Get ready for your next adventure
It took us 12,000 miles of hiking to design our perfect backpack: The Prospector (formerly known as The Mo) – a lightweight, fully-featured load hauler, purpose built to support you on your next adventure.
We designed The Prospector to suit the average thru hiker using modern, lightweight gear, with a base weight of up to 10kg/22lbs. We use lightweight, durable materials that are easily able to cope with heavier loads and heavier use. If you are heading out onto rough and overgrown trails like the CDT or Te Araroa, then the Prospector is for you!
With a load capacity of 19kg/42lbs and pack weights starting at just 890g/32oz, The Prospector won't weigh you down.
Weight From 890g / 31.4oz (40L, size M)
Load capacity 19kg / 42lb
Features
Packing Space
Main Pack body
The main body of the pack is completely open, yours to fill as you wish. It is secured with a roll top closure that can be secured vertically for added compression or dry bag style.
Large front pocket
The front pocket can be sewn in either Dyneema Stretch material or Bullet Net, both offer capacious storage. The Dyneema Stretch is better for a cleaner aesthetic and off trail bushwacks (doesn't snag easily) and the Bullet net is better for packing wet gear and improved visibility of items but can snag when bushwacking. The bullet net option will increase the measurable volume of your bag by 5L.
Side pockets
Each pocket can hold 2.5L and are perfectly shaped to carry 2 x 1L smart water style bottles with ease. You can use the elastic drawcord to secure these items whilst walking and, should the elastic ever break or wear out, we have designed it to be easily replaceable.
Load Carrying
S-shaped shoulder straps
Sewn using 10mm foam, durable 210d Robic Extreema face fabric and breathable, soft 3mm spacer mesh
Padded back panel
Uses shaped 8mm closed cell foam. Can be removed when the pack is empty for a 25g weight reduction.
Removable contoured hipbelt
Comes with 4 adjusters that tighten by pulling inwards allowing you to dial in the perfect fit. Can be removed.
Lumbar pad
Made with 10mm EVA foam and 3mm thick spacer mesh.
Sternum strap
Elasticated and height adjustable.
Plastic Frame with removable Alloy stay
Removable frame sheet made of 1mm thick plastic with a sewn-in 12mm / 0.5" alloy bar. The plastic for a medium frame weighs 91g / 3oz, with the alloy weighing 58g / 2oz.
Add More
Shoulder pockets (options)
Super stretchy and big enough to hold most smartphones, a day’s worth of snacks or a 700ml water bottle. The elastic is fixed and, owing to its clever design, does not need a tensioner.
Front zig-zag elastic (optional)
Removable and designed to be able to store a folded Z-rest or assist with air drying your clothes.
Side elastic with Lineloc (optional)
These are there to secure a trekking pole or tent poles when stored in the side pocket..
Ice Axe loop
Sewn-in loop to easily connect an ice axe or walking poles.
Specifications
40L
- Weight* 890g / 31.4oz
- Load capacity 19kg / 42lb
- Height fully unrolled 74cm / 29"
- Circumference at base 81.3cm / 32"
- Circumference at top 91cm / 36"
- Main body volume 35L
- Side pockets volume 2 x 2.5L
* Based on Medium Torso Size before additional customisations
50L
- Weight* 910g / 32.1oz
- Load capacity 19kg / 42lbs
- Height fully unrolled 82.5cm / 32.5"
- Circumference at base 86cm / 34"
- Circumference at top 94cm / 37"
- Main body volume 45L
- Side pockets volume 2 x 2.5L
* Based on Medium Torso Size before additional customisations
60L
- Weight* 965g / 33.8oz
- Load capacity 19kg / 42lbs
- Height fully unrolled 91cm / 35"
- Circumference at base 89cm / 35"
- Circumference at top 99cm / 39"
- Main body volume 55L
- Side pockets volume 2 x 2.5L
* Based on Medium Torso Size before additional customisations
Good to know
Can it fit a Bear Can?
BV450 will fit with the base to your back or a BV500 will fit vertically with a little room at the side for a stuffsack.
How long will it take to make?
Making great things takes time! Our lead time lets you know our estimated production time frame, this may change depending on demand, time of year and staff availability.
Up-to-date lead time can be found at the top of every page on our website.
Once you have placed an order, we update you every few weeks to let you know how things are progressing.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on your delivery information.
UK
£3.95 Small Parcel (every small parcel ships on a 2 week lead time)
£7.95 for orders over £140
US
£10 5-10 Days
£25 for orders over £120
Europe
£10 5-10 Days
£25 for orders over £120
The rest of the world
£15 10+ Days
£35 for orders over £120
If you live in a remote location, we may occasionally need to charge a small extra surplus for shipping. This will be calculated when we ship the pack.
Customers outside the UK will not be charged the 20% VAT included in almost all of our prices, but you may be subject to local tax and import duties.
Full details on our shipping page.
Can I check out in another currency?
Yes! Scroll right down to the bottom of the website and on the left you can select your home currency - this will automatically show you the correct VAT free price for overseas delivery.
A quick video run-through of The Prospector
The Prospector
Your Lightweight Load Hauler
Fully featured
The Prospector is packed with features that let you carry everything you'll need. Stretchable pockets, handy loops and fastenings that can all be used to maximise your load, without sacrificing weight.
Designed for distance
Created in our Cumbrian workshop for the needs of the most seasoned thru-hiker, The Prospector cleverly utilises the latest materials to give you the freedom to carry the kit you need, the way you want.
Lightweight design. No compromise.
It took us 12,000 miles of hiking to design our perfect backpack: The Prospector – a lightweight, fully featured load hauler, purpose built to support you on your next adventure.
First use of the backpack was last week in Scotland, we did a 5 day hike through cairngorms. Picture is top of Ben Macdui, the clouds disappeared just as we came to the top, lucky we were!
Love the backpack, was perfect fit and my prospector 60l had enough space for my gear/clothing/tent. Minor detail, the internal hook for the water bladder broke of in the first 5 minutes when i used the backpack. I was a bit worried, but for the rest of the trip the backpack proved its sturdiness. I love the backpack, 5 stars for me!
I am planning a big 4 week backpack trip to Scotland in May and then will be taking the new Atom pack.The idea is that I customise the pack for my personal needs and preferences. I like the mesh material that you use for the avocado pocket . I would prefer this mesh material for the big FRONT POCKET on the pack. I do not like the bullet net that you offer. Any chance making a pack for me with a mesh FRONT POCKET?
Love the Prospector, don’t think I’ll ever need another bag 👍😀 only observation is that the shoulder bottle holders are a little high so the bottle sits higher up next to the head. But not a deal breaker I’ll use for sunglasses and have the side pocket for water. Great well made bag, happy I’ve made the purchase. Nice to support a UK manufacturer
Really happy with the bag, very durable, high quality and very lightweight. Love the option of customising it as well. Highly recommended
The Prospector though light is very strong. I love the ability to pick my own colour combination, add-ons and materials to customise the bag to my personal needs and purpose. Before receiving my backpack I was concerned about the comfort, but this bag feels very comfortable fully loaded on long hike with elevation. Thank you team for all the great care you took in making my backpack for me
