EMS 5500

Review Date
November 1, 2002

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Rob Dombroskas(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from West Hartford CT USA

Price Paid:  $150.00 at EMS

Summary:
When it came time for me to purchase a new backpack, I knew that it
needed to be able to take what I was going to give it. I went directly
to Ems to find the backpack that I needed. When I saw the 5500 I
knew that it had what I needed.
Ever since then I have never had any problems with it at all. I feel that
this backpack is very durable and can take what ever you hash at it.
If you ever want to do any type of hardcore camping, this is the backpack
for you.

Review Date
June 17, 2002

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: Arthur (Unregistered User) ,  Car Camper

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I have read other reviews and it seems that die-hard backpackers and hikers do not like this pack. i have to admit the suspention is a little stiff and the clip on buttpack tends to slip down the front a little. But it is the overall versatility of this pack that agrees with me. The front buckle flap allows me to put my camelback underneath it. I also like the the abundance of straps and how easy it is to acess the main pocket even thoguh there are not many small pockets.

Review Date
June 15, 2001

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: Hans Shaffer(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Charlevoix, MI, USA

Price Paid:  $200.00 at EMS

Summary:
When I saw this pack in the store, I was amazed by all the features, and the reasonable price. I have since discovered that it is not the pack for me. The lid slides back off the pack as you walk, exposing the top opening of the pack to weather, altering the balance of the pack, and putting the items there too far away for you to reach if you need them. I liked the hydration pocket, the waterbottle pockets held things well, but they are oriented vertically so that when you have the pack on, you'd have to be a contortionist to get to them! Then there's the weight...It's too heavy. The suspension system and frame didn't work for me either. I took it back and got the EMS 3000 LT with the side pocket accessories, and LOVE it! It fits soo much better, moves with me, and allows me to organize my little items better!

Customer Service:
They gave me full credit when I returned it and helped me find and fit a different pack.

Similar Products Used:
An old Kelty internal, panel loader that has since given up the ghost.

Review Date
May 18, 2001

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: k hoffland(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from syracuse, ny

Price Paid:  $200.00 at ems

Summary:
This pack is a great value for a person going on 1 or 2 trips a year, but lacks the well thought out design of a more expensive pack. the water bottle holders are useless, the belt buckle is cheap and flimsy(broke on my first hike, 5 milkes in in -10 weather, the top fitts akwardly on the pack, and the side zipper looks like it would burst if any real preassure was put on it. However, besides these flaws, it is a great price, and if it does break, like mine did, you can return it no problems. But for any real backpacking I would suggest getting a real pack foir a few more bucks(Dana, Lowe, or Gregory)

Similar Products Used:
Dana redirect, gregory palisades, northface stamina

Review Date
November 26, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: Willy B(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Newmarket, NH

Price Paid:  $220.00 at EMS

Summary:
A great product. I've had mine for just about a year, and have no complaints. It can handle any amount gear I throw at it, and I enjoy the virsatility for the supenstion system, during many trips I had to ajust on the move and i had no problem doing so. An added bonus was the pouch that acepted hydration systems. Overall, it performed wonderfully and didn't take a huge bite out of my wallet.

Customer Service:
When a piece of the suspention fouled up, EMS replaced it, no charge

Similar Products Used:
EMS 3000
EMS 2800
The North Face