MEC Packs vs. Serratus

[paborden]

Now that Serratus RIP, has anyone had a chance to try out the MEC line of packs? Specifically, I'm looking for a replacement to the Serratus Icefall.

[mec]

I would definitely go for the MEC line...

[fishstick]

There will be no direct replacement for the Icefall coming out under the MEC name.

 

The closest option would likley be the new Alpine 60, due later this summer. The A60 will be quite a bit lighter than offerings such as the Brio series, but I don't think it's as light as the Icefall.

 

Cheers,

 

GB

[thelawgoddess]

i have a big brio (70L?) from mec and am pretty impressed with it so far. i bought it in leiu of renting a pack for nearly as much money. good bargain!

[Zoran]

Fishstick,

Could you tell me more about new A60 if you know. Thanks.

Z

[wrench]

[found this old thread while searching for other reviews so i'm resurrecting it instead of starting a new one to report on the alpinelite 30. TMI, sorry.]

 

Just used my new MEC Alpinelite 30 pack this weekend as a summit ski pack. Loved it. My SO has the old Genie and she loves it, too. So similar, with only minor improvements (IMO) in design, so it's probably not worth upgrading. But I found all the new design features to be well thought out and worth the slight increase in weight and slight decrease in compressibility (in terms of stuffing it into an overnight pack). I was able to fit a 1st aid kit, binding repair kit, down coat, rain coat, avy probe, shovel, extra clothes/gloves/goggles, food and water with a little room to spare. Highly recommend it, especially at that price. Still a little unsure of the long-term durability of the fabric, but it's dyneema, so I'm hoping that means it's good for the wear. that is all.

[jerseyscum]

I have Brio 50 from a couple of years ago & find bag maybe too large. I've thought of trading for the slightly smaller-sized Brio currently available and consider it an A1 small pack for the money. In the interest of economy I'll sit tight for the moment.