The North Face Fusion

Review Date
November 3, 2002

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Mark (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $180.00

Summary:
This pack has a lot of good features, but after changing to a pack that does not have a front opening I really miss it. I also broke three buckles on my last winter backpack trip, luckly it was on the second to the last day of the trip.

Similar Products Used:
Kelty, Gregory, Salomon, Outdoor Reasearch

Review Date
May 17, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Christopher Wilson(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Mobile, Alabama, USA

Price Paid:  $270.00 at North Face

Summary:
Purchased in the summer of 1999, the Fusion has served me well for more than a thousand miles in Europe, Canada, and the USA. The pack is excellent overall, eventhough a little on the heavy side. The only complaint is the difficult reach of the mesh side pockets with the pack on. The fabric has worn well from abusive terrain and the only tears are from squirrels trying to get to food. A great buy, but now is discontinued.

Review Date
April 25, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Rory Reece(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Palo Alto, CA

Price Paid:  $180.00 at REI

Summary:
I'm short (5'3") so I bought the smaller version of the Fusion - I think it was womens medium. I selected this pack primarily because of fit and also capacity (5000 cu.in.) Used pack on Rainier and Shasta. Worked/fit great - no problems. Very comfortable straps. There is an recess for head on top portion of pack but must position bracket correctly to form concave recess. Also got great deal at REI

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
March 4, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Scott Ferguson(Unregistered User) ,  Skier , from Calgary Alberta

Summary:
This pack is great! Narrow enough to for arm movement, especially poling. Pockets everywhere. Super comfortable and adjustable.

Once I get to a hut I tighten up the straps and use it as a day pack. Or in the summer just grab the top and go with the fanny pack.

This is one of the best pieces of gear I've got!

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
May 19, 2000

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Mark Lee(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Green River, Wyoming, USA

Summary:
I really enjoy the fit of this pack. I am 6'tall, 200+ pounds and I can carry 60-75 pounds comfortably with this tremendous bag. The quality is excellent and the combination of outside pockets, internal hydration pocket, the zippered pockets at the belt (I really love these), the fanny pack top pocket and misc. straps provide incredible versatility. I've only carried it about 50 miles so far, but it makes the work much more comfortable.

The downside is the plastic buckles and hardware. So far, I have broken two waist belt buckles -- the one from the fanny pack as well as the regular waist belt -- and one ladder buckle on the load lifting strap. I begin worry about being stranded in the boonies with a bag that can't be worn. Has anyone else experienced such problems.

I would rate the pack higher if it were not for the broken hardware.

Customer Service:
The folks at North Face replace the two belt buckles very quickly. Replacing the ladder buckle, however, requires sewing and I will have to send it in for that work.

Similar Products Used:
I have carried REI's Valhalla pack and a Kelty Super Tioga external frame pack.