When it came time for me to purchase a new backpack, I knew that it needed to be able to take what I was going to give it. I went directly to Ems to find the backpack that I needed. When I saw the 5500 I knew that it had what I needed. Ever since then I have never had any problems with it at all. I feel that this backpack is very durable and can take what ever you hash at it. If you ever want to do any type of hardcore camping, this is the backpack for you.

I have read other reviews and it seems that die-hard backpackers and hikers do not like this pack. i have to admit the suspention is a little stiff and the clip on buttpack tends to slip down the front a little. But it is the overall versatility of this pack that agrees with me. The front buckle flap allows me to put my camelback underneath it. I also like the the abundance of straps and how easy it is to acess the main pocket even thoguh there are not many small pockets.

When I saw this pack in the store, I was amazed by all the features, and the reasonable price. I have since discovered that it is not the pack for me. The lid slides back off the pack as you walk, exposing the top opening of the pack to weather, altering the balance of the pack, and putting the items there too far away for you to reach if you need them. I liked the hydration pocket, the waterbottle pockets held things well, but they are oriented vertically so that when you have the pack on, you'd have to be a contortionist to get to them! Then there's the weight...It's too heavy. The suspension system and frame didn't work for me either. I took it back and got the EMS 3000 LT with the side pocket accessories, and LOVE it! It fits soo much better, moves with me, and allows me to organize my little items better!

Customer Service

They gave me full credit when I returned it and helped me find and fit a different pack.

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An old Kelty internal, panel loader that has since given up the ghost.

This pack is a great value for a person going on 1 or 2 trips a year, but lacks the well thought out design of a more expensive pack. the water bottle holders are useless, the belt buckle is cheap and flimsy(broke on my first hike, 5 milkes in in -10 weather, the top fitts akwardly on the pack, and the side zipper looks like it would burst if any real preassure was put on it. However, besides these flaws, it is a great price, and if it does break, like mine did, you can return it no problems. But for any real backpacking I would suggest getting a real pack foir a few more bucks(Dana, Lowe, or Gregory)

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Dana redirect, gregory palisades, northface stamina

A great product. I've had mine for just about a year, and have no complaints. It can handle any amount gear I throw at it, and I enjoy the virsatility for the supenstion system, during many trips I had to ajust on the move and i had no problem doing so. An added bonus was the pouch that acepted hydration systems. Overall, it performed wonderfully and didn't take a huge bite out of my wallet.

Customer Service

When a piece of the suspention fouled up, EMS replaced it, no charge

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EMS 3000
EMS 2800
The North Face

A great backpack. The only problem I had with it was the zipper running don the front broke but EMS got me a new one and I haven't broke that one yet. It is very Water Proof I have been in some bad rain and it has spent many of night off side and it hasn't leaked yet. i love the ablity to get rid of the sleeping bag comparment and its ablity to carry a hydro-pak!!

Customer Service

Like expressed above great

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REI Cima
A peck 1 (crap)

I've had several packs over the years and I realize that not all packs fit everybody. But what I experienced with this pack is new to me. After extensive testing in the store I concluded that it fit me ok, not the best, but the price was right. The kid that assisted me knew nothing about packs but fortunately I didn't need it. On my first few trips it worked fine. But then the pack started to hurt. The padding in the straps went flat and the fabric on the hip belt bunched and caused bruises. Then it decided to self-destruct. Seams started fraying, the cheap plastic belt buckle broke, and one of the compression straps broke off in my hand!! I took it back to EMS and they said that since it was used that they would only give me $100 worth of store credit. That is ridiculous! I've been burned too often by EMS gear to ever think about buying it again.

Customer Service

The sales staff are inexperienced high school kids and the older folks in customer service weren't any better. I guess you can't expect much from a store in the mall. I was thinking of buying a tent but they wouldn't set it up for me. I don't blame them because the store is so small. The folks at REI had enough space to set up several tents at once so I could compare them. The sales staff is comprised of experienced, friendly backpackers. On two separate occasions I talked with guys that hiked the entire AT. The customer service people are super nice too. The day I returned the pack I left EMS and went to REI and bought the REI Cima. The guy that assisted me was an experienced backpacker that took the time to explain the differences in the various packs that went further than “this one is $40 more than this one”. The Cima is by far the most comfortable, feature rich pack I’ve ever tried. Also, REI is a co-op that is owned by its members and EMS is owned by a family overseas. I like keeping my money in the US. Nuff said.

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Coleman external
K2 Shortbed
Lowe Alpine Contour IV
REI Cima

As a guy who wears a 52 suit jacket, it can be quite tough finding a pack that will fit 'properly'. The shoulder adjustments are wide enough and the hip fit's a 40" waist as well. The split compartents w/ zip-out panel are excellent for config options. Plenty of exterior lashing spots. Inside the exterior side mesh pockets are smaller solid nylon pockets for ski's or tent poles. The hip-pack top is a bonus and the vertical outside zipper allows quick access w/out having to unpack your topload section. Highly recommended to anyone for fit, design, usefulness and quality. (if you get it on sale below $200 then the value is definitely a 5, otherwise 4)

Customer Service

EMS is always informative, helpful and courteous. Great people.

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Jansport Eiger pack & a Vaude

This a great pack sold by a great group of people. I was looking for a pack to replace my Gregory Massif. (This pack was sold to my by a loser store and was too big for me, they would not exchange it when I realized sizing problem on a three day trip). EMS on the other hand was willing to help me fit any pack and the 5500 fit like a glove. They also let me load it w/ a few fuel cans to try out a load. It was also on sale for $149. Unbeatable deal. The pack holds all the gear you could want. I can fit my sleeping bag plus rain and cold weather gear in the bottom compartment w/ easy access. The main compartment holds everything else. I also bought one of the lash on external pockets. That thing is huge, the only problem w/ it is that I put too many 'extras' in it and it weighs that much more. The suspension and belt make for a very comfortable and stable load. I recommend the pack to anyone. The store is also great too.

Customer Service

Great customer service and advice

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Lowe, Gregory, Mountainsmith

This pack has never hurt me! It fits my frame very well, and I can cary quite a load though its size is not obscene. It is very well balanced, but packing takes some practice

Customer Service

After my first trip with my pack some of the stiching on the hip belt had worked loose.

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