I have had my Contour IV for five years and I have no problems with it. It is comfortable, will carry a large load, and is quite durable.

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This is a really good bag, I've been on many long, hard hikes and never had a problem with it, Plus there is plenty of room for everyhthing i need

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Kelty Bags

I bought this pack because a good friend recommended it. He was right. This pack held 80+ lbs (only for a few miles) and i barely felt it. By the end of my first trip its weight was only noticable after i had removed it. I could tighten it closer to my back for rought parts of the trail and loosen it for comfort on flat parts. This is the best pack made for the money!

Customer Service

n/a

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Jansport and many external packs

Short answer: A very good pack for week-long assaults into the backcountry, at an excellent value.

Positives: Holds a lot of gear, comfortable for long hikes, even with a lot of weight. Easy to adjust.

Negatives: Wish it was hydration-system compatible. Snap closures holding staves came loose (pack was overloaded, probably my fault) and will not stay closed under heavy loads. Were it not for these two, this would have gotten 5 stars in both categories.

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I needed a backpack for an 11-day backpacking trip to Philmont, New Mexico. I saw the very good reviews for several backpacks at this site, but I narrowed my selection to Lowe Alpine Contour IV because of its many excellent reviews (and it was on sale for $149).
The more I use this pack, the more I like it. Sometimes on the trail, I don't even feel its weight even if the pack weighs 40-53 lbs. I only feel the pack weight when saddling up but once on my back, it fits properly (I'm 6 ft, 180 lbs.) It sticks to my back like an extra battery on a StarTac phone. The hip belt is firm and perfect and the shoulder straps don't bind.
The 2 complaints I have: I bought one before the hydration system was put in, and I need assistance to get the water bottle from the side pocket if I don't take the pack off.
I bought the LA pack cover and extra pockets from Campmore. The XL pack cover fits perfectly, but I still have not figured out the best way to attach the extra pockets!?!

Customer Service

None yet.

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Jansport Rockies - plenty of useful pockets!

If you are reading these reviews to research a pack, you have come to the right place! I did the same thing and ended up purchasing a Lowe Alpine Contour Classic. This is the best pack out on the market at this price! Lowe Alpine is the BEST company because they stand behind thier products!! They are even based right here in Colorado. The pack is one of the most comfortable I have ever seen. It is the best. Dont waste your time on other packs, they are nothing compared to Lowe Alpine! I really mean it!

Customer Service

Lowe is sold at most major sports stores internationally. Their US headquarters is in Broomfield Colorado.

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Jansport North Face and most others

Why did I spend 1000's of $'s before I found this jewel? Because I didn't own a PC! Seriously, I have owned almost every major brand of 5000ci+ out there and they will pry it from my cold dead mitts before I go back to Kelty,Arctyrex or Dana again. Lowe Alpine rocks!(packs that is: tri-point ceramic is another story)The contour classic cost a bit over a 100 bones at clearance and the only complaint I can dream of is the lack of a hydration system, but whaddya want for that kind of price?It has performed flawlessly on three seasons of hardcore alpinism in the north cascades and has never disappointed this hard to please gear junkie.

Customer Service

I've only used thier packs and one jacket I didn't like much,but never a problem with durability/construction.

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Too many to list (28 yrs. and a lot more money)

I bought this pack for Winter as my other pack does not have enough space.

I also bought the optional exterior pockets as I like stove & fuel separate from food.

The pack certainly met my space expectations. I really like the elastic pockets for storing tent poles & pegs. The best features is the access to the lower compartment.

The pack did sway too much at first but was fine after shortening the torso length. I initally adjusted as per instructions but is much more comfortable when slightly shorter.

Only complaint is the shoulder strap padding is too soft and compresses with weight of 60+lb, and the side compression straps are awkward when the side pockets are attached

Customer Service

No experience. None needed

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None

This was a great upgrade from a Dana Design Bridger I had been using. Got the '99 version on sale and added elastic webbing, which really helps. Have used it on four trips of moderate loads, 30-35 lbs and have had no pain or discomfort to speak of. Plenty of room to carry big loads if need be. I use a Platypus hydration system in the top which works great. Durability has been great so far - even when a bear tried to snatch it one night! I found it unscathed about 50 yards away.

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Dana Design Bridger

Roomy on the inside but low profile enough to slip through turnstyles, train aisles, and crowded subway platforms, the lack of external pockets made security on the go less of an issue in urban areas. Large top pocket and removable main pocket divider allows for flexible packing and easy access to raingear, etc. "Contour Classic" model purchased for $150 bucks at Galyan's in Fairfax VA included rain cover and strap on side pockets I used as a hip pouch.

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