Mountain Hardwear Chuter 28 backpack

The Mountain Hardwear Chuter 28 is a versatile and smartly designed backpack for your extended day adventures on snow. Featuring some innovative design aspects while maintaining practical functionality, the Chuter 28 offers a great value in a comfortable package.

Designed in conjunction with renowned ski mountaineer Andrew McLean of Utah, it’s clear the design team started from the ground up to incorporate many of McLean’s ideas (he did, after all, help design the Camalot and wire gate carabineers for Black Diamond). From the easily accessible “wet locker” avalanche gear compartment to the rear-entry main compartment (surprisingly missing on many mid-sized packs) to the bright orange interior (a useful visual clue your pack is open), the Chuter 28 is as functional as it is fashionable.

I’ve been using Mountain Hardwear’s Chuter 28 nearly every day for the last couple months, and it’s lived up to the durability test save one minor tear on an internal mesh pocket. Otherwise there hasn’t been a zipper issue or loose thread. While not super lightweight, it’s certainly in the acceptable range for this size of pack.

At 28 litres, the Chuter 28 is the ideal size for extended backcountry day trips. I prefer to have plenty of room to pack the extra puffy jacket, first aid kit and the like, no matter how close to the lifts I may hike. For this reason, anything smaller than the 28 gets a bit cramped. It could be possible to use the Chuter 28 for an overnight adventure if you packed light and tight, but really its ideal use is day trips.

The Chuter 28 has a semi-rigid back support that conforms nicely to the back with a thin foam padding. This offers flexibility while preventing any hard objects poking you. The thin fabric on the back did absorb moisture more than I preferred, but it dried quickly and held up to abuse.

Storage-wise, the Chuter 28 features a slick flap over their “wet locker” compartment that has plenty of room for probe, shovel and skins. Mesh drainage at the bottom means excess moisture/snow can exit and doesn’t get your other gear wet – a nice touch. One aspect of this, however, is the top hole in the flap. I presume this may be for easy access to wands when navigating crevasses; however, I did notice my probe sticking out at times, raising concerns about it falling out. This never happened, but is worth mentioning.

Additionally, the Chuter 28’s main compartment has useful side pockets for water bottles or a thermos, a hydration sleeve and small items zippered pocket with mesh cover. The padded hip belt features two ample hip pockets for a small camera and snack, and an external fleece-lined goggle pocket at the top kept my shades easily accessible.

Mountain Hardwear incorporated all the carry systems in the Chuter 28 you could want, including A-Frame and Horizontal options for skis, and convenient straps for vertical snowboard storage.

Top pocket.

Hip belt pocket.

Super beefy ski carry strap.

Shoulder straps is well padded.

Innovative metallic fast clips.

Verdict:

The Chuter 28 is an innovative, well-designed and durable pack that is the ideal size for extended day trips. The compact, comfortable feel for the size of the pack means you put it on and go with little hassle. The exterior “wet locker” is one of the cleanest avi gear storage compartments I’ve used and ensures quick access. For the reasonable price of $150, the Chuter is a winner that will not disappoint.

SPECS:

Price: $150 US
Capacity: 1700 cu in / 28 L (small/medium), 1850 cu in / 30 L (medium/large)
Weight: 2 lb 7 oz / 1.09 kg (small/medium), 2 lb 10 oz / 1.19 kg (medium/large)
Materials: Body - 420D HD Nylon, Bottom - 420D HD Nylon

PROS:

- Smart design
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Perfect size for extended day trips

CONS:

- Thin back fabric
- Mesh storage pockets could be beefier
- Top hole in “wet locker” flap could result in losing probe/shovel handle

Rating: 9/10

Comfort / Fit       2/2
Features              1.5/2
Durability            2/2
Function              1.5/2
Quality / Price     2/2

This is only our opinion. Do you disagree? Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Join the discussion in the forums here, and let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation.

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