Comments about Mountainsmith Mountainsmith Swift II Lumbar Pack:
Great pack...big enough to hold a light jacket, sunglasses, snacks and camera, yet small enough to be comfortable. This was perfect for day hiking and it is waterproof, which proved out well when we got rained on. Only issue is that it would not hold all typical brands of bottled water...only ones with bottles that were more narrow at the bottom, as the pocket is not quite big enough in diameter.
Comments about Mountainsmith Mountainsmith Swift II Lumbar Pack:
I *really* like this product. The Mountain Smith brand in general seems like a rugged, knows-its-stuff kind of brand, but this is the first time I've tried it first hand. I love the covered zippers--they look like they'll last through they're share of rainstorms. There is way more room than you'd think in here! I rolled up a pair of jeans and a light pull-over in the main compartment during a 4-mile walk! I bought a pair of 12-oz runners' water bottles for the side pouches and these work really well. I also love how the waist straps tuck away when you want to make it just a shoulder bag. I do wish the shoulder straps were a little more substantial, and that they weren't so narrowly...but this is desigend to be a lumbar bag, not a shoulder bag. If you need the storage potential but don't need to carry a giant water bottle/bladder with you, I'd recommend it.