I've had this pack for 11 years now and adore it. It's been used for climbing trips, backpacking, school bookbag, backcountry skiing, and moving. I didn't realize it was only rated for 40lbs until I read a review. I have consistently put 70lbs in it when taking out climbing groups, and it performed excellent. (That might be why the suspension is going, but it is 11years old.) All over top quality pack.

This is a good backpack, however, I have found that (for a female body at least) it became uncomfortable after an hour. I had a Banshee in the Large size. It has less ventilation than newer backpacks and there is very little padding on the should straps. I found that on my left arm, the shoulder strap pushed so hard on my shoulder it was cutting off the circulation and I kept bursting a blood vessel in my left hand every time I hiked. I just bought a new North Face backpack to replace this one because my shoulders hurt too badly. I was bruised all over my collar bone. Also, for my body structure, the backpack rode too low on my hips and I couldn't adjust it enough to fix that. Make sure you analyze the way a backpack fits your specific frame when shopping for one.

I bought this on a close-out. I liked the Reality pack and this is the same pack, just smaller (slightly different suspension due to size.) I use if for summer hut-to-hut hiking and for 1-day winter ski-mountaineering when car and care are VERY far. Good for multi-day hut hikes, light weekend summer hikes, andlong ski days. Very durable, super easy access. Reasonably comfortable (I have never really loaded it.) Bottom line, if you wand a day-and-a-half pack, this is a good choice. The newer model (slightly smaller) is the sharka (sp?).

Customer Service

Don't know, never needed YET :-)

Similar Products Used:

Many TNF packs and other in the class.

the banshee is an incredible pack. this is a great lightweight pack that has amazing suspension. this is a scaled down version of the reality pack. its also about 1.0+ lbs lighter as well. i am somewhat of a lightweight hiker.. so i have modified the banshee to some degree. i trimmed down all straps, they seemed to be very long. i also removed the skit tail holders and ice axe loops. in addition i drilled holes down the spine of the single aluminum stay. this saved half a pound.. my pack is a size large and weighs 3 lbs 14 oz. my usual load is between 18-25 lbs, including food + water.. depending on season, etc. the pack is rated to carry 40 lbs, but i never intend on carrying more than the 25. if you'relooking for a good, light-weight pack.. that feels really good, check this one out! (dont be afraid to modify it)