Mountain Tools Black Bean Tamale

The Black Bean Tamale's narrow profile permits free arm movement. The hipbelt system pivots, moving up and down with each stride without shifting the load side to side on your back. The molded plastic "Flexframe" helped keep a well-packed load close to our backs on technical terrain and while skiing. One flaw is that the Torso Trak element of the suspension is exposed. If you're not wearing a ton of layers — and who does when climbing? — therein lies the rub, literally and painfully.

Also, if the pack is stuffed, getting gear in and out of the waterproof pocket is a wrestling match. Save room to pad the Torso Trak with a square of closed-cell foam pad — that way there's a layer of protection between your back and sharp objects in the pack.

Weight: 5 lbs., 4 oz.
Capacity: 3,8005,000 cubic inches (unextended-extended)
Price: $425
Suspension: The patented Flexframe, a removable, back-friendly, molded-plastic frame sheet wrapped in a thin quarter-length bivy pad, lies at the heart of this unit's suspension. Shoulder straps connect at the back to a soft-plastic, vertically adjustable Torso Trak. Multiple sizes available on the hipbelt.
Pro: Industrial-strength durability.
Con: Suspension components can rub your back the wrong way.
Comfort: 4
Versatility: 4.5
Comparative Ratings Chart

For more information: Call Mountain Tools at (800) 510-2514, or visit www.mtntools.com.

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