just heard good things about it over the years so it was my first consideration. The more robust hip belt and the additional strapping capabilities have me leaning towards the AL35.

Arc'teryx Alpha AR 35.  Hands down.  Retail is $190 to boot.  It has a really comfortable waist strap, unlike the Scrambler.

That Arc'teryx bag does look solid. I usually go with MH just because I have a pro deal. However, the AL 35 comes out to that same price point after shipping. Sounds like It might be worth dragging myself into a retail store and checking them in person.

How waterproof and rip-resistant is the Arc'teryx?

I have the previous AL 28 and tried the previous 35 as well as the newer all white AL 50. But my go to pack are mutant 38 and Arc’s FL 40.
The AL is sturdy but not waterproof by its standard top closure system (and the closure material is kind of thin), but the main body is Water proof.  35 and 50 carry load pretty well with their aluminum frame, but i am not a fan to the all white design. For crag it just easy to get dirt. For snow/ice, all white gear is always a problem in snow…so only kept the 28 from the AL series for some random use, day hike/climb Etc

Mutant is a far more better choice IMHO, except for waterproofness, which the FL shines. and the mutant is cheapest here…

I've had the AL 35 for about 2 years now and it's been a solid pack overall.  The weatherproofing is my only real gripe although that is mainly a trade-off with "easy access".  I've mostly used it for c2c but carries 30+lbs pretty comfortably.  I did get it from the Columbia Employee Store so the price was pretty great.  Never used the scrambler but have looked at it for day hiking only because of the carrying capacity. 

Kinda wish they had an Alpha-style rolltop (or a brain).  I don't mind the color but it does pretty much always look dirty.