Compression Straps
The Salute’s compression straps are placed in such a way that they cross over the zipper as well as the outside stretch pockets, making both inaccessible when the straps are tightened down. I should note that this design is not unique to MHM—I’ve owned North Face, Deuter, and Osprey daypacks with the same design—but it still strikes me as a basic flaw.
To solve this compression strap issue, I’d be interested to see MHM follow the lead of duffle bag makers, and put a set of internal compression straps on the Salute. This would allow for load compression before the bag is zipped fully.
That said, I really do like the idea of having stowable compression straps and ice axe loops. All the straps have their own garages built into the pack that you can close with a little piece of velcro. When they’re all stowed away, the pack looks very sleek.
Volume
Although MHM claims the Salute is a 34 liter pack, in practice I found the functional volume to be significantly less.
This summer, I alternated between the Salute 34 and an older Black Diamond Speed 30 for climbing trips. While the Speed 30 swallowed my climbing rack, rope, and helmet, I always had trouble fitting even a rack into the Salute 34. At Indian Creek, Utah, I could only fit a single rack of five cams, my climbing shoes, my helmet, and a layer into the pack—my rope and harness had to go on the outside. I’ve found you often have to take stated pack volumes with a grain of salt.
I think some of this discrepancy between stated volume and functional volume has to do with pack shape. Looking at the Salute from the front, the pack is widest by the shoulders and tapers at the hip. This means there’s less volume near the center of your back and more by your shoulders.
This made packing the Salute a challenge since I was unable to put heavier, bulkier items near the bottom and the curve of the pack created dead space. I found that when it comes to packing climbing gear or other bulky items, I prefer a simpler pack design like that of the Speed 30 or the Cold Cold World Chernobyl—essentially a straight-sided sack with a frame.
Bottom Line
I really think MHM is on the right path with the Salute 34, and a few tweaks would turn the pack into a really excellent product.
And while the Salute 34 is relatively expensive for a daypack, its suspension system and super durable materials set it apart from most other daypacks on the market.
This pack can survive a 6+ month thru-hike. I met a AT thru-hiker who managed to pack all of his gear in the 34 liters.
That’s impressive! Using the Salute as an AT thru-hiking pack just goes to show how different users can utilize a pack differently. I’m always in awe of how little ultra-light thru-hikers carry and the size of their packs. It’s so cool to hear that there are people pushing the pack’s limits in that way.
Great review. Nice to hear you enjoyed our fabric and the pack!
CORDURA(R) Brand
Account Manager
The MHM34 goes on its maiden voyage with me to Mt.Greylock this weekend. I will be using it as overnighter. I’ll see how it goes
Is there a means of fastening trekking poles onto the Salute 34. Plus I know most airlines limit carry-on items to 22″. i am guessing I might be able to lose a few inches (to get it to 22″) if I leave the lid empty. True? Thanks.
Hey Mike, the Salute does not have a set of dedicated trekking pole holders like what’s found on say, the Osprey Kestrel 32, but the ice axe loops can certainly hold a pair of poles with ease. As for the carry-on, I did not attempt to take the pack on a plane, but I have taken a fully loaded 60 liter pack as a carry-on multiple times without issue. Generally when flying with gear I’ve found that no airline makes a fuss about a backpack, it’s duffles and roller-bags that are more of an issue.
Could you also use this bag for the snow? I’ve heard it’s possible to attach a snowboard on the back with the compression straps
Hi Jeremy! Although you certainly could use the compression straps to attach a snowboard to the back of the Salute, I prefer using a snow-specific pack for the winter. A couple reasons for this:
First, a snow-specific pack will have a dedicated pocket for avalanche safety equipment. If a partner gets caught in an avalanche, the last thing I want to do is wrestle my shovel and probe out of my pack around my layers, water, etc.
Second, although you can use the compression straps on most packs to put skis or a snowboard on the back, I’ve found that most straps (or rather the buckles) are inadequate for holding the board in place securely. Having tried to use normal packs for skis, I often find that the weight and torque of the skis ends up loosening the straps as I boot-pack and then they end up sliding down, hitting my legs, or throwing me off balance.
MHM makes a snow-specific pack, the Powderkeg 32 which Blister has reviewed as well: http://blistergearreview.com/gear-reviews/mhm-powderkeg-32 (a quick search of the site will also bring up several other winter packs)
All that said, yes, you could use the Salute 34 for snow, but I think there are better options out there. If you want to stick with just one pack and use it occasionally for winter adventures, the Salute 34 will work just fine. But if you’re looking for a dedicated snow pack, I’d steer you towards something like the Powderkeg 32.