I have had my Eveningstar since at least 1992 maybe 91. While it is true that it can run out of space it can make up for that in other ways. First would obviously be value. If you are into photography or videography, this pack is awesome. There is no need to rummage through a top loader. Just unzip and find your lenses etc.
This pack has basically been up and down the Appalachian trail several times. Many excursions along the Blue Ridge and several kayaking trips.
The pack has held up to several washings(cold water and Woolite only, no dryer either. The stitching has held up extremely well. Although it may be pointless to review this product at this late date, it stands as a testament to the REI line of packs.

I have used this pack for about 4 years. It is not a huge pack (about 3500 cbi) This pack while handle 50 pounds easy. I have carried 72 pounds though the Grand Canyon. This stressed the packs suspension just past its limits but the pack construction held up. No tears or frays. The panel load is the best thing since sliced bread! Also, all the attachment areas are great for stowing things on the outside of the pack. Overall this is an excellent 3-4 day pack.

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I also have a Kelty 4500 cbi

I've had this pack for about 3 years - it's great for overnight trips, but runs out of space quickly. I can't pack more than 2 days of clothes and food. Also, carrying external items is cumbersome. Anything on the bottom will hit the back of your legs while walking, and the top has no reinforcement to keep something stable (unless your pack is very full, which is often the case). For a day trip or weekend trip, it's an excellent pack. Quality is outstanding - no rips or unusual wear.

Customer Service

Never had a problem.

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None, but I'm buying a bigger pack.

Durable pack with a simple design. Good size for weekend (or weeklong, if you go ultra-light on the packing) trips. My lower back was bothering me when I bought this one; I put on this pack (with about 30 pounds of load) and it actually made my back feel better. I had to buy it!

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None

I lucked out and found a previous yrs model for only $50. I bought it with the intention of using it as a pack to cary around my climbing gear. For this purpose (and price) it has served me well. It has help up suprisingly well considering he abuse I have put it through. I also found that by removing the alum. stays, I could climb with the pack on, slip the stays back in and hike back down in comfort. Probably wouldn't recomend this for any one more than the weekend warrior. Simple front loading pack w/ good durability.

Customer Service

REI has one of the better customer service depts. out there. just allow time for repairs if they're needed.

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None

This is the perfect pack for the light weight backpacker. I would do an Appalachian Trail thru-hike with this one. Its comfortable, durable and fits me better than the most expensive line of packs. I strap my walrus swift tent and my z-rest pad to the outside to compensate for the medium volumn and go. Mine has a seperate compartment in the bottom of the pack for my sleeping bag. Can't beat it.

Customer Service

Because of the bad customer service experiences I've had with the expensive mall-type gear retailers I deal strictly with REI, even if they dont always carry gear items I would rather have and even if REI is higher in price.

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jan sport, dana

I used this pack for about three years before I got a new pack. It worked great for car camping but I would not recommend it for long excusions because it doesn't have the best padding and is quite small. Over all it was a good pack and served its purpose well.

I used this pack for about three years before I got a new pack. It worked great for car camping but I would not recommend it for long excusions because it doesn't have the best padding and is quite small. Over all it was a good pack and served its purpose well.

Customer Service

Nothing ever broke.

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Right now I have a Gregory reality and am looking for a larger pack.

I found this back pack to be a realy high quality item, the sewing quality is great, the colors don't fade ,and it is a strong and rugged pack. What i don't like is the design that is like old fashioned and doesn't have too many pockets, but it is a good pack for the value

Customer Service

The REI service is not that good, the mess up with orders , but their products are good

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The rock climbing equipment