Review Date
February 26, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: con bro(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from venice, ca

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Sport Chalet

Summary:
Great Travel bag! I needed a bag that was just big enough to fit formal pants and shirts without wrinkling, daily clothes and other gear for a week. Compression was critical!
I was invited to drive a Ferrari across the US in a Cannon Ball style race(PlayersRun.com) and needed a small very light weight pack for the trip. The trunk is non existent in a Ferrari and needed a bag that I could put clean clothes in and compress. I also bought it for future climbing and approaches . The bag is very well designed and well built. Everything works; zippers, straps, pockets, harness system. I had the bag way over stuffed on the way back, I filled every cubic inch with all kinds of crap and it held up beautifully and using the zippers were a joy. The shoulder straps were a little shy for this but it wasn't designed for this abuse. Bulky items did well, I wasn't able to feel them on my back. The pack seemed well balanced when I maxed it out. The material was great and seems appropriate for this type of bag. The small pockets inside main compartment were perfect for a book and small items with easy access when bag is full.
My only concern is the zipper, it does not have a rain flap but at the same time it doesn't get in the way when opening and closing. When maxed out the zipper spreads leaving visible gaps for water to enter. The zipper is the new water resistant kind, it just can't be maxed out while it's raining or your going to get water inside. The bag is big (cu.in.)for this style of bag. If you fill up with normal climbing and camping gear, your going to have a heavy load but perfect for down bags and jackets, freeze dried foods and other items that take up volume but not weight.
I had one day notice to prepare and buy the pack, I thought it was expensive but now realize it's worth every cent! I have had many ultra light weight packs and have designed and manufactured backpacks myself in the past and I can highly recommend this bag if used accordingly.

Customer Service:
So far I haven't needed customer service.

Similar Products Used:
Karrimor Hot Ice, Wild things, Chouinard, Lowe Alpine

Review Date
October 15, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: David (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $159.00 at EMS

Summary:
I own this pack and a Dana Design Terraplane LTW. If I'm ever carrying less than 25 pounds, this is the pack I take. It is unbelievably comfortable. In fact, I carry this pack when the alternative is a fanny pack because I find it so lightweight and comforable. The durability has been great. It has just enough features (water bladder holder and zipper pocket for car keys)that I don't miss anything my bigger pack has. The only mistake I've made is when I've carried too much weight (30 pounds plus due to lugging water in the Grand Canyon) and then the pack has not provided the support I've wanted - my fault. Use this pack for light loads and you'll love it. I've used it for 10 trips now and it shows absolutely no wear.

Customer Service:
Not necessary.

Review Date
June 27, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Brian Janecek(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Portland, OR

Price Paid:  $179.00 at REI

Summary:
This is simply the best backpack that I have ever used. I am large (6'2" 230) and it still fits very well. I've used it for multi-day trips and have been able to pack everything I need. The pack hugs your back and I didn't experience any balance problems while scrambling over loose rocks with a 30-pound load. The 3100 c.i. rating is a little scary at first for multi-day trips, but it's amazing what you can fit in there--I cary the tent, food, stove, cooking supplies, filter, water, etc. for my wife (she carries a 15-pound pack for week-long trips) and it all fits (along with all of my personal supplies). This pack is as good as it gets!

Customer Service:
Never needed it.

Similar Products Used:
TNF, Gregory, Kelty

Review Date
April 14, 2002

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Scott (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $119.00 at Sports Calet

Summary:
I used this pack on a 3 day trip in the Ventana Wilderness. I didn't miss any of the features of my larger pack, except weight. I carried a 25 pound load 20 miles over rough terrain without any problems. I was worried about the lack of padding in the hip belt and shoulder straps, but when properly adjusted they caused no discomfort. I stuck all of my gear including the tent and bag on the inside and lashed the pad on the outside. This pack is great!

Customer Service:
no contact

Similar Products Used:
Lowe

Review Date
September 14, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Ormazd(Unregistered User)

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
For a 20-25 lb load this is the most comfortable pack I've ever used. The lack of a top pocket is slightly inconvenient, but this is a negligible disadvantage considering its light weight and comfort. (It also serves quite well as a daypack, making a 10 lb load feel as if it were no load at all.) Using a 20 degree down bag, an OR Deluxe Bivy, and a Z-Rest pad (attached to the outside), I can easily carry enough supplies for a four or five day hike, maybe even more.

Similar Products Used:
Dana Designs M80