I have owned and used a dozen packs from 2,000 ci to 5,500 ci. This Jansport Minimalist is the best of them all. The suspension is deluxe! I got rid of the aluminum stays, the top lid and the ski slots. Mine now weights 1 lb. 15 oz. I carry up to 28 pounds in it for a 5-6 day hike. It is SO comfortable!

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Put the pack on the scales . . . 3 lbs. 5 oz. on the nose! This is a fine pack for the minimalist back packer. Suspension is adequate without being over wrought. The hip pads barely cover the hips, and are thin but adequate . . . 20 mile two days back to back showed no chafing. Shoulder pads are sufficient, with a sternum strap and ""lifters"" . . . The pack rides comfortably on hips and shoulders with excellent balance and stability. Seems well designed for climbing or skiing. Single pocket on back is large enough for 48 oz Nalgene bottle, first-aid pouch, and ""notions"" (keys, utility tool, Bic lighters, small items). Mesh bag provided for back pocket, clips inside back pocket. Padding and internal frame is adequate, but this is NOT a highly structured pack. More a well shaped bag with a good suspension. (But remember it's 3 lbs. 5 oz.)! I was able to pack for two nights / three days early season at circa 40 F. weather/rain at 19 lbs. Micro tent and light down bag. Pack features ski loops and ""daisy chain"" for attaching extra gear. Ski loops works for skis or for fishing rod. JanSport offers modular add-on bags, but OR and other accessory bags should work too. Seems rugged, well designed, light, and comfortable. I rate the pack high on value and design based upon it's purpose as an ultra light-weight, minimalist, internal frame, technical pack for trails and mountaineering in the 4000 cu in capacity range.

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Here's a review I posted elsewhere. My primary reason for buying this pack was for times when I'm carrying ~25 pounds of climbing gear in
addition to backpacking/bivy gear. Contact me if you need more info.

With all the recent debate on lightweight packs, I thought another alternative was worth mentioning. I fully concede that Jansport is not a
"serious" pack like the Andinista or Cold Cold Wold line, my original front runners for light pack. I haven't seen a TNF Thin Air. The JS does
have decent stitching and detailing, though.

Specifics: The 3900 cubic inches lets me get a 20 degree synth bag, bivy sack, full fleece or down clothing and base layers (ie. a large amount
of clothing), full size free climbing rack, harness, shoes,etc., 2L cookpot and stove, and food for 2-3 days. The rope goes under the top
pocket/lid. The pack itself weighs 3 pounds 5 oz. This weight includes a non-removable back pad and two aluminum stays. Extras include a
long vertical pocket in the front, couple of daisy chains across the top, tool loops (not tubes), and a couple of lash points which I'll probably
cut off. Price is US $70,on sale.

Impressions: With the load I've mentioned above ( I haven't weighed it), the pack is quite comfortable. This surprised me a lot. The hipbelt
has minimal padding, and the stays don't really seat into the belt. I had to bend the stays slightly to keep them from digging into my lower
back. The pack also moves well when scrambling, and doesn't sway at all. Maybe it just fits me really well. It probably won't fit anyone 6' or
taller, if that. It compresses quite nicely and will be used as summit pack.

Final thoughts: I was amazed at how comfortable it was. I may try it without the stays, because I can't see what they are doing besides
stabilizing. I've only had this out a few times, so I have no opinion on durability. The ripstop nylon feels and looks heavy weight (with tons of
waterproofing), but I can't tell how it will hold up.

Downsides: It probably isn't large enough to do anything serious in the winter. If you often carry two ice tools, you'd be better off with
tubes. No crampon pouch or patch. No gear loops on belt (I'll add them). The back padding is not removable for use as bivy pad. Straps are real skinny all around

Upsides: $70. 3,5 oz. Big enough for fair weather overnighters with climbing gear. Surprisingly comfy.

It's cheap, light, and holds my stuff for the kind of climbing I enjoy. YMMV.

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LIke all Jansports, I have never had a real problem and it is comfertable.

Customer Service

The best thing about jansport is their customer service and their waranties. If something goes wrong with the pack, they ahve always been more than happy to fix it up.

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This pack is perfect for the minimalist, which I am. I just finished a 4 day/3 night trip and the pack worked out great for me. In the long back pocket I could fit my GORP, 2qt. Nalgene Bottle, wind jacket, with my personal type items (toothbrush, chapstick, tissues...) in the net bag that clips into the top of the pocket. There is also a large flat pocket on top of the pack that can be accessed without taking the pack off. Perfect for sunglasses, map, rain poncho, first aid kit.... My tent and down sleeping bag fit perfectly into the main compartment with room for a bag containing food and cooking items. I didn't carry the stove, fuel or the water pump, which I would have had a tough time fitting in. I stuffed my clothes and spare tennies in the gaps. This needs to be done carefully though as the back padding is not overly thick and bulges in the load can be uncomfortable. The pack seems very rugged, especially for only weighing 3 lb 5 oz. An exceptional value at only $70 thru Campmor.

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Being a ""weekend warrior"" at best, I was looking for something that would carry just enough to see me through shorter hikes. I didn't want to feel like Atlas (carrying the world on my shoulders) but didn't want to be miles out and wishing I had brought along that extra blanket or spare (dry) pair of socks. The Minimalist fit the bill perfectly. Plus, I feel it's offered at a very fair price. The quality seems to be really good although I've only used it several times. Still, it seems like it has quite a bit of life remaining. I definitely recommend this pack.

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