The North Face Minuteman

Review Date
November 30, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: goluckysatchmo ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $120.00

Summary:
This is a great pack. I have used other brands (Lowe Alpine, Marmot, and Arc'teryx) but this is my favorite! This pack has seen many trails. I recently completed a 37 mile trek and it held all my gear easily. I have never had a problem with any of the buckles or zippers. There are no tears in the pack even though it has been stuffed to the brim many times. It has kept my stuff dry in downpours and is especially water tight when coupled with a rain fly. Great pack for the money. I have bought some new packs since I purchased this pack, but I always go back to Ol' Faithful. Great pack for the money. I would pay twice as much for it, thankfully I didn't have to.

Similar Products Used:
Marmot
Lowe Alpine
Arc'teryx

Review Date
July 15, 2003

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Jacob (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Lexington, KY

Price Paid:  $119.00 at Dick's Sporting Good

Summary:
I have put this pack through hell for the last 3 years and it is in better shape than packs that I have babied for less than a year. It's been on very rough trails, climbing, and all over Europe. My torso is a bit small for the large so it took me a while to get it adjusted right but you can't beat it now. The shoulder straps tend to slip some for me so I have to adjust them a lot on the trail. It hauls a lot (I got all of my belongings for a 4 month trip to Italy in it.) With lots of straps and tie points you can always strap more on. All of the parts are very rugged, I've overpacked it numerous times and the heavy zippers never had a problem. One buckle lost a prong in the flight from Europe (all the bags around it were shredded) but it still worked. The top piece/lumbar pack looks small but holds a ton. Overall for this price or any other you can't beat it.

Customer Service:
N/A

Similar Products Used:
Camp Trails Adjustable II
Kelty Redwing
Kelty Redcloud
North Face Patriot
High Sierra

Review Date
April 9, 2003

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Alex C(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Cambridge, U.K.

Price Paid:  $90.00

Summary:
Although okay for walking over fairly smooth terrain, this pack tends to swing about on your back alarmingly on steeper ground if it has anything more than the bare minimum packed into it. Having said that, the three side compression straps allow you to turn it into a very comfortable daysack which, with its ice axe loops and bungee cord, I have found very useful for ice climbing. The hip belt is fairly easy to remove as well, making it an easy pack to use with a harness.

Durability doesn't seem that great. Bits of fabric have frayed and stitching has loosened just through walking, and there are some holes in the bottom where it has rubbed against rocks while scrambling or climbing. I expected better, but to be honest I have put it through a fair bit of abuse.

The removable lid is excellent. I have found it particularly useful for cycling, and it's nice not to have it flopping around on top of the pack when you haven't got much in it.

Overall, not the best pack, but quite possibly the best value.

Review Date
April 10, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: sdbelt(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Phoenix, AZ, USA

Price Paid:  $199.00 at Popular Outfitters

Summary:
I realy like this backpack. I purchased it in March 2001, and have used it several times since then (no single day over 10 miles...most ~5 miles).

The top is removable and useable as a day pack. The shoulder harness fits my frame well, and the vertical adjustability of the waistbelt is welcome as well, as I found it quite simple to adjust the backpack to my 5'10" size and 200 lb frame. Recently I loaned the pack to a neighbor. He's 6'3" and 220. After 3 days and 28 miles, he came back praising the pack.

The two water bottle holders work well for 32 oz bottles, which puts 1/2 gallon in close reach. The upper pocket/day pack will also easily hold a hydration bladder (Camelbak, etc.) for those that prefer.

There are packs designed for more capacity and weight, but for those that can stick to ~40lbs in carrying weight, I think this is a great pack.

Customer Service:
N/A

Similar Products Used:
N/A

Review Date
December 2, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: njdrano(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Mesa, AZ, USA

Price Paid:  $119.00 at Northern Mountain Su

Summary:
Purchased this pack on sale from Northern Mountain Supply (www.northernmountain.com) for only $119!! This is a great pack with an adjustable fit to hug the pack to your back. No more uneven weight distributions!! This pack is large enough for a week or more and has a seperate sleeping bag compartment. Great colors - Olive/Black!!!! BUY THIS PACK!!!

Customer Service:
These guys are the best...great products and super fast shipping!!

Similar Products Used:
None