Sean L.
I haven't been able to use this pack on trail yet, but have used it daily and have been surprised how its performed. It seems to be fairly robust and durable, but time will tell.
Gavain M.
This is a great pack in a lot of ways.
The pros:
The construction is great. The straps are comfortable. Even at 6'2", it still fit well for me. It sits a little high (sizing for taller hikers would be a plus) but it's manageable. I like the stretch mesh and really like the waterproof pocket. The option to add shoulder strap pockets is great.
The cons:
The side pockets are frustrating. The elastic is awful and makes using the pockets more work than it should be. ULA has the perfect side pocket restraint design, and that style of side pocket shock cord system would be much better than what the Mile28 currently has (what I call waistband elastic ... no control, one tension all the time ... tight). With a pack this compact, and no hip belts, the side pockets matter more than you think. Make them bigger, and fix the elastic so you can actually use them while hiking. I hate taking my pack off to get to those pockets. Since there's no way to add hip belt pockets, you need to add something on those side pockets to expand the storage options for in-hike snacks, cell phones, gps units, etc.
I found the top closure wonky. The bag has a similar closure system to the Gossamer Gear Kumo 36, but maybe a little less well executed. The collar on the bag needs to be a little taller so you can load the bag and still have enough roll to secure the bag closed. Mine started unrolling some while I was hiking if I didn't strap anything down to the top of my pack (which I don't like doing). Again, I'll refer to some other pack makers' approach to a more traditional roll-top design. I think you'd retain the weight saving of the pack but improve the top closure.
Recommendations:
I'd love to see some light gear straps on the bottom of the pack. Put some Molle style loops on the bottom (maybe two on each end) and supply a couple 1" buckle straps to run through those loops and secure additional gear. That would provide the ability to store a tent outside the pack (even small ultralight ones) to make room for gear inside. Just a thought. Maybe offer it as an option. I know I would have paid extra for it.
Overall:
I like the pack. I don't mean to sound overly critical, but I want to be honest with folks considering this as a multiday backpacking option. I just spent a week+ in the Ozarks, where we base camped and did two overnight backpacking outings. I brought the Mile28 to take on the trail, but when loading it I realized the ways it didn't work for me on that trip and ended up taking my Ohm 2.0 instead, which worked out great. I saved the Mile28 for use as a daypack while back at camp, and it worked great for that. Some of it is me, because I'm not really used to the pack yet and have my inertia established with my ULA packs. I'm not used to not having a hip belt with pockets, and found I couldn't find a good place to keep what I normally put there. I have shoulder pockets on my Mile28, but already have a plan for them just like I normally use on my other packs (which also have shoulder pockets). Altogether, I do not regret buying it, but I will need to make some mods to the pack to make it work for me the way I hoped it would. Materials are great. Construction is outstanding. This is a compact, ultralight pack. Space is going to be tight. You aren't taking this out for a 4-day hike. I want to take it out again, and plan to shortly, on an overnight. I do really like it. I think I need more time to get used to it (and I think I'm going to have to fix the side pockets so they are more usable).
Jason J.
All you need in a true day or minimal overnight pack. Great materials. Solid construction. Well designed. Has nearly all one needs and nothing you don’t but I wish I got the strap pocket. Wish it was included. Plan on using it regularly and will be taking it with me for a four month trip throughout Africa as my edc and bag for day hikes and for my summit of Kilimanjaro!
Justin P.
Great ultralight backpacking pack for my 10 yr olds!
Jim F.
Loved mine so much, I got one for my wife! Outstanding day pack or maybe even a super UL pack. Craftsmanship is top notch and and it’s very appealing to the eye. Great job Waymark!
John M.
I put in the comments the length of my torso and it’s too short. The removable hip belt goes across the center of my stomach well above my hips. I’m 6’2” and it’s not built for someone my heaving, or at least this one isn’t. It’s too bad because it’s a very well built pack. Guess I’ll let me daughter use it.
Mark S.
The Mile 28 is the smaller brother to my Waymark Thru 42. Both are great!
The Mile is great for me when I need a bit more great for a day hike, such as fishing or exploring new terrain.
I find it also very good for overnight trips using my UL gear combination.
Very well designed. Everything is where I need it. Everything I need and nothing I don't, and that keeps the weight low.
Very well constructed. I trust Waymark.
Michael D.
Great Day Pack!
Michael D.
Excellent backpack, High Quality, Quick turnaround time, Great Design. One of my favorite packs so far, i didn't realize what i was missing out on. Thanks again WayMark, Good Stuff!!
Yancy V.
I was always used to getting bigger packs for my weekend adventures as a newbie it what someone does albeit after I found out about the Mile pack thanks to Devin and many other youtubers I gave it a try and wow this is my go-to pack for every adventure. It is very versatile and love the zip pocket to keep my valuables safe and side pockets are perfect for water not to mention the slots for my hiking poles, I will purchase another one to gift to my father he loved it and asked where I got it from, shhh! It's a surprise for his birthday. Thank you.
Zach T.
I was looking for a sub 1-pound day bag for quick excursions and training. This bag did not disappoint! Comfortable suspension and I like the stash pocket and stretch pocket to throw quick access items in. The side pocket holds a water bottle securely, even while running. Great bag!
Matt M.
The pack is well made, holds all my stuff, but isn’t too big on my back. I would buy again, and recommend it. I use it as a day/ski pack.
Melissa M.
Great pack! Love the design. Very comfortable and big enough for everything you need! highly recommend and they have great customer service!
Chris T.
I’m a larger fella and my only complaint is that the plastic clips for the detachable waist belt dig into my sides and is pretty painful. I wish the flaps that go between the clips and my body were larger.
Otherwise great pack.
Tyler C.
I have only had the Mile out on a couple of day hikes, but already impressed. There was a change in fabric that needed made, and Waymark reached out and addressed the issue. This seems to be a great company to work with as well. So far, I can see this being my go-to pack for day hikes, travel, and minimalist overnights.
Mary B.
I like the bag but the color is more burnt orange rather than red.
Christopher H.
Bag is nice but I already knew that coming into the purchase because a friend has one. Customer service via email was rude. Asked a simple question and got a rather cold response about delivery request. Could have lived without that one.
Tad K.
Plenty of space for everything I need to carry, well made in the U.S. Good people to work with.
Franklin H.
Great quality! Perfect size for a daypack or ultralight overnight. My favorite pack by far. Looking forward to many years of service !
Mark G.
This day pack is great. The eco version is great for the environment. Hardly anyone seems to care that they are poisening animals when they use DWR products containing PFCs and PFOA's. It's the opposite of leave no trace in the backcountry.
It's great companies like waymark are starting to make products without this poisen inside of them.
As someone 6'1'' and fairly flexible my only complaint is that the water bottle holders are quite far back and i have to loosen the straps completly to reach them. Using other packs i am able to reach them. But this is easy fix to loosen the shoulder straps then reach back so I dont have to stop while hiking to drink water. YMMV. Ovevrall I absolutelyl love this pack and look forward to putting thousands of trail miles on it. Great job Waymark!
Brandon A.
The Mile is my favorite day pack that I own. It’s also the first “ultralight” pack I have used. The materials are of excellent quality and the construction is top notch. I absolutely love the rolltop main compartment. Stacking and stuffing gear is just so much easier on a rolltop than on a zippered bag. It also packs so much more than its size would suggest. It’s the lightest carrying pack I own regardless of the load I have in it. I opted for a pack without a hip belt as I just find them to get in the way and be generally unnecessary on a pack this size. I have had no issues with stability despite it’s lightweight feel. The stretchy outer pocket makes for quick stashing of jackets, gloves, snacks etc. and the large side pouches fit and secure all sorts of items. If I had to wish for something it would be a small d-ring sewn into the smaller zippered compartment for my car keys or other vital items that are easily lost. I also wish the side pouches were easier to reach while wearing the pack or maybe angled forward to make getting a water bottle out a little easier. These are minor gripes and won’t stop me from using this pack on every day trip for the foreseeable future.
Chip K.
I was looking for something that offered a bit more room than my standard 22L day pack. After talking with Devon, I decided that this was the pack for me, and I am so glad to take his advice. First off it is super comfortable. I am 6 foot 4 and most packs just do not fit my wide shoulders, but the MILE does. It sits high on my back and stays tight with every bend, twist, or movement I make. It holds my gear to include the standard essentials plus a folding chair, a cook pot and stove since every day trip MUST involve a cup of coffee or a hot lunch, and anything else I may want from an extra puffy or rain jacket. I am really impressed with its ability to keep water out. The flap the sits over the zipper on the back pouch is so simple that it makes you wonder why other manufactures do not do the same thing - I live just outside of Seattle and appreciate that detail.
If you are looking for a solid and comfortable day or overnight pack you would not go wrong with putting it at the top of your list. I am truly glad that I listened to Devon and pulled the trigger on purchasing a red MILE.
John K.
This is easily my favorite day pack! It's the perfect size to carry whatever I need without being too bulky. It's also great, because it's not "slouchy" like a lot of other day packs I've used. It keeps it's shape really well. I've also used it on some overnight trips as my pack. This has to be one of the best ultralight backpacking/dayhiking packs made. I've used it in some pretty decent rain, and my gear stayed nice and dry. It's also nice having a pack made out of recycled material. Great job, Waymark!
