I purchased the frostfire 4500 about a year ago to replace my 14 year old jansport. What a difference. The first trip I took it on was a 3 day 30 mile cross country trip here in Ventura Co, California. The pack was a little hard to adjust, but I blame me and not the pack, I just wasn't used to being able to adjust anything. After the trip I was tired, but I wasn't sore anywhere, the pack was very easy to wear and felt like a natural extension of my body. My only gripe is the excessive clutter of zipper tags, bungee cords, and unnecessary straps, who needs a carrying strap for a backpack? Nothing a good pair of scissors couldn't solve.

None

None

Just purchased the Frostfire 5500 a few weeks ago. I had purchased the Frostfire 2 some 11 years ago and have been pleased enough with that product to go ahead and purchase another backpack from Mountainsmith. Clearly there have been some nice improvements to the Frostfire line since my original purchase. The 5500 has a much larger frame and hip belt than my original Frostfire 2 and subsequently seems to be much more capable of carrying larger loads (50+pds) of equipment comfortably. The hydro bladder pocket is a nice extra that allows you to carry up to 100oz of liquid in a well-positioned location. Material and workmanship seems to have remained top notch since my original purchase. The 5500 has a large outer pocket that really adds a lot of extra carrying capacity compared to the Frostfire 2. Finally the J-zip on the 5500 provides greater accessibility than the top loading design of my original Frostfire. All in all I am quite pleased with this new purchase. Hopefully I''ll get over 10 years of use out of this pack like I did my original Frostfire.

Customer Service

Once I had some stitching come loose on the top pocket of my original pack. Mountainsmith fixed the problem quickly and professionally.

Similar Products Used:

Have only used Mountainsmith internal frame packs

I've owned my Frostfire II for about 7 years now. In that time it's been on my back for many a trail mile. I've taken it on countless weekend trips, more 4-5 day trips than I can remember, and a few climbing treks--and it still looks as good as new.

The pack did take a bit to adjust to my body (or maybe I adjusted to it). But, like a good pair of boots, once it did it was very comfortable. Unlike some others reviewers, I've never found the waistbelt to be too mushy, but maybe MS used firmer materials on their older models. One caveat is that this is a big pack, and as others have said, it is easy to stuff too much into it.

I also own a MS lumbar pack, which I use on just about all of my fair-weather day hikes. I love the fact that on really long or winter trips I can attach the lumbar pack to the Frostfire for some extra pocket space.

If you are in the market for a very well made pack and are looking to carry big and moderately heavy loads, go with a Frostfire.

Similar Products Used:

None

I purchased the frostfire 55 about 2 summers ago. At first I had a lot of trouble getting it adjusted. Then the carry or lifting handle pulled off.I went to my favorite hiking spot(lots of hills} and after much effort got it somewhat comfortable. arter 2 days of hiking the little fiberglass strut poked out buy the wastbelt. so i packed it up and sent it to mountainsmith, they not only fixed it they replaced the suspension system, aperently it was the wrong one for the pack. Dealing with there customer service was pleasant and they went well out of there way to help me at no charg. when i got it back i noticed the different suspension system and readjusted it and filled it up with 65lb. and went out to the hills. It was agodsend, I did not know a pack could be so comfortable with that much weight. It balanced real well and I really liked being able to adjust the load while it was on my back. I have a low alpine outback that I have had for 4 years and it is onlycomfortable with a light load. Since i have had the frostfire I have rolled down a forthclass climb, drug it up a couple of cliffs and pretty much abused it to know end. It has held up like a champ without so much as a stich popping out. I have sworn off all other packs and will only buy mountainsmith again. though i think it might be a while before ill need another one.

Customer Service

Although they maid a couple mistakes, there service was outstanding. they went out of there way to help me andeven fixed something i did not know was broke, all at no cost to me.

Similar Products Used:

low alpine outback

I bought the frostfire 6500 and have used it on a few multi-day trips. I'm convinced I could live out of this pack indefinitely. It is huge. I pack a full compliment of climbing gear for extended routes and enough gear to camp for days without stretching it. I find it to be very comfortable and after I figured out how to widen the shoulder span it even fit my broad back. During my trips with this pack I have grown to love the J-zip. It is great to have access to anything without unloading. The hydration system is iffy the removable hip back is a little clumsy but I have no doubt that this pack will give me thousands of trail miles without ever needing maintenance. It is truly bombproof. Buy one!

Similar Products Used:

Lowe alpine, North Face

I have the Frostfire II version of the pack. It was given to me by my girlfriend at the time (now my wife). The Frostfire II is the 5016 to 6192 ci version. It is a top loader with full wrapping zipper around the bottom third ahd the "Precision Suspension System" with padded waistbelt.

COST: (3.5/5) Actully my rating on this should be a 5 considering it was a gift. I have always loved MS products (I have a total of 6) and would have paid more for this pack if I had to.

WEIGHT: (4/5) At 5lb 4 oz. empty it's not quite on the hefty side, at least my definition of it, but due to the large compartment and accessory straps, I tend to over pack and make the overall weight an issue.

FIT: (3/5) I had a little trouble with initial fitting and found the waistbelt a little rigid. Once I got the fit to my liking, the pack performed wonderfully, althoug I did have a tendency to overpack (see my review on the North Face Expedition 25 tent). The one problem I have had and am currently battling with, is the aluminum stay. The "precision lift strap" covers the top of the aluminum stays on both sides. I am having a problem with one of the stays that makes its way around the velcro closure and practically shoots out the top of the pack. I am going to seek some assistance at a local retailer to see if there is something I can do to prevent this from happening or to see if there is a way to readjust the pack to shift the pressure off the precisoin lift strap.

PERFORMANCE: (4/5) Very durable pack. Practically bomb-proof. Love the water-bottle holders on both sides. The accessory straps are the best feature of MS packs. I strap my MS day pack on the back of the Frostfire and stow my Leki "Wanderfreund" hiking stick behind the trampoline pocket. Most recently I purchased a Platypus bladder to use in the trampoline. I couldn't find a Camelbak to fit, so I used a 2 liter Platypus.

OVERALL: (4/5) Although biased towards MS and because I have never used anything else, I love the performance and utility of this pack.

Similar Products Used:

None

Frostfire 5 womens pack. I have had my pack for three years and about 450 miles now and i love every aspect of it. The hydration system is awesome, the fit is superb and it converts to a fanny pack. I carried an average of 65 pounds and its balance was out of this world. You can load from the top or via a zipper that runs the length of the pack and across the bottom. It also has nifty straps to hold on to lots of extra stuff. I strongly recommend this pack to anyone. I paid about $225 for mine and it's been worth every cent. If you have a chance, GET THIS PACK!!!

Customer Service

Never needed it the pack is so awesome.

Similar Products Used:

north face arcteryx gregory dana none compare to my mountainsmith

I've had my Frostfire for about ten years now. In a word this is not the pack for you if you plan to carry heavy loads. I'll never be dazzled by an attractive looking pack in the store again. My complaints echo those others who have submitted reviews. The hip belt is far too pliable for serious loads, the shoulder straps are kind of whimpy and get very uncomfortable after about 3 hours on the trail, and there aren't any water bottle holders on the outside of the pack. Also, I just sent it in to have one of the cam buckles that secures the shoulder strap to the pack replaced. It convieniently desentegrated on a trip in Zion last year. Luckily, I was able to cobble a functional connection with some extra tent guy line. The repair department tells me that they no longer make the pack with these cam buckles. It's too early to tell how well the repair was done as Mountainsmith still has the pack. With exception to the Cam buckle snapping it has been pretty durable. I has been my only pack for about ten years of some substantial use. It's even been to Africa and back with me for a Peace Corp stint.

Customer Service

Kieth at the repair department seemed quite helpful. He encouraged me to send it on in even though I wasn't looking for that- I just wanted a new cam buckle. We will see if he can keep his word about the turn around time.

Similar Products Used:

I have tried my wife's Gregory pack. It's nothing special, just a base model Gregory without any bells and whistles. That pack has mine beat hands down for comfort even though it's not fit for my frame! It was also much cheaper than my pack at the time. Go figure.

I have an older Frostfire 7(5 years). The comment that wraps up this pack in one sentence is; "Who is they guy with the refrigerator on his back?". This is a very large pack and has served me well for all winter camping and mountaineering trips. Bigger is not always better, you will need a separate summer pack. Today, the only way I would recommend this pack to someone is if they could find an older version. The new designs and materials are not the same Mountainsmith from a few years back. I hope they go back to the "Original" Theme like Coca-Cola did.

Customer Service

The customer service personnel that you reach on the phone are great. The repair service is not so good. I sent a pack in that I had for about a month. The stitching on the pocket was pulling out and I already warn a whole in the outside pocket. I sent it in for repair and was returned a fowl smelling and sloppy patch over the pocket that had just missed covering the hole that I asked to be repaired as well.
After a long talk with a patient customer service representative, UPS stopped by and picked up the pack. The pack was returned with a bigger patch sewn over the pocket. I have had a bad taste in my mouth ever since. I have about six old style Mountainsmiths for sale if you are interested.

Similar Products Used:

Mountainsmith, '93 Rock-It, '98 Rock-It(Bad Experience), Ladies Frostfire 6 and 5, Mens Frostfire 6, Tryol and Day Pack.

I am happy with my frostfire 6 which has enough space for weekends to weeks. The hip belt could be a little stiffer. I have had mine for 2 years and have had no problems with it at all. Once you find the fit you need it will be very comfortable for days on the trail. It needs to have water bottle pockets on the outside. The internal hydration pocket is great with the hose coming out from behind the head. I have a 21 inch torso so I had to get a long which has well suited me. This is a asome pack for guys who like all there gear in one large internal pocket. I recomend it to anyone!

Customer Service

not not yet and don't expect to with the condition my frostfire is in.

Similar Products Used:

Kelty external great pack just out grew it.