I used this pack for one weekend before disposing of it. While the pack seems well designed, the hip belt is inadequate for my uses. In particular, the belt has a hard plastic outer layer that extends the bottom of the belt in the back. When the pack is loaded, the padding does not protect the body from this layer. The result is substatial brusing. I returned the belt to TNF who informed me that my belt was the way it was supposed to be. Maybe that is the way the belt was designed, but there are many other packs that offer a no-painful experience.

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Dana Design, Lowe Alpine, REI, Gregory

Damn good pack and built to last. A little pricey at the original suggested retail price, but a steal at current sale prices. I have carried as much as 70lbs with this pack and its comfort and ruggedness have never disappointed me. Buy this pack!

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Amazing. simply put. very confortable. i like the wing pockets and the frame seems to have adjusted to me with out any shaping of it. i have used it in both summer and winter and i love it. i have found a way to compress the sleeping bag compartment so it can also be used as a heavy day pack. the wing pockets are nice and easy to access and so are the top and front panel. the best bag i've ever owned

Customer Service

i got rei's last one on sale.

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Rei Vallaha traverse

Had my only trouble with this pack this past weekend. The hip belt buckle broke on Sunday. Monday I called The North Face, Thursday the new buckle was on my pack.

Customer Service

They were very nice, and gave fast service.

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True to TNF style, another worry-free piece of gear. Just got back from a week in Glacier and the first extended trip with the Inversion. Carrying 65+ lbs. was as much of a pleasure as it can ever be, up or down slope. Lvoed the compression straps, very useful daisy chains, great load distribution when packed correctly. Looking for a serious backpacking pack, care about value...buy this pack. Buy it and focus on the territory ahead instead of your pack. Also, the detachable daypack is very useful (albeit a bit small) and well-designed. However, I always prefer to use my True North (formerly Treknology)fannypack..simply one of the best pieces of gear I have ever owned. Check them out.

Customer Service

TNF have always stood behind their products in my experience (keep your receipts for ease of transaction)

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Lowe, Gregory & Mountainsmith

Great large pack, VERY comfortable to carry heavy loads...though it becomes a bit awkard, when you use the extended space (6000 CC) option.
I did considerable amount of research, before buying this pack, I think it is probably the best value available ($140 + shipping)
Very happy with it.
The only color I could find was red/black !!!!

Customer Service

have not had a reason to contact them.

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Lowe Alpine (???)
Dana Design (Stillwater)

nice big pack. internal frame support great. used on mount baker with no complaints. hydration bladder compartment awesome extra.

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Its a great pack. It comfortable. Its good for longe camp outs anywhere from two days to two weeks. I took to canada for two weeks and i still had room left over.

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Was a good canoe trip bag. The hip sack on top made it a little auckward to get in but it held everything in well when the pack was not not full. On a long trip when a lot of extra stuff is to be carried and it is full to the top, the hip sack on top will not provide a good cover. The hip sack is the best I have ever used though. I have been on long trail runs with it and I cannot say enough good stuff about it. Over I am happy with the pack and would recomen it.

Customer Service

One incidence with a sleeping bag that just never arrived

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This is the first internal pack I have used. I compaired Dana packs, Kelty, and some other. I put it to the test on a hike of six miles with 2000 feet of elevation gain, carrying 72#. ( My son was not strong enough to help carry much and I wanted him to enjoy himself and not dread backpacking.) Needless to say I hurt when we reached camp. The pack has plenty of room and many outside attachments. The seams are still like new. I like the compression straps on the outside and the one in the upper compartment. You can access via the top or the middle. The detachable "lid" is easy to use because you don't have to undo your hip belt from your pack to use with the "now" fanny pack. The adjustments are excellent and give you a good feel for your load. The hip belt is firm and comfortable, supporting the load well. No balance problems. I did not get good ventilation thru the back however, something I was hoping for, but I love this pack. Now, if only my son would get bigger and help dad with the load.

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