The Mountainsmith Approach II is a large technical daypack, appropriate for long day hikes and geocache hunts and for moms and dads who carry the entire family’s equipment. At 2,500 ci, it’s also a good size for minimalist overnight trips and winter hiking. The pack has a light internal frame and hip belt, allowing the user to carry heavier loads comfortably.

The Approach II has five external pockets. Two long pockets on the sides will fit small Thermos bottles, one-liter water bottles and similar sized items. These pockets are designed to allow long, narrow items to pass through, so you can use them to hold trekking poles, tent poles and fishing rods. A single pocket on the front is ideal for storing maps, guide books, flashlights, rain gear, first aid kit and trade items and it has a mesh pocket inside that is perfect for keeping smaller items like batteries, pocket knife, sunscreen and small bottles of insect repellent.

There is also an internal clip to keep your car keys safe. Two mesh pockets at the bottom will fit one-liter water bottles. They are angled forward to allow easy access while wearing the pack, though returning the bottle to the pocket with the pack on can take some dexterity and practice. These mesh pockets are equipped with an elastic drawstring and are also perfect for holding digital cameras, GPSs, PDAs, MP3 players and other, smaller items.

The Approach II is hydration system compatible and has an exit port on the top for a drinking tube and an internal pouch that will hold up to a 4 liter water bladder like the Camelbak Unbottle 100 or Platypus Hoser 4 (not included). Between the hydration bladder and side water bottle pockets the pack will carry enough water for desert geocachers, or those who are spending a lot of time outdoors on hot summer days.

The Approach II has a single, generously sized main compartment for extra clothing, lunch and anything else you might need to carry. Its panel access design makes for easy to access items packed at the bottom. It also has an expandable “shovel pocket” on the front that is perfect for storing things like wet raincoats, odd shaped items and anything else that you wouldn’t want to carry inside the pack. It’s made from a durable 420 denier ripstop Kodra nylon and 840 denier Kodra armored bottom fabric.

Geocaching application(s): The shovel pocket on the front can expand to fit cache containers up to and including .30 cal ammo boxes so it’s ideal for carrying a cache into the backcountry. The shovel pocket is also good for CITO, as you can use it for carting out trash without putting it inside the pack along with your lunch and clothing.

Pros: Comfortable, hydration system compatible, ruggedly built, generous storage and convenient pockets, well thought out design.

Cons: Geocachers who don’t need the capacity should consider a smaller pack.

Bottom line: The Mountainsmith Approach II is perfect for those geocachers who prefer longer hikes and anyone who needs a daypack with larger than average carrying capacity. The Mountainsmith Approach II also comes in a slightly smaller women’s model.