I got mine on sale for 69$ and can't believe the quality or that it is being discontinued. I looked and looked for the perfect daypack and even though I have a gregory shasta, I didn't like the fury and didn't want to spent the bucks on the reality. The extremist is the perfect size and just what I was looking for. True, it doesn't hug your back and I don't climb so I can't say but sometimes I can't camp for days and I like to take along provisions for a full day of hiking, the extremist fits the bill to a tee! The main pack is panal load and has a bladder sleeve so you can hike and sip if ya want. I personally like bottles and the two side pockets hold quart ones. There is a shovel compressing thing, I don't climb but it's the perfect place for a jacket or tarp. The only bad thing is the foam padded back doesn't really hug the back but that isn't an issue for me and actually seems to aid in ventilation. It had nice shoulder and hip belt although I wouldn't want to weight it down with 40 lbs of gear, but hey, that's what the shasta is for. When I went daypack shopping I couldn't believe the fancy shoulder and hipbelts on packs that couldn't even hold 2000ci. The extemist holds 3000ci. Enough for water filter, rain gear, small stove and food and tarp for a nice picknic lunch, water bladder and bottle, blister kit, gaiters, well that's what I take anyway. When I have to work 12 hours or more I fill it up with essentials like CD player and CD's and spare shoes and socks and water (I'm on my feet a lot)
Don't have any experience with the customer service except when we emailed each other and they told me the pack was being discontinued.
In sum - a nice well made daypack, amazing considering what I paid. Probably not the best for climbers but great for really long dayhikes, even overnight for the really lightweight people.

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Have gregory shasta and a north face day pack, a lot smaller than the extemeist

About Jansport I am very positive. Good quality and long lasting material (Don't forget that Tatonka is from the same maufacturer!!!)!
The extremist is a big bag with lots of space, but the side bags are in the way if you want to enter eg. a train. Don't use it for climbing, because it is not formed enough around your back. For a relaxed vacation with a tent and a car it is perfect.

Caspar Gebbink

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I started climbing with the Tatonka 70 ltr. Good carrying, and close to the back, with fine hip-bands.