Marmot Eiger Pack, size Large
Owner Review
Review Date: 09/16/2005

Reviewer Information

Name: Justin Gill
Age: 22
Gender: Male
Height: 6’ 1” (1.83 m)
Weight: 200 lb (91 kg)
Email address: justinfgill@hotmail.com
City, State, Country: Marina, CA, USA

Backpacking Background: I started backpacking as a Boy Scout when I was in elementary school. I have evolved from the “Be Prepared” type that carried a 60 lb (27 kg) pack for a weekend, to a lightweight backpacker. I am an avid climber that dabbles in mountaineering, and alpinism. I go into the backcountry at least once a week, whether it be a day hike or a thru hike. Most of my time is spent in the Big Sur area, as I am only 30 minutes for a multi-day trailhead, but I do hike all over California. A “normal” trip for me would be 2-3 days, averaging 10-15 miles (16-24 km) a day.

Product Information

Manufacturer: Marmot
Year of Manufacture: 2005
URL: http://www.marmot.com/
Listed weight: 3 lb 6 oz / 1.5 kg
Weight as delivered: 3 lb 6 oz / 1.5 kg
Volume: 2400 cu in (39 L)
Size: Large
Available Colors: Black, Blue, Gold, Red
MSRP: $99.00 US

Description

The Marmot Eiger 36 is a low to medium volume daypack, built to fill the gap between a rucksack, and a typical 3700 cu in (60 L) pack. Touted as a “multi-sport daypack with capacity for almost all one-day outings”, the Eiger proved to be just that, and then some (more in field usage). The pack bag is constructed of 420d Broken Twill nylon, and reinforced with 860d HT nylon for durability. The bag is top opening, and has a removable lid with two additional storage pockets.
The inside of the bag is accessed through a standard drawstring closure and overstuff collar that are further secured and compressed by means of a single 1 in (2.5 cm) strap.

The Eiger’s interior is lined in bright yellow, and has a basic pocket for putting in a hydration bladder. The pack’s exterior boasts a generous sized daisy chain, and two basic ice axe loops with shock cord attachments for the axe handles. Each side of the Eiger has a small slash pocket, and two compression straps, making a convenient stash location for skies, or even telescoped trekking poles. The bag’s back panel is a compression-molded sheet, and has a single aluminum stay.

The waist belt is designed from mesh and DriClime, and provides a comfortable fit despite the lack of padding. The waist belt is attached to the pack via a generous amount of hook and loop fastener, providing a small range on ride height adjustment, as well as the option for total removal. The S shaped shoulder straps round out the pack’s load-carrying capabilities allowing the user to carry up to 30 lb (13.6 kg) comfortably. The Eiger is well made and attractive. When looking at the pack I cannot see anything that was designed as a way of cutting costs. I feel the Eiger 36 is a definite bargain for the price.

Field Usage

This pack is suited to more than a single task. Though advertised as a daypack, I have found this pack to be perfect sized for everything from late Spring Shasta summits, to light and fast three-day trips in the Ventana Wilderness. My first outing with the Eiger 36 was a special backcountry dinner with my wife and baby. I was able to fit a white gas backpacking stove, food for a three course meal, a four piece alpine cook set, a bottle of wine, wine glasses, heavy blanket, extra layers, plus all of my baby’s supplies in this pack with no problem.

The pack carried a 25 lb (11.3 kg) load easily, and comfortably. I was hiking with trail runners and trekking poles and found the pack’s narrow profile to be conducive to the type of arm swing that would occur during aerobic packing, or even cross-country skiing. My typical trip with this pack consists of a simple overnight trip of anywhere from 20 to 30 miles (32-48 km) total. I have found the capacity of a size large enough to have sufficient space for the essentials I carry when packing light. The Eiger’s climbing-inspired construction provides a solid sway-free fit that lends itself well to going fast.

Summary

The Eiger 36 is a good multi-purpose pack, especially for the budget minded. I purchased the pack to fill the role of a simple summit pack, but ended up using it for so much more. The pack has held up to the abuse of narrow slot canyons, and nasty rappels. The pack shines through as summit pack, and technical daypack, and adequate for light overnight trips. The Eiger’s weight is a bit on the heavy side, though, and the unpadded waist belt could prove problematic for some. Sizing is made difficult by the lack of listed torso fit sizes, and the problem is compounded by the limited adjustment. The interior hydration pocket is a large mesh slot that allows smaller bladders to shift around.

Things I Like:

1. Stability
2. Bomber Construction
3. Narrow Profile

Things I Didn’t Like:

1. Weight (could be lighter)
2. Lack of Adjustability
3. Interior Hydration Pocket