Ultimate Direction Scram Review

The Ultimate Direction Scram is a uniquely versatile pack with some features specific to climbing, running, alpine, and skiing packs. These features and accessories are somewhat unique in our review, but what really sets the Scram apart from the competition are the two shoulder strap pockets. No other pack in our test has anything like them.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

The 17" back length on the Scram is on the longer end of our testing spectrum, so we initially suspected it would work best for taller climbers. However, the bottom of the pack is sloped up and away from the back, and the back panel sports a decent top to bottom taper, so medium-sized climbers might also find it to be a good fit. The versatile fit is enhanced by the removable hip belt, which has three possible positions for folks of different heights.

The Scram comes in two sizes: SM/MD and MD/LG. Our lead tester is 5' 11", 150 pounds, and has a 37" chest. He found the MD/LG to be the right fit, though the sternum straps were on the shorter side. The shoulder straps are made of unusually stiff material. Our lead tester found this uncomfortable only when the pack was loaded to the gills; other testers noticed it all the time. Try the pack on to make sure it's comfortable for you.

The back of the pack has integrated padding as well as removable foam. The stiffness of the foam was nice for heavier (or pointier) loads. Removing it allowed the pack to move with us better while climbing without sacrificing all padding.

Climbing Utility

While the Scram has most of the features we look for in a climbing pack, it's missing something that is crucial for our testers and adds little to pack weight or complexity: hydration system compatibility. Many climbers find a hydration system indispensable on all-day routes, and this is one of the only packs in our review with no compatibility. If you want to use a hydration system with this pack, there's no easy way to hang the reservoir inside, and the hose will run out of the top opening and away from you. While this isn't a surprise (Ultimate Direction explicitly says it's not compatible on their website), we missed this basic feature.

The lid of the pack has one small zippered pocket, and this houses the key clip. This pocket is next to impossible to get into if the top strap is cinched down. There are also two pockets on the shoulder straps. These are similar to pockets you might find in a running vest and are unique in our review. One is a drop-in pocket that is just big enough for a 500mL running style soft bottle. The other is a zippered pocket that's big enough for smaller smartphones or a gel, lip balm, and route topo.

There is no whistle on the sternum strap buckle. As mentioned above, the hip belt is removable. Without the included accessories, the Scram is streamlined, and we think it could easily slip through a thicket of manzanita or slide alder. This bag has no hauling-specific features, and the grab loop between the two shoulder straps is weirdly small.

Durability

While Ultimate Direction doesn't give us a specific number for the denier the Scram is made of, it feels like it is in the 300 - 400 range. The bottom of the pack's front panel has an additional coating on it which we think enhances abrasion resistance in that area. So far, we have had no durability issues with any of the myriad buckles, toggles, and zippers on this bag.

Versatility

Ultimate Direction implies that the Scram is designed for skiing, climbing, running, and more. Get it, S.C.R.A.M.? The pack comes with a bunch of accessories for other sports that take a bit of fiddling to set up. While we didn't have the chance to test this pack's skiing and alpine climbing functionality during the late summer through early fall rock climbing season, we did try out the included ski and ice tool carry accessories at home, and they worked as advertised.

We took the Scram out running, and while it was more voluminous than what we'd normally use for a trail run, it was quite stable. A big contribution to the stability was the second sternum strap, an accessory that comes with the pack. The sternum straps are attached with a toggle that Ultimate Direction calls a “T-hook”. Our reviewers have seen buckles like this before, and they're often hard to use. This T-hook is no exception. The pockets for the toggle are too small, making adjusting, installing, and removing the sternum strap harder. This, in turn, actually makes the pack less versatile because it's a disincentive to use the accessory.

We thought the Scram was a bit on the heavy side to be carried in a bigger pack to a backcountry base camp. The top strap and accessory bungee cord (once attached) did a decent job securing additional gear to the outside of the pack. And though our testers generally found the Scram to be too techy looking for social occasions, it hauled groceries and mail as well as any other pack.

Weight

The Scram is on the heavier end of our testing spectrum. With all of the included doodads, it weighs in at 1.4 pounds (about 650 grams). However, setting aside the accessories for skiing, the bungee cord, the ice tool shaft velcro, and the extra sternum strap sheds about 3 ounces. Pulling out the hip belt and foam pack pad (there is some padding built into the back panel itself) slims the pack down by another 3 ounces.

Value

This bag is among the more expensive packs in our review. However, for climbers who want one small pack to rule them all… one small pack for climbing, running, skiing, and other stuff, the Scram is a good value.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a small pack just to take up longer rock climbs, the Scram - what with all of its extra doodads - is a bit too fiddly and complicated. The two biggest problems we have with the pack are the incompatibility with a hydration system and the unnecessary difficulty of using the sternum strap T-hook system. However, if you want a small pack for long runs, short ski tours or alpine climbs, and long rock routes and you're willing to spend some time setting it up, the Scram could be a good choice.