The North Face Badlands

Review Date
March 3, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: nailgun198(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Stillwater, OK

Price Paid:  $200.00 at Dom's Outdoor Outfit

Summary:
Let me tell you, this pack is a winner! I bought it for a trip to Philmont, and so far I've gone about 100 miles in it. It has so many neat little quirks, like the roll-up compression straps, the curved hip belt and the nice neoprene belt and shoulder straps. It fits nicely to me, and can adjust like the man. It really compares to the Gregory suspension system in my opinion. I only have two problems with it--the placement of the zipper on the top pocket and the placement of the hydration pocket. I think the zipper would work a lot better for me if it were on the back, so I can reach back to get stuff on my own. And as far as the hydration area goes...I've put holes in two bags so far because I can compress the backpack so tight. Granted, it could be my fault, but I think the system should go in the top pocket, because ruining your main drinking system half way through a hike is a bad idea!

Customer Service:
Fortunately I've never had any experience with customer service!

Similar Products Used:
Kelty Trekker
Jansport Rockies

Review Date
August 22, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Brian(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Columbus,OH

Price Paid:  $200.00 at Galyan's

Summary:
I am extremely happy with this pack, as I am with all of my North Face goods. I have been all over the world with it and the amount of space is great. It fits well and the only complaint that I have is that the water bottle holders don't work that well when the pack is full. Other than that I will not buy anything else. I have tons of North Face products and the reason is that their customer service is awesome. They stand behind their lifetime warranty (sent me a new vest once because stitching was coming out on mine). Great pack and great comfort. Definately try before you buy to make sure it fits though because I can see where this pack would be painful if it didn't fit correctly.

Customer Service:
I once sent a vest back to them and they replaced it within 5 business days! AWESOME!!! Also, the punishment and brutality that I administer this brand of clothing/gear/etc. makes me believe that they build quality stuff. I have never had another problem or complaint. This company rules and if there is a choice, I will never buy from anyone else.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
May 30, 2001

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.33 of 5, 3 votes

Reviewed by: Doug Hill(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Boston, MA USA

Price Paid:  $190.00 at EMS

Summary:
I brought this pack on a thruhike of the AT. It fit really well, too much storage pace IMHO... too many buckles that can get caught/ripped, and the workmanship on the seams was horrible- the top began tearing about 200 miles into the trip, and when I called North Face to replace it they promised that they'd send me a new top (and never did).

That said, it did make it the whole way. If I had another chance to purchase, tho, I'd find another pack.

Customer Service:
North Face is an absolutely HORRIBLE manufacturer, they are a joke. Didn't even show for Trail Days. Their website doesn't offer any tips on how to clean pack, personally I'll never buy another North Face product b/c of their poor support. They're certainly no Sierra Designs!

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
March 15, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Jeff A. Simmons(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from High Point, NC, USA

Price Paid:  $150.00 at EBay

Summary:
I bought this pack with some expectation of finally having something that would last a long time. I wasn't also expecting to have a pack that fit so well. I love this pack. It has plenty of room for storage. It is fully adjustable to fit different postures and body style and it is made with great quality. Bet decision I have made on equipment in a long time!

Similar Products Used:
Camptrails
North Face
Kelty

Review Date
May 14, 2000

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: jesper(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Denmark

Summary:
I don not own this pack anymore! The reason for this, and this is just about the only bad thing about this pack, is that the waistbelt did not fit. it transferred the load poorely onto on small area, creating a disturbing pressurepoint. but apart from that this pack performed excellent with a load of great features. I have to say I kind´a miss it apart, too bad my hips don't!!!
Try it before buying, if it fits you will love this pack, trust me!!!

Customer Service:
great service(after a year of wear and tear a buckle broke and they replaced that end some other slightly worn items FREE OF CHARGE!!!)

Similar Products Used:
lowe alpine-vector and cerro torre
osprey- xenith pro (current)