I used this pack over a one month period in the U.K. While it held up well over all, I could never seem to make it fit properly. It did have the size that I wanted, but it was too squatty in its design as opposed to a skinny tall pack. This made for awkward maneuvering through dense terrain and BritRail trains. I liked the amount of pockets that it had on the outside but would have preferred them to be a bit smaller since they merely added to the inconvenience of an already bulky pack. The ladderback suspension system while innovative was very flimsy and if used much more would likely give way. The comfort was there but definitely not the durability.

I bought the pack mainly because of the price because at the time I was a poor college student. I've made trips with it to the Smokies, The Sierras and numerous trips throughout Montana. It has held up very well structually but each trip I thought I could adjust the load a litlle different and set the suspension to make it more comfortable , but to my dismay no such luck. If I was about 75lbs. heavier and 4" taller I think it would make every bit of differnce. This pack is simply designed for big people. I'm not small(6'2" 187Lbs) but I'm thin and I have a very hard time making the fit around my waist tight enough to carry the load. If you are a "Big" person this could be the pack for you, durable with a huge load capacity and a price tag thats easy on the pocket. Its a good pack, just not 4 me!

THIS PACK IS GREAT FOR WINTER BACKPACKING OR LONG TRIPS. WE HIKED THE SMOKEY MOUNTAINS LAST FEBRUARY. 70 MILES OF PRETTY ROUGH TERRAIN AND THIS PACK TOOK ALL I COULD GIVE. THE ONLY MINOR PROBLEM WAS THE HIP BELT BUCKLE WOULD POP LOOSE EVERY NOW AND THEN. I REPLACED IT AND HAVE NOT HAD ANYMORE TROUBLE. ALL AND ALL A PACK WOTRH HAVING.

Customer Service

IN SELECTING THIS PACK I TALKED WITH SEVERAL CUSTOMER SERVICE PEPLE BEFORE I MADE MY CHOICE. THEY WERE VEY HELPFULL, AND ABOVE ALL DID'NT MIND ALL THE QUESTION AND THE NUMEROUS CALLS I MADE TO THEM

Similar Products Used:

None

A wonderfully large pack with a lot of great features, at half the price of other packs! I paid $109 for it and love it. It has handled all the gear that is required for winter mountaineering for many of the 14,000 peaks in the Sierras to Mexico's Vocanoes. This pack allows you to carry large loads in without the yaks or porters, yet compress to next to nothing for the summit days. The removable top pouch makes for a great fanny pack on those aclimitization hikes. Have found the straps to be full adjustable for different sizes. Nicely padded hip belt. A adjustable ladder for the shoulder straps keeps the weight off the shoulders for any size. The best buy in my opinion!

Similar Products Used:

Have used the Jansport Rockies, Kelty Hurricane.

This is a decent pack. Not the best for what it cost althought it is extremely large. This pack can carry large and heavy loads although you may have some trouble getting it to fight right. I wouldn't recommed this pack for any far trips where there will be a lot of walking. This pack would be good for short weekend trips with a the family where one person can carry the majority of the gear.

This is a BIG pack! Lots of gear pockets and easily accessable. The suspension could be a little more substantial, but I could adjust it to my needs without shifting gear around. If you carry a lot of gear, I would suggest this pack. I usually come in at around 60 lbs., and it carries it without problems. Rides nice, and comfortable for us larger framed guys! Had an internal Wolfskin pack that I gave away because it just wouldn't fit right. This one is a dream!

I found the pack uncomfortable, the suspension system is light weight. True it has all the bells and whistels but, poorly made (cheap). Seams are fraying, zippers questionable. It is bigger than it can comfortably controll the load. I paid $99.00. I got a $99.00 pack. I 've paid $450.00 for another pack and; it I love. Quality has a cost.

Customer Service

A buckel was sewn in backwards, they were quick to replace the buckel.

Similar Products Used:

Kelty, North Face, Dana

HUGE pack. Great for extended trips or winter backcountry adventures. Decent load control. Great hip-belt. Excellent for GRANDE size backpackers. If you are a big guy, this is a good choice. Get the pack cover also.

Similar Products Used:

None

This is the best load hauling pack I have ever used. It is comfy on the back, has many dividers, pockets and zippers. The zippers don't jam. It could use a little velcro to seal the sleeping bag compartment, but other than that, there are no obvious weaknesses.

Similar Products Used:

None