Reader Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5

A little smaller than the G6 but also taller and narrower to keep it from rubbing against off-trail obstacles. It comes with the sternum strap and bungees( for carrying water,adventure race style) that would make the G6 perfect. It's slightly heavier (4.4 oz to the G6 3.7 oz.) but worth it.

The shouder straps are well cut and thinly padded--enough for the loads one would carry in such a pack, and one doesn't have to worry about distributing socks evenly in the staps for comfort ala the GG pack.
The strap options on the outside of the pack mean more places to put lightweight but bulky items. The external pockets have mesh bottoms to allow draining. Very well thought out pack.

My hat's off to Ron Bell.

Edited by kdesign on 12/16/2005 23:12:09 MST.

Rating: 4 / 5

Recieved my MLD Prophet 30 the other day. Its a pretty simple design but will probably do what I envisioned it to: carry a UL 3-day summer kit. I had Ron make some small modifications to my pack like an all mesh pocket, and a shortened roll-top sleeve. The pack gets a 4 out of 5 for 2 reasons.

1. The narrow profile shoulder straps feel a little thin. Abeit my skinned-out pack weight is 7.5 lbs so this might not be a problem. It could potentially become one if water sources are few and far between forcing one to carry a 2 L platy.

2. I would like to see a more abrasion resistant fabric panel for the bottom of the pack. As it stands now I have to be pretty careful when sitting down with the pack.

Apart from these two nit-picky points the pack seems like a great design and compression options are outstanding for such a light pack (~6.5 oz).

Rating: 5 / 5

I've used this pack on anything from small dayhikes to three day trips with up to 15 lbs total pack weight and it has performed valiantly in all cases.

It carries loads on the heavier side of that spectrum admirably and doesn't hurt the shoulders, even without using the hip belt and chest strap which I leave at home. The material is surprisingly strong, surviving me violently stuffing it to the brim, occasionally bushwacking, and sleeping with the pack under my legs for added insulation.

Also, the outside mesh pocket is deceptively large and great for draining out wet clothing. What more can I say? It's the perfect SUL pack.

Edited by patyoda on 11/20/2006 17:21:10 MST.

Rating: 4 / 5

I have used the prophet 30 for several 2-3 day outings. In terms of size, it is great for (extended) weekend trips and it is surprising how much gear you can fit into it. The external mesh pocket is also very versatile. As with other frameless packs, loading and weight distribution is crucial for a good fit. It is difficult to secure and stabilize the top part of the backpack with the bungee compression straps when fully loaded. Would give it a 4-5 rating.

Rating: 5 / 5

This pack is, by all practical purposes, perfect. The material is super tough yet light enough to keep the pack at less than 1lb. I like how sturdy the hip belt buckle is and the shoulder straps are the perfect width and thickness for me. It's a great weekend pack but there is definetely enough room for a 5-7 nighter. Can't say enough about it really.