Compression Straps
The compression straps and tool loops on the Fifty-Two 80 can be tucked away in their own little velcro pockets, giving it a very clean, streamlined look. (There are also stowable, stretchy water bottle pockets on each side of the pack that will hold a one-liter bottle.) Using the straps available, I was able to strap a bear fence and a portalegde to the outside of the pack, but not much else.
Built-in Stuff Sack
An external, zippered flap at the bottom of one of the sides of the Fifty-Two 80 houses a built-in, waterproof stuff sack which extends into the bottom of the pack’s main compartment. The stuff sack does not have compression straps, but I found I was able to stuff my 20°F Mountain Hardwear Spectre into it with enough space left to also fit a spare shirt, underwear, and socks. Given this, I would assume less packable synthetic bags would also fit in the stuff sack, but I can’t be sure.
I like the idea of an integrated waterproof stuff sack, but I personally didn’t end up using it often in the field. The stuff sack, even when fully stuffed, only occupies a portion of the floor of the pack, leaving a partial void that can be difficult to fill with other items. This meant that if I placed my sleeping bag at the bottom of my liner bag instead of using the built in stuff sack (as you would on most other packs), I was able to use the space at the bottom of the bag more efficiently. However, while I personally didn’t use it, if you weren’t using a liner bag and didn’t need to utilize the the maximum amount of the pack’s volume, the built-in stuff sack could prove handy.
Water Resistance
The Fifty-Two 80 is not waterproof, but it is quite water resistant. I left it outside my tent through multiple torrential Colorado thunderstorms and some atypical day-long rain showers and the inside stayed almost completely dry. (In a more humid environment, like the Pacific Northwest or the Appalachians, a little more moisture probably would have made its way inside the pack.) I’ll still use a large dry bag or trash bag to line the pack to ensure that my things stay 100% dry, but it’s nice to know that an item isn’t sure to get wet if I did happen to pack it outside the liner.
Materials & Durability
Like all MHM packs, the Fifty-Two 80 is made almost completely from Cordura fabric. After logging a number of days with the Salute 34 last summer, using other Cordura products, and dragging the Fifty-Two 80 across boulder fields and through willows and mud, I’m fairly convinced that three things will survive the apocalypse: cockroaches, Twinkies, and anything made from Cordura.
As an outdoor educator, I don’t use my gear lightly, and I was impressed that the Fifty-Two 80 made it through 18 days of heavy use with no visible damage, besides the typical scuffing. Even the bottom of the pack (where holes are usually quick to appear), shows very little wear and the pack’s zippers, straps, and buckles are all intact.
Bottom Line
Over the years, I’ve used a number of packs, including an old Dana Designs Astralplane and the lightweight Black Diamond Infinity, and the Fifty-Two 80 is one of my favorites. At six pounds, it isn’t the lightest pack out there, nor the cheapest, but given its impressive durability, a simple, useful set of features, and a very comfortable suspension system, I think the Fifty-Two 80 is an excellent choice for anyone working or playing outdoors with a lot of gear to carry.
Matt, compared to something like a Gregory Baltoro 75, how would you say the suspension compares for loads upwards of 50lbs? Lumbar support good?
Hey Jeff, I think the suspension on the Baltoro 75 is comparable to the Fifty-Two 80 as far as >50lbs loads go, but as far as carrying comfort goes I personally prefer the foam that MHM uses as it’s a bit more airy and I think dries faster than the foam that Gregory uses. I would also say that I have had few good experiences with the durability on Gregory packs; specifically I’ve seen multiple Gregory packs on which the stitching around the shoulder straps blew out. With that said of course, I typically put a lot of wear on packs, upwards of 60 field days a summer, and as such tend to accelerate the process.
Very much appreciate the response. Like every review on Blister, yours on this pack is complete and no-nonsense. I’m in the market for a pack simpler than what I have and need it to carry heavy loads well, for miles at a time. I dig the small shop, innovation of companies like MHM and love the fact that sites like Blister are taking the time to look at them. For the amount of money it takes to get into a good pack, taking a chance on less well-established companies is a risk many are not willing to take. Anyway, enough being all wordy… you guys are awesome and your review and response to my question has made my decision. Thanks and keep up the great work.