I've happily used the Bora 95 model for 6 years now and just recently purchased the Bora 80. I am impressed with the new features installed in the pack like a hydration bottle pouch, larger wand pockets (note that I never had any problems with fitting 32 oz water bottles on the older models), and lighter weight material used (though I'm not sure if it's as durable). All in all I have always considered the Arcteryx packs to be the best, most comfortable packs available. The xtra's just make it that much better. I gave a subjectively mediocre value score simply because I don't believe any pack should be sold over 300.00.

Customer Service

Have not had to use them so far..

Similar Products Used:

Lowe Alpine packs
Gregory Packs
ALICE packs

this is the best backpack you could possibly buy. i used it last summer for seven straight weeks in the backcountry and it was amazing. it's soooo durable the thing will last me ages, it made it up and down rainier, and some other fourteeners, and all the time worked perfectly. once brrocken in the belt will fit like a golve around your waist. i highly recomend this to anyone doing extended trips.

Similar Products Used:

None

This pack rocks. Its great for everthing from hauling climbing gear to snowshoeing and winter camping. The shovel poctet is nice for winter outings and can double as a slot for you hydration bladder, however the suspention system is by far this packs best feature. I've owned this pack for 2 years and have carried loads as heavy as 60 lbs without much discomfort.

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None

Like everyone else has already said: THIS PACK IS AWESOME! You can nit-pick all you want, but this pack is all good. Any small detail that I first thought i wouldn't like is overshadowed by the extreme comfort and load carrying ability. And its durable as hell. If you dont like the pack bag, the suspension will convince you. Try it, you will looooooove it. Worth every penny.

Customer Service

From service to products,Arc'Teryx is awesome.

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External frame REI wonderland, What was I thinking!?

I just got this pack a few days ago (Early January 2001). I read reviews here before I bought the pack, and a lot of people complained about the side pockets. The pack I got, which must be the newest model, has new side pockets that are much bigger and are adjustable. They easily hold 1L Nalgene bottles, so this feature shouldn't be a problem anymore.

I compared this pack with the Gregory Palisade in the store before buying it. I loaded it down with up to 50lbs, and it was far more comfortable than the Gregory. I found it matched the curve of my back much better, whereas I felt a lof of pressure from the Lumbar support in the Gregory pack. The fit is different for everyone, so if possible, always try them on and weight them a lot before buying.

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Jack Wolfskin Atlas III

I know this is supposed to be a review but I have a question to all of you who all ready have this bag. I really like it but when I test it in the store I feel like there is something that is pushing in my upper back. I believe its where the starts tie to the bag. The salesperson has told me that this will go away aftera while but I'm not sure. Has anyone else had this problem? IT's like a bump along the top of the back, about 2 inches under the shoulders.

thanks
MA

Similar Products Used:

None

Sorry this is not a formal review of the Bora 80 because I've only used it on one weekend trip so far. But my first impressions of this pack are incredible. Anyway, I have been reading a lot of complaints about the pockets on the side. They are not designed for water bottles, but that's just darn inconvenient. One easy way to keep a Nalgene bottle in place is to buy a cheap carabiner and attach your water bottle to the lower side compression straps. It makes it tougher to get a bottle in and out during a hike, but if you use a bladder on the trail and the bottles for storage like I do it can save you a lot of room in your pack.

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Camp Trails McKinley (not bad for children)
Kelty Junior Tioga (too small even for weekend trips with the cub scouts and I was only 9)

A great pack at an incredible price. The waist and shoulder straps are perfectly shaped and padded. I like the way the separate sleeping bag compartment has a removeable divider. Very well made, solid construction. The water bottle pockets on the side are quite small, though. The large pocket on the outside is the perfect size for raingear or anything else you want to get to in a hurry. The side access zipper makes getting at your gear much easier.

Customer Service

I was in between a large and medium size and they were very informative and helpful. They also sent me a large packet on getting the perfect adjustment of the straps and belt.

Similar Products Used:

Lowe Alpine, ALICE pack (no!!!!)

This bag is phat. Durable stiching and material that will never tear. Comfortable supension makes heavy loads easy. Outside pocket is great for wet stuff. Plenty of room for a water bladder in the kangaroo pouch.

Customer Service

Sweet bag overall. Lacking though is some bigger side pockets for water bottles. What where they thinking making them so small? Also a few more outside pockets, possibly along the side, would have been nice.

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None

I love this pack! The hip and shoulder pads are extremely comfortable - soft, yet firm enough to give support. They really mold to your body well. Although it is a bit heavy, comfort, durability, and support come with it - important when carrying heavy loads. The water bottle pockets have worked fine for me so far. I love the kangaroo pocket - it makes important items easily accessible. Overall, a great pack at a great price (when you order from Canadian shops).

The site that I bought it from no longer gives the huge discount on Arc'Teryx packs, but try
www.altitude-sports.com
They sell for US$217 plus shipping

Similar Products Used:

Gregory Palisade, Lowe Contour, REI