I bought a Frostfire 5500 at a sale to replace an external frame pack that I'd owned for 25 years and was falling apart. I took it out to Utah this summer for three weeks of hiking.

I was rather disappointed in it; it is a heavy pack, but despite all the built-in aluminum stays, it had mushy support from the hip belt (and I tried both sizes) and the shoulder straps were not wide enough, causing them to dig into my shoulders after an hour or so of walking. I'll echo some others on this - outside mesh pockets for water bottles would be great. One feature I really liked was the ability to attach items to the outside of the pack, like an external frame pack.

Customer Service

I was dissatisfied with the waist strap from the beginning; I contacted customer service, who mailed me a replacement about ten days after I requested it. I mailed them back the original and they credited my credit card. In short, I was pleased with them.

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REI Wonderland - don't sell it anymore, but a very good value

Great bag. The numerous adjustments make it somewhat of a pain to fit initially, but once adjusted it fits really well. Tons of room, which I guess can be a disadvantage as well.

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A horrible LL Bean bag that could not be adjusted for torso length and as such, was quite uncomfortable even with light loads.

Frostfire is the best line on the market, just watch out for size they make it easy to overload.

Customer Service

Customer service will only repair equipment so check it in advance (2-4 weeks).

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None

It's fabulous, you absolutely can't go wrong w/this pack. It's perfectly rugged for 1-2 day hikes, yet it's light and managable for the longer, more extensive treks. I highly recommend this pack.

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None

This pack is a tank!!! It can stand up to anything. The pack is a little complicated to adjust but fits well. I like that it does not have a divider for the sleeping bag compartment. My pack is about 4 years old so that may have changed, but I hope not. With a small sleeping bag I can get my tent in next to the sleeping bag.

I have the 5800, the short torso version. I'm 6-2, but apparently I have a short torso because this pack fits me perfectly. I'd like another outside pocket (mine only has one, although I see on the website that they now have two), other than than I don't have any complaints. It carries a load better than any other pack I've used. Like all packs, fit it the key. If this one fits you, get it!

Aside from fit, the quality is there, too. I don't abuse the pack, but it definitely lives a hard life and hasn't given me any problems. From what I see, I expect this pack to be with me for several more years.

Customer Service

I ripped the water bottle pocket partway off on a Monday night. I called them the next day and dropped my pack off on Wednesday afternoon (I live just down the road from their offices) and had it back Friday morning. Can't argue with that.

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EMS 3000,
EMS 5000,
EMS 4500