July 14, 2022 |  By Rachelle Schrute

The Pnuma Outdoors Crestone Mountaineer Pack is a hardy backpack with some cool features. And it’s capable of coming out of the mountains heavy.

Backpacks are a notoriously difficult product to perfect. When it comes to hunting packs, that demand for perfection grows exponentially. Pnuma Outdoors has done a pretty epic job with this bag, particularly for being so new to the hunting gear scene.

The quick detach system allows you to load the meat shelf without a bunch of cumbersome strap work. It has a high-quality, durable feel with serious padding for comfort. Storage options are ample, and it has a cool look.

Save for a few minor attachment point issues; it’s a good bag.

In short:   The Crestone Mountaineer Pack is a durable, capable backpack for most mountain hunting situations. There are certainly some areas that could be improved, but at half the cost of many other comparable bags, it’s a worthy contender in the hunting bag game.

The bag felt heavy. Right out of the box, it was the first thing I noticed: it is a stout backpack.

At 6.2 pounds, it has some heft over other comparable packs in the hunting space. For example, the Mystery Ranch Metcalf is 5.7 pounds, and the Stone Glacier Sky 5900 is 5.5 pounds. That’s a good half-pound heavier, which is an important thing to note if you’re counting ounces.

However, that additional weight comes with some perks. The dedicated storage this pack offers is pretty top-notch, and the additional padding for comfort is likely worth the weight if you plan on loading it heavy.

The material and overall construction of the pack feel solid. As far as adjustability goes, it should be a good fit for most people, though I found the waist belt to be just too big for me. I pulled those straps tight and still had a bit of wiggle room. If you’re a small-framed human like I am, it might be a hair large.

I was surprised to find a solar panel behind the lumbar section of the pack. It isn’t integrated into the pack build. So, you can view it as a standalone accessory that’s included. 

If you’re someone who likes to have your gear separated and organized in your pack, this does it.

It has more storage compartments than any other bag I’ve used. That is likely where a lot of your extra weight is coming from, but if it’s what you want in a pack, it’s worth it.

The padding is substantial, and even though the waist belt was a bit big for me, it was still comfortable to carry. The shoulder straps, waist belt, and back are heavily cushioned, and they really conform to your shape.

The inner sides of the padded portions also have a bit of tackiness to them via a rubberized pattern. That really helps keep things from sliding around and adds to the comfort.

The quick access load shelf is sweet. The top-load cinch pouch with a full zip front open means you have multiple access options to both load and unload your bag. The multiple storage pockets allow you to keep important things within reach while keeping the rest stored away.

Those hooks don’t stay hooked. I’ve never been a fan of this attachment, but particularly so on this pack in this location. On my first hike with the bag, my right side strap kept popping off. This is entirely because the attachment requires tension.

Any reduction in tension, like readjusting where your bag sits, or jumping down off of something, temporarily releases that pressure, and these hooks tend to unhook.

It’s not a deal breaker, but is definitely a flaw that would need altering. I’m going to retrofit a standard plastic strap adjuster like the ones used everywhere else on the pack.

Though it’s a nice addition, I haven’t been able to get mine to work. It’s a simple solar panel with a USB port. In my case, I don’t have many electronics that utilize USB anymore.

Aside from that, I did attempt to get a charge to my GPS watch, but I just couldn’t pull enough to get a charge going. If I’m going to carry a solar charger, I’ll likely go with one of the big dogs that get it done.

Listen, weight matters. For a lot of us, those extra ounces/pounds just aren’t something we want to take into the mountains with us, if we don’t have to. The added weight on this pack has purpose, but unless you’re looking for those specific perks – it can just feel bulky.

The Pnuma Outdoors Crestone Mountaineer is a good pack. The minor flaws are outweighed by the benefits of the pack.

I’ll continue using it for various outdoor activities with some minor alterations. I probably won’t take it into the backcountry, but for close single day hunts where I’m not counting every pound, it’ll get the job done. For the price, it certainly measures up.

Rachelle Schrute has been writing about hunting, fishing, and conservation for several years, as well as being a wilderness guide in Yellowstone National Park. Prior to that, Rachelle held leadership positions in multiple conservation organizations and often finds herself testifying in the capitol on topics ranging from wildlife management to habitat protection. Based in Montana, Rachelle is an avid hunter, angler, wild game cook, and professional outdoor napper.

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