Mountain Hardwear Scrambler Roll Top 35 OutDry

A versatile lightweight backpack.

First off this my first MH product (yay) and I got this backpack as a lighter and more "fun", so to speak, alternative to my more serious BD Speed Zip 33L.



The Scrambler RT 35 (RT stands for Roll-Top) is basically a more featured drybag that can be used for hiking, canyoning, and is praised by climbers for its outstanding durability and lightness making this a really versatile backpack for a wide range of people.

The weight-to-liter ratio is amazing and further enhanced when taking into consideration its durability.

MH states its weight at 836g, but my cheap digital scale states otherwise.


The color is "Fresh Bud" and is a welcome change from all the dark colored backpacks that I own. Plus I received numerous compliments!

The size is "Unisex Regular" with no other option and it fits my 53cm torso well.

Apart from the waterproof roll-top main compartment the bag also features:

• Side pockets made from strong elastic mesh along with side compression straps to reduce bulk when the pack is not full.
• A super useful front pocket made from the same mesh as the other side ones and used to store wet or soon to get wet gear like a raincoat, wet gloves or a crampon bag. Yes, it's that big!

The front pocket also features a drainage port to keep the bag even drier, like when snow is melting from the crampons.

Padded shoulder straps with emergency whistle and two loops to hang a GPS, digital camera case or guide your hydration bladder hose. The HardWave framesheet is NOT removable which could pose an issue when it's time to washing machine the bag or when trying to shave some weight for ultralight ascends that you don't need the support.

I should add that the fine mesh that runs through the spine and the air channels around it facilitate a fair amount of evaporation. Not bone-dry by any means though.

Adjustable hipbelt with two zippered pockets. The padding although is not thick enough to protect my waist against my keys sticking against me. And I have a fairly slim waist...

According to MH the zippered pockets are large and one is made from fabric while the other is made from mesh.

Mine on the other hand are both fabric and each one is big enough for three cookies or ID, keys, and some money.

Two shockcord and two plain loops (the latter on the bottom) to secure walking sticks or ice axes.

Nicely hidden daisy chain (I counted seven on each side) loops to secure in my case a tent, the crampon bag and my Oregon Scientific portable weather station.


Tiny carabiner to extra secure the crampon bag. Gotta love the daisy chain!

On to the cons:

The framesheet is mostly used for isolating your back from other hand surfaces like let's say a food canister ow..how can I put this?! If you have a somehow slim waist the framesheet sits on top of your behind and does not transfer the weight to the hipbelt, therefore evenly around your hips. That is happening because the hipbelt is not rigid enough at all. I did carry almost 13.5kg but I could feel some of the weight on my shoulders but the stability was very good. Sad for a bag that has so much backpacking potential.

The hipbelt pockets are not waterproof due to the zippers, although I did not test the waterproofness of it or the whole bag's to be honest so I could be wrong.

Did I mention that the hipbelt pockets are small?

Due to the roll-top closure there is not an internal pocket to stow away your keys or other valuables.

I've used the RT 35 on a two-day excursion loaded with a tent, a pair of crampons, an ice axe, sleeping bag, some clothes, and water through mostly rocky terrain with thorny bushes and some mixed snow. I did not treat the bag well but at the end of the trip the bag showed almost no wear even on the most prominent areas which are the bottom, the side and the front pocket.

This is the only wear that I got, probably from the crampon point sticking out of the case.


Almost nothing!

I will update on the durability when I have more kilometers on it.