A great pack, though I like my older design better than the new one. Not as many throw on never use features make it much less cluttered feeling. Hip belt takes som getting used to and I would recomend taking the time to bend the stays to fit yourself before trying any long hikes. The one ad on that makes the pack much easier to use are the strap on side pockets that you cn get for about 20 bucks. Ads lot of space and makes little things much more accesable. Seeing as you can find the old models (Contour Classics as they are called) for $150, I dont think you can get more pack for less money!

Similar Products Used:

None

Have had this pack for a couple years. No problems and has proven to be a VERY durable pack. It is a comfortable pack for long hauls.

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None

I have used the pack for one year, and have no major complaints. There is plenty of space for a full week's worth of backpacking. I have used a friends Osprey in the past, which was far more comfortable. All in all, I can't complain about the packs performance considering it's price.

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None

This is a great pack. I have an older model but it has held up really well, especially in long 8 day trips. My biggest complaint is that the plastic buckles are very brittle and all but two have broken on my pack. I have never experienced this on any other pack I have owned. But all around, I have been very pleased with this pack. It has a lot of room and I have increased the carrying capacity by adding side pouches to the pack. Also this pack is the best for lashing gear to the outside and my friend has nicknamed it the lash-o-matic.

Similar Products Used:

Coleman Peak 1, Gregory packs, Jansport, Kelty, Dana Designs

I have the pre-hydration system Contour IV and with that one exception, I love this pack! I have it on several milti-day trips to the Grand Canyon and elsewhere here im the Canyon State. The fit system works great on my 6'4" frame. When everything is cinched down, the pack and I become one. On several ocasions, I have found my self in a precarios situation where balance played a role and this pack really came through. The pack is huge but has some good compression straps to tighten down the load if you don't have it packed all the way. It's size is also one of it's bad qualities if you are in the brush, it will have the tendency to get hung up. The major bad things that has happened to it is that one of the buckles that holds the top compartment down went out on me and can't be cinched down tightly. This happened on only my second trip out...bummer! However, Lowe Alpine fixed it right away. All things considered, this is a great pack by a GREAT company that really stands behind their product. I hughly recommend this pack especially if you can get it on sale. I got mine from Campmor. The only thing I wish it had was the hydration system and a few outside pockets.

Customer Service

Lowe Alpine's Customer service is great...one call and 2-weeks later and my packs defective buckle was replaced.

Similar Products Used:

The North Face
Kelty
Jansport

Great pack. Carries a huge load comfortably with no strain on the back. So much space, I almost lost things in it. Well worth a look.

Similar Products Used:

Kelty Yukon

Both my fiance and I got our packs at the Broomfield Lowe Apline outlet store. I am 5'3 and he is 5'10 and the packs work great for both of us. The adjustable straps work very well. I used to have a North Face pack and I like my Lowe much much better. You can really stuff a lot into it and it fits nice. A great buy if you are looking for a cheaper pack!!!

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None

I have owned this pack since 1997 when I bought it to backpack around europe and I haven't been disappointed with the performance of it yet. I am 6'3 180 lbs and the fit is fine. I especially like the adjustability of the paralux system. Used mainly on shorter 2-3 day trips with loads of 35-40 lbs. Only complaint is with the hipbelt which doesnt seem to wrap far enough around but that is a minor problem at best. I am in the process of revamping my gear in an effort to save weight and will probably buy a smaller (around 4200 cu in.) and lighter bag to shed a few pounds. I would definitely consider buying another Lowe product. This is a great first pack when you want to take everything but the kitchen sink and dont want to empty your wallet.

Customer Service

Havent had to use them.

I have had this pack for over a year and have used it seven times. Twice in the Arches Nat. Park, twice in the Mountains near Yellowstone Nat. Park, and the rest in Colorado's front range. All in bakcpacking trips of twenty plus miles. This pack has a great balance of space and comfort, as well as value. I would not reccomend it for small persons with a heavy wieght to carry. Overall, it is an excellent pack, but not the best.

Big and basic. No framesheet or extra pockets. I got mine the year before the added the hydration system. Basically a good pack for carrying about 40 lbs. Very comfortable and durable. You can where it all day (usually I take my pack off at every opportunity but not this one). Got mine for $150 from Campmor.