This is a superior backpack, albeit limited in capacity (4500+ cu inches - Osprey does also offer the Crescent in larger capacity models). I'd consider it perfectly suitable for weekend, up four day backpacking trips. It provides an outstanding fit and really displaces the load nicely. I've carried 50 plus pounds in it (Of which included a lot of water for Arizona trekking)and the load stayed balanced and centered on my hips. Because the pack is so streamlined and balanced it's added piece of mind when scaling narrow trails and switchbacks - you never feel that the pack's weight will pull you in one direction or the other. Materials are excellent and it has loads of adjustments to tailor the fit. There's a feature I'd rather do without or exchange for what's available on the lighter version of this model (the Aether 75). Specifically, the Crescent 75 comes with a 'Solo' daypack (attaches to the back panel). I never use it and would rather have a big mesh pocket instead (like the Aether - for tying down items like shirts, hats, etc.). Of note, the mesh holster that is on the pack for water bottles, etc. has some extremely tight elastic to it. So tight it's hard to get things out of it. Perhaps this will loosen in time. If you ensure that the frame of this pack fits correctly you will be very happy with this selection.

Customer Service

Moosejaw's customer service is excellent. I've posted email questions and they have responded within a couple of hours. On a return unrelated to this review, I had no problems and the credit to my card account was handled promptly.

Similar Products Used:

Osprey Highlander 75, Gregory Shasta

This is a superior backpack, albeit limited in capacity (4500+ cu inches - Osprey does also offer the Crescent in larger capacity models). I'd consider it perfectly suitable for weekend, up four day backpacking trips. It provides an outstanding fit and really displaces the load nicely. I've carried 50 plus pounds in it (Of which included a lot of water for Arizona trekking)and the load stayed balanced and centered on my hips. Because the pack is so streamlined and balanced it's added piece of mind when scaling narrow trails and switchbacks - you never feel that the pack's weight will pull you in one direction or the other. Materials are excellent and it has loads of adjustments to tailor the fit. There's a feature I'd rather do without or exchange for what's available on the lighter version of this model (the Aether 75). Specifically, the Crescent 75 comes with a 'Solo' daypack (attaches to the back panel). I never use it and would rather have a big mesh pocket instead (like the Aether - for tying down items like shirts, hats, etc.). Of note, the mesh holster that is on the pack for water bottles, etc. has some extremely tight elastic to it. So tight it's hard to get things out of it. Perhaps this will loosen in time. If you ensure that the frame of this pack fits correctly you will be very happy with this selection.

Customer Service

Moosejaw's customer service is excellent. I've posted email questions and they have responded within a couple of hours. On a return unrelated to this review, I had no problems and the credit to my card account was handled promptly.

Similar Products Used:

Osprey Highlander 75, Gregory Shasta

Got this pack last year for my son.This pack has probably the most impressive suspension I have seen on any internal frame pack.The pack material seems to be very stout,and the quality of construction is excellent. My son says that it carries the load better than anything he has used before. Although I haven't actually used it,I have tried it on loaded,and it feels extremely comfortable. I would recommend this pack to anyone who needs a pack capable of hauling some very heavy loads.I think it is made at least as well as either of the top of the line packs made by Dana or Gregory,and the innovative suspension system moves it a notch above.

Customer Service

Have not had any dealings w/customer service,no problems with pack.

Similar Products Used:

Gregory Wind River

I really like this pack. I started backpacking a few years ago and my near forty back and knees don’t like having to slow down. I also regularly take 35 – 45 pound loads with me… you go with kids, take a companion, and you end up carrying more stuff. You want to be “comfortable,” so you take more stuff…etc. etc. So, I have been reluctantly upgrading packs and searching for “The One” over the last three years. This one does it for me. The best thing about this pack is the suspension system. The Crescent 75 comes with Osprey’s “recurve suspension” system that has a full frame sheet, twin aluminum stays, dual composite struts with adjustable tension, and an innovative hip belt. The struts make the pack, in my opinion. They are curved, or “bowed,” and run from the top to the hip. The struts are held to the pack with a type of plastic material that reminds me of what’s on many snowshoes, these days. With mini-compression straps mid way on each side, the struts can be tensioned appropriately without removing the pack. The more the tension, the more the weight transfers to the hips. The hip pads have a nice system for tightening that allows you to tighten the belt by pulling inward on the straps instead of the other way around. The crescent 75 has a deceptively cavernous storage capacity. The side access zipper is great because I can stuff things on that side of the pack if I think I might need them during the day, such as food, cooking stuff, first aid kit, etc. Also the sleeping bag compartment is nice because it’s wider than the rest of the pack and that makes it easier to stuff your bag in there, something that anyone who carries a warmer bag will appreciate. The pack has “straight jacket” compression straps that tighten straight across the back—three of them. The pack comes with a decent lid/fanny pack that holds a lot and has three compartments: one for hydration, one for main storage, and a “map compartment.” There are removable side pockets and there is also an accessory storage pouch that mounts on the back that can be upgraded to one of several varying sizes, including a light daypack. The storage capacity of the bag is enhanced if you use the added pockets/pouch. One thing I would note: if you carry this much stuff including the tent AND you need to carry a bear-canister, you should probably get the next size up—the Crescent 90. In the hiking that I do, the Crescent 75 is perfect. I just came back from a four-day excursion carrying about 40 lbs and my back feels the best, ever.

Similar Products Used:

Gregory Lassen, Makalu Pro.