Review Date
December 26, 2004

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: theotherleadingbrand ,  Paddler

Price Paid:  $350.00 at Europe bound

Summary:
Since I do a lot of wandering on my canoe trips, I decided I could fit everything into this comfortable pack instead of hauling a giant canvas bag with a tumpline on my head.

Pros:
- It fits a lot of gear and is comfortable under heavy loads
- You can strip it down by taking the daypack and lid off
- Bottle holster in convenient location (once you get used to it)

Cons:
- The lid pocket is impossible to keep 100% stable with a lot of stuff in it, (always wants to hammer my head into something when I wipe out)
- The parasite pack is too small to be of use to me
- Attention to detail/ quality seems to be sketchy (possibly attributable to outsourcing of labour to third-world countries to keep up with the demands of TNF's more lucrative fashion enterprise). My pack was torn up after a few simple bushwhacking jaunts.
- Overdesigned with little features and extras that add more weight than their usefulness would warrant, eg: daypack, compartment divider with straps, internal pockets and sleeves, and those zippered pockets outside with all the useable space of a knife sheath.

To summarize, I would say that a no-frills top loading pack with large capacity, and good fit would be more up my alley, but others may find this thing to be top notch.

Customer Service:
N/A

Similar Products Used:
Canadian army current issue pack, and old style jump pack, Camp trails, Go-lite race, various canvas behemoths

Review Date
August 24, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Price Paid:  $185.00 at Ebay

Summary:
This is a great bag for 2 reasons: comfort and features. The X-Frame really does move with you, and the hip belt/shoulder straps are made from a molded foam that really do conform to you, not the other way around.

The North Face really thought this backpack through, and didn't leave anything out. For example there's a holster for a GPS and a Flashlight next to a clear map pocket. All the straps on the back have velcro to keep them from flopping. There's an attached rain cover!

The negative aspects of this bag are that the straps on the front have no velcro and are long and floppy. The detachable daypack is so small it's more or less useless, I leave it at home. This bag weighs about 7 lbs, which is not heavy but not light either.

Overall, I think this bag measures up to any Gregory in features, and definitely in price.

Customer Service:
No warranty - bought it on Ebay

Similar Products Used:
Lowe, Jansport, Gregory

Review Date
July 24, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Paoix(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Cebu, Philippines

Price Paid:  $180.00 at REI

Summary:
The pack fits so well, carrying a 50 pound loaded pack seems a breeze. The Shoulder straps though is a bit long for my size but very comfortable.

Construction wise, i know this pack will serve my for many more years and miles to come.

Customer Service:
I haven't needed it

Similar Products Used:
Marmot-Kelty packs and several local packs

Review Date
January 8, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 3 votes

Reviewed by: Nick Z(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Seattle

Price Paid:  $10.00 at REI

Summary:
Swallowed my anti-fashion prode after trying this on. Note to bitter woman who hates North Face -- I bought it because it fit me the best out of about 10 packs I tried on. Am trying to find a good patch for the logo, though...Yes, too many straps and a tad heavy. Small water bottle pocket is good -- don't want heavy water bottles on the outside of your pack, anyway -- get a small bottle for this pocket and keep your load balanced. Day pack is small, but fits 10 essentials, lunch, water and a jacket lashed on back (it is stuffed tight, though). Bottom line -- if it fits you the best, it is a good pack.

Customer Service:
Lost oa fastex buckle, but that was easily replaced for free at REI. Many miles last summer and still no problems.

Review Date
August 8, 2002

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Steve63(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from CA

Price Paid:  $179.00 at Sierra trading post

Summary:
I bought this pack after trying several packs at REI. It fit the best and felt the most comfortable.
I carbon fiber stays flex well makining it a comforable carry. The compression strap configuration give you a
good range of options. I bought the large size and the volume is good for 3-7 day trips.
The only negitive things about the version I have has only 1 water bottle pocket and the attached day pack is a tad small.

Customer Service:
Never used

Similar Products Used:
Kelty, REI, Jansport