Reader Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5

I just purchased the 46 and have done about 16 miles with it so far.

I am 6'5" and 235 and found the large to fit quite well. I had no issues with the hip belt, and found it to transfer the load as it should.

The straps adjust easily, and I like the pocket layout on the pack. I am able to get all my gear in and there are plenty of lashing options on the exterior if I ever wanted to put my pad outside or on the top under the lid.

I am not sure about a bear canister, as I dont have one.

I think the straps are fine, and the buckle is as well. They all seem to lock very positively and hold well.

I did find myself tightening the hip belt during the hike. Not sure if I just started feeling it in my shoulders and tightened as a result, or if it actually slipped some.

I think for the money, its a great pack, and its something I can go try on at REI.

EDIT:
I have used the pack a few more times now and carried loads approaching 30 lbs. I just wanted to test and see what the limits of this bag were. I see no difference in the comfort of the bag with the extra weight. My wife has used hers now 2 times and finally has it adjusted to suit her. She has no complaints.

Edited by vesteroid on 11/07/2010 07:05:33 MST.

Rating: 5 / 5

Short and simple. I dig the smaller straps and buckles. I was initially concerned about the buckles and (thin) waist belt, but that has proven to be unfounded. I have about 100 miles on the pack and no issues whatsoever. My longest trip with it is 4 days, but I am going to use in on a 7 day trip next month. Only downside is that the "Airspeed" back panel bows the interior of the pack to the point that using a bladder greatly diminishes the 46L capacity. Workable, just back to using Nalgenes in the side pockets.

Rating: 5 / 5

Just chiming in with everyone else. If it fits you, it's a great pack. I put my bladder INSIDE the airscape area rather than in the provided pocket. Works great and cools my back as I hike!

Rating: 4 / 5

I've used mine on a good few hikes now. The hip-belt does indeed slip, and the shoulder straps can eat into your neck/shoulder area if you're not too careful. The tiny buckles used for the compression straps on the sides, aren't all that strong. One cracked in half, but I found that if I eliminate them completely (modest weight loss) I can still use the compression straps just fine, tying a simple hitch.

I have stopped using the top, detachable part. Which brings me to the moral dilemma; do I, or do I not cut off the now defunct compression straps here?

All in all, it's a light and versatile pack. And I am continuing to enjoy it. I love the pole stashing straps on the side, as I only like to use poles on extreme uphill or downhill. I also appreciate being able to dig into the side mesh pockets without having to take the pack off. and the hip belt pockets are very handy too. I also appreciate the drain-hole in the front pocket that actually works when stashing a wet tarp to dry.