This is a correction of my previous review. In that review I said that the pivots between the frame and hipbelt allow the pack to sway back and forth. What I should have said is that the pivots allow the hipbelt to to move WITHOUT making the pack sway back and forth.

Also, I forgot to point out a couple of unique features. There is a metal rod, similiar to the frame stays, that forms a cup for better head clearance. Far stiffer than thin plastic of other packs and provides the best head clearance of any pack I've worn. The other cool feature is that they sewn both straps of each side's hipbelt straps together(remember there are 2 for each side - 4 total) after running them through loops on the belt. This allows you to crank on both sides at once without having to push on the belt to get it tight. The loops that are formed make for a easy, comfortable pull even with thick mittens. Its kinda hard to explain but if you saw it it would make sence.

Similar Products Used:

None

Awesome pack! This is the most comfortable, most rigid, and most livable pack I have ever worn. I have a 2001 model that is black with white Spectra nylon and is much nicer than last year's grey and black.

The comfort comes from the dozen or so ways you can fit it. Independently adjust the shoulder straps, adjust the width of the shoulder straps, adjust the thickness of the lumbar pad, and all the usual adjustments and I can't see how anyone would not get a good fit. The minimal contact of the pack means its really cool in summer.

The stiffness comes from the fact that the stays have a groove stamped into them making them far more rigid than flat stays. Those stays are attached to the hip belt with bolts that allow the pack to sway back and forth when you walk, similar to Gregory's system. The hip belt then has a stiff rod that transfers the weight all around your hips to eliminate hot spots. The hip belt also has a quad buckle so you can easily adjust the cant of the belt. I was previously an external pack user because I was unable to find a pack that could handle 60+ lbs with no pain other than an external. Until this pack.

The livability comes from the numerous pockets and zippers on the pack. Along with a top opening this pack has a large "u" shaped front zipper with 4 zipper pulls. This allows me to access any part of the pack easily. The front pockets are nicely sized for water filters, water bottles, etc. And the shovel pocket is great for wet rain gear. The wing pockets are a wonderful design that are easily accessible when wearing the pack and allows for plenty of space for all my snacks and even a water bottle. The vertical divider is really nice in keeping all my gear from shifting around when I pull something out and keeps the pack from bulging out. It doesn't have a sleeping bag compartment (which I don't miss at all. My sleeping bag is usually the last thing I take out of my pack anyway.) but it does have a sleeping bag compression strap which is better. The large lid pocket converts to the nicest fanny pack I've ever seen on a pack and is large enough for my 1.8L Platy. It also has reinforced daisy chains and top for strapping on crampons (very rare).

Bottom line: This is truly an amazing pack. I would expect a pack this good from the big guys like Gregory and Dana (which in my opinion are not as good and overpriced) but from REI it’s amazing! It has carried everything and anything I asked it to with zero pain. The unique features are extremely useful and the weight is still average. Take a look, you will be surprised.

Customer Service

REI is the best. Their 100% satisfaction guarantee is tops in the biz and the 10% dividend is nice too. REI gives all their profits back to their members, EMS's profits go to its owners - a rich family in Europe. REI's knowledgeable sales staff has been a huge help when choosing my gear. The high school kids at EMS are never any help.

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I own a:
Dana Design Shortbed

I've used:
Lowe Alpine Contour IV
Gregory Shasta
Coleman External

I've tried on:
Arc' Teryx Bora 80
Dana Terraplane
Mountainsmith Spector
REI Newstar
The North Face Stamina
Gregory Palisade
Gregory Denali Pro
EMS 5500 (junk)

This is an excelent pack for the price. It is VERY adjustable and the hip belt can be fit to grab your heps very well(The first pack not the bruise my hips). I love the outside pockets and the shovel/stuff pouch. It also has two pockets that you can get into while still wearing the pack. It is a little heavy, but that is how you get all the great features. I am very happy with it and the price is hard to beat.

Customer Service

REI has excelent customer service. If you are not happy, they will do all that is reasonable to fix that.

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Lowe Alpine Contur 4