I chose this bag over the REI brand pack that was of similar capacity, because I felt like it had much better weight balance. I use the pack for my frequent moves, and I always have it packed to capacity. It holds the weight well, and has had no signs of wear over the past 4 years despite the heavy loads. Still, I hate this pack, particularly due to the hyperpadded, superthin "girl version" straps, which always twist and push the stupid boob-strap into my armpits. I would hesitate before recommending this pack.

Customer Service

none

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kelty, rei, osprey

This past summer I went on a 11 day backpacking trip with the Arc'teryx bora 65 and I loved it. the capacity was a little small, so I droped about 30 dollars in a set of side pockets. The fit was excellent because of the adjustability of this pack. The detachable lid on this pack serves as a fanny pack wichcame in handy. On our trip it rained six days, and nothing got wet. Gotta like that! the opening on the side of this pack is a nice touch. The Quality Gives Arc'Teryx a great name, and I want to buy more of their gear.

Customer Service

I have not had to contact Arc'teryx yet, but there was a clip broken when purchased, so I got it replaced

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I also own a Lowe alpine pack, but it is not as impressive as this pack! (Note: this pack was on sale, and hidden behind other packs. I guess someone wanted it)

I took my Bora on its maiden voyage through some of the most beautiful country in the world over the summer in Rocky Mountain National Park. I loved it. I simply loved it. It felt exactly like, as OUTSIDE magazine said, "a happy monkey on my back." The molded pad foam hipbelt really felt nice as I was picking my way from boulder to boulder in the Boulder Field on Longs Peak. The waterproof pouch also served as a convenient wetbag for a mountain drenched shell. It is a beautiful bag, The only propblem I had with the Bora is it weight, at 6 lbs. 4oz. my pack was a bit heavier than some of the others in the group. Arc'teryx, however, uses the added weight to help you support what you are carrying more efficiently so I didn't even notice it. Have fun on the trail, man! I sure am!

Customer Service

Simply an incredibly sturdy, well-made pack. I haven't had to call them at all.

Similar Products Used:

Dana Design Lowe Alpine

Recently used the Bora 65 on a four day trip down the Haulapai Trail to Havasu Falls/campground in the western portion of the Grand Canyon. The pack was excellent in every respect. Had neither a sore back or sore shoulders during the twenty mile round trip hike. The pack breathed reasonably well and was never uncomfortable. The detachable day pack was a great feature that saw a lot of use on our trip. For anyone planning a 3-5 day backpacking trip, I would recommend this bag whole-heartedly!

Customer Service

Haven't had to call Arc Teryx for anything, and doubt I will.

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None.

I just came back from 2 months in south america, spending 70 % on my time down there in the mountians, with the longest trip 5 days hiking (treking). I've had my pack for almost 4 years now and have to say that it has been a great investment. When heading up those mole hills of the andes at 4800-5200 m.a.s.l. and elevation changes of 1000M+, it was great to have a pack that weighted 15-18kgs seem weightless on the back. when your fighting ams already and sucking for air it's a major plus not to worry about the extra weight.

Customer Service

Great service!!! had a clip and a bungy stop broken in two separate occasions and a phone call to the office and they sent it out without any questions.

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This is the most comfortable pack I have ever used. I took it on a 3 day canoeing trip, and even during solo portages with the pack and canoe, didn''t feel weighted down. I have stuffed it to the brim, yet the weight feels evenly distributed. The hipbelt is largely responsible, as it allows a lot of weight to be placed over your hips where it belongs. Some might find the padding excessive, but it''s not just thick foam. It compresses to a certain point, allowing it to fit to your body and yet support the weight you''re carrying. Many packs have flimsy foam which is easily compressed and quickly creates sore muscles where the weight is focused. The construction is fantastic, with tough material and zippers. Throwing my pack in and out of the canoe didn''t as much scratch the fabric. ArcTeryx paid a lot of attention to minor details, such as the contoured top pocket which allows space for your head, and also converts to a fanny pack with a padded hipbelt. There is also a bladder sleeve, kangaroo pockets that will hold 0.5L nalgenes, and spare space to secure a tent or extra gear as need be. This is THE bag for backpackers who will spend at most a week in the woods, don''t want their spine to feel as crooked as their hiking stick, and need a strong, dependable pack. If buying in Canada, go to MEC where you can get it for 300 dollars, which is about $200 US. You won''t be sorry. A note for those who find the pack uncomfortable, there are many shoulder strap and hipbelt options available. You shouldn''t leave the store without having them swapped for something that fits your torso.

Customer Service

Don''t know

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Outbound Military

None

None

This pack is a great size for multi day trips. I''ve taken my Bora 65 on 3 season and 4 season multi day trips. The quality is impeccable. The kind of pack that will last forever. The kangaroo pocket and side zipper are outstanding features. If you''re buying in the U.S. definitely buy from MEC (mec.ca). The exchange rate makes this pack really affordable.

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This is one of the easiest fitting packs I've ever seen as well as the
most initially comfortable. BUT,
this pack has some notable flaws in it's design.

I my opinion the most important aspect of a backpack is it's frame's ability to distribute weight properly. this pack relys on the old aluminum stays
as a frame, which are great to form the pack's shape to one's back, but when you attempt to put over 45lbs in it, the frame begins to bend out of shape and remains out of shape!

I guess the key here is to not push this pack to the limit.

Similar Products Used:

Osprey
The WORKS at Mystery Ranch
Dana Design
Black Diamond

The pack seemed perfect in the store. Unfortunately, I found the pack to be very uncomfortable after extensive use. The main problem is that the waistbelt has the tendency to slide down and put too much pressure on the upper part of my butt. The waistbelt does not do a good job of transferring the weight evenly to the pelvis.

Waistbelt - It is TOO bulky. It is so stiff that it cannot conform to the shape of your waist. The pelvis needs a waistbelt that will conform around it to properly distribute weight. It just seems like the pack does not transfer weight uniformly to the pelvis as well as other packs.

Sleeping bag/lower compartment-I think the way the sleeping bag compartment is constructed can lead to uneven loading/pack shape irregularities. Instead of having a zippered compartment that goes AROUND the pack, why not have just a zippered opening (like the high end Gregory packs). It seems like having a zipper that goes around the pack helps to constrict the lower part of the pack keeping items from settling down into the lower part of the packbag. This causes the upper part of the packbag to bloat. I think this also affects the handeling of the pack.

Weight-the Bora 65 just weighs too much. Arc'Teryx uses great material, burly construction and what not, but it's WAY TOO HEAVY than it needs to be.

Shoulder straps-They are just too thick! Shoulder straps should not have to be so thick if they do their job properly. If the pack is constructed properly, the weight will be properly distributed to the pelvis and the harnesses will be there just to keep the pack aligned properly.

Wand pockets-Most people don't know what wands are used for and do not use the pockets to store wands. Personally, I use them for carrying my water bottles-that's probably what most people use them for. Now, the problem is, the pockets are not deep enough to hold water bottles securely (that is 1 quart Nalgene Bottles), so they have a tendency to pop out.

Pack stays-It was VERY DIFFICULT, well almost impossible, to accurately bend the stays so that they would conform to my back. If Arc'Teryx advocates stay bending, they should make the aluminum stays easier to customize.

Compressing the packbag-Two horizontal straps just don't seem to do something. A horizontal/diagonal straps system to compress the packbag would be great.

Despite what I have to say about this pack, Arc'Teryx is a TERRIFIC company and makes some great stuff. After using this pack, I found that it just did not fit my frame. However, others may find that this pack fits great for them. So, don't hesitate to check it out, but be aware of some of its shortcomings.

I have purchased a Gregory Reality (an EXCELLENT pack), and I will probably be selling my Bora 65. E-mail me if you are interested.

Similar Products Used:

Osprey
Dana Designs
Vortex
Osprey
Gregory
(I replaced my Bora 65 with a Reality)

by far the best pac on the market. Easy to use ,lightweight, comfortable, versitile. the price is a little steep but if you goin on a long trip put the money in the pac it's worth it 3x over

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