REI Sierra Crest

Review Date
April 17, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: blitz_eagle ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $150.00 at REI

Summary:
I have used this pack on many short and long treks. It was used for 28 days in Philmont Scout Ranch backcountry, it was comfortable after time but it took a while to break in the straps. This pack kept my gear dry in bad weather and most the gear was protected after I fell in a river. This pack has was excellent though it is time to move on to internal frames.

Similar Products Used:
REI Long Trail Junior

Review Date
July 3, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: backpack777(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Orange County, CA, USA

Price Paid:  $100.00 at REI

Summary:
I don't understand the first review, this is a beginner/intermediate pack. This is a great woman's pack for on trail and light off trail use. My wife used it on her first trip on a steep 12000 foot Sierra pass and it worked quite well. It weighs 4lb6oz with the top bar removed and is quite adjustable. Beginner's should use a light external frame pack for ease of packing and adjustment. The Jansport Scout is even lighter but I have never used it. I've used internal and external packs for 35 years and feel internal frame packs are a fad that hopefully will soon pass. The only use for an internal frame pack is severe off trail use (rare) or ultra light trips. They are a pain to pack, hot and most are uncomfortable with more than 35 lbs. I use a light internal pack for up to 4 day trips and/or around 30 lbs. By using the pack at the end of the 48 inch Thermarest you save 3 lbs. You can look cool with the heavy internal pack or blow by everyone at the end of the day with the Sierra Crest.

Customer Service:
REI is great.

Similar Products Used:
Kelty, Jansport.

Review Date
March 13, 2001

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Shawn(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from los angeles, ca, usa

Price Paid:  $100.00 at REI

Summary:
This backpack is a good price but painful to use on the mountain unless your on very even terrain. I have climbed in extreme conditions with this pack and survived but it is definitely a life threatening venture to not buy an internal frame for steep ascents and snow or glacier travel. A good pack if you live in Ohio but not made for the mountains of the west.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
July 11, 2000

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Reviewed by: Sean Paterson(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Niles, OHio USA

Summary:
It was awfull the sales rep at REI fitted me wrong. And then after they fitted me right it was still uncomfortable. I bought a Gregory from Outack Gear and it is much better.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
May 28, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Jerry(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Ft. Belvoir, VA

Summary:
This pack was my introduction to backpacking, and that first trip was even more memorable because it also introduced my son to backpacking. The pack is superb, and made backpacking an even greater experience than I anticipated it to be. There's loads of storage room, but REI advises this to be backpack capable of handling a 3-4 day load. The frame expands to accommodate sleeping bags and pads, and I was never able to use all of the storage space. This pack got me hooked for life, and I can't wait to get out there again...when I introduce my daughter to backpacking.

Customer Service:
REI's customer service is dynamite. They have never let me down, from the most insignificant item to the most major.

Similar Products Used:
None