REI New Star Internal Frame Backpacks Review

Review Date
April 10, 2011

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Denny Barr(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Summary:
I've had my New Star for 18 years and I love it. It's held up to everything over time and the only thing that has broken is a couple of the zipper pulls. Others have complained about the lack of sleeping bag compartment, but that's a matter of preference. I love the flexibility of packing the sleeping bag in the main compartment or strapping it on to the bottom with the adjustable straps there, depending on what else I'm carrying. I've also learned to use the extension section with separate cinch cords as a separate compartment for food and other things that I may need for my mid day stops. I looked into replacing it with a newer, lighter pack a few years ago but decided the 1/2 pound or so of wieght savings wasn't worth the high cost of a lighter pack. Sweaty back is the biggest drawback, but overall a GREAT pack.

Review Date
April 20, 2008

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: smmcintyre ,  Backpacker

Summary:
I've used this pack on many extended backcountry trips (4 to 10 days), weekend trips, as well as just moving stuff from one continent to the other. The top pouch annoys me: it is always flopping around. It is necessary to adjust the hip belt fairly often, yes, but what bothers me more is the shape of the bag. I also don't like the zipper system all along the body of the bag. I would prefer a bottom region zipper to get climbing gear out easily. It doesn't fit well in the lumbar region and when full I never seem to get into a comfortable spot with it. But my biggest complaint about the bag is the weight: at 6 lbs it is just too heavy to be versatile. I'd say it is great for extended trips, but too heavy and sweaty for shorter trips.

Similar Products Used:
REI external frame pack from the 60s

Review Date
September 1, 2005

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: sesupanchick ,  Snowboarder

Summary:
Works Great. Top pouch wiggles a bit if it's not cramed full, and the belt need's tightened every 3rd mile or so. On the other side it's the most comfortable pack I know of, and the side pockets are big enough to fit trail guides, maps, nalgene bottles, etc. It's an A+ in my book...

Customer Service:
It's REI there the best.

Review Date
November 19, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: lex(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Summary:
Not sure what everyone's gripe about the bag is. I do agree that the hipbelt comes a little lose but it is not nearly as often as is suggested. I've used it on the PCT where I average about 16 miles per day, and I find that I have to adjust the straps maybe every hour or two depending on how much hip flexing has been going on.

Once properly adjusted the pack is quite snug yet allows a great range of motion while allowing you to walk upright. The adjustable ice axe loop is convenient for carrying a shovel.

Great deal for the price.

Customer Service:
REI is the greatest; they've taken back everything ive had any problems with no questions asked.

Review Date
July 26, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: ford1776(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Dallas, TX

Summary:
I spent 5 days in APPS with this pack. No problems. Yes, the belt needs to be tightened every 30 minutes or so, but so what.

It could use more exernal pockets, and the top hip pouch doesn't cinch down and STAY in place, but overall it's a solid reliable pack.

I can fit a Volkswagon in it, it held up in pouring rain with 54# of gear, and remained comfortable and solid, and I only paid 70 bucks!

What more can you ask for?

Customer Service:
Haven't had to deal with them, for this product, but they've been wonderful for other items