This pack is up there with the best of them. I really like its all-around versatility. The design is a simple tube, but the side zip gives very easy access to everything. Very well made. It carries loads well, the hipbelt is very supportive. Packs in this size range can be used for a lot of activities. This one you can add a shovel patch to and be ready for winter treks. Only things I'd change are the water bottle pockets need to be a little bigger and I wish the hood pocket opened behind my head like most packs do, rather than right on top. For loads up to 40 lbs., I still think the Gregory Reality is the best pack on the market.

Similar Products Used:

Gregory Palisade and Reality, Dana Glacier.

After reading the reviews, I noticed that nobody mentioned a feature about this pack that I just learned about. You can buy the optional "Artic Patch" for the pack. That is why the pouch on the pack is removable. The artic patch has ice axe velcro and a compression pouch with daisy chain loops. If anyone know's the price of the add-on, I'd like to hear it.

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What first attracted me to this pack was that Arc Teryx paid close attention to detail. There are ice tool loops, multiple accessory loops, compression straps, ect. I can easily fit all the climbing gear needed to either tackle a cascade volcano or head to the local crag. Under heavier loads, the pack remains comfortable even for my 5'6" frame. I highly recommend this pack for most alpine trips short of multiday expeditions.

Customer Service

None needed

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I just bought it, and used it for the first time on a short weekend trip. The suspension system was very comfortable and it felt like I was carrying a much lighter load than I really was. It has an removable pocket, but I needed it in place to hold my water bladder in position. It seems to have the right amount of outside pockets to be somewhat organized, but still be streamlined.

Customer Service

MEC's customer service was great.

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None

I've had this pack for three months now and it's served me from a 4 day backpack in the wilderness to doing day hikes. It's just big enough to haul everything for backpacking, but it can also be compressed for day hikes. The floating lid is the best i've seen and the most waterproof. The detachable pouch on the back is great for fuel bottles and garbage to keep them out of the main compartment. It also perfectly fits my snowboard behind it! The v-stay suspension is so much better than fixed suspension. The pack straps are so comfortable, even on bare skin. The ergonomical waist belt is firm enough to support a lot of weight (60lbs!) but is shaped well enough not to pinch or abrade the hips. I'm so satisfied with this pack, there's not enough room here to talk about it!

Customer Service

I haven't had the opportunity to contact their customer service dept yet, and I doubt I will. It does have a lifetime warranty which is very comforting.

Similar Products Used:

The North Face

Bought this pack last Spring and have used it several times. It's a great pack that carries large loads really comfortably. Much nicer than my old external frame pack, and is plenty light for lighter days on the trails. Really like the adjustability of the pack and the comfort of the straps.

I love this pack. Very well made and it carries 40lb loads for me very comfortably. I was concerned at first that the one size hip belt system wouldn't be as good as Dana Designs multiple sizes hip belt. But, this proved groundless as the fit I found in the store carried over to the field. I still don't see how a large person, say a 200lb male, can use the same hip belt as the padding can't possible go as far forward on him as it does on me at 110 pounds. But ain't my problem.

Customer Service

No problems so far

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Dana Designs Swift (?)

A real backpackers pack. So many bells and whistles that it weighs a lot more than a pack this size should. Well constructed, but uncomfortable with even the lightest overnight load. The large is not long enough for me at 6'2"". I can't get the weight to sit on my hips.

Customer Service

Customer service didn't seem to care about my problems.

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None

Uncomfortable hip belt. Seemed okay when I walked around in store with it, but on the trail with the pack full, it irritated my hip bones. Needs to be softer padding. Very well made makes it heavier than others, but probably more durable. it's a trade-off. If you're going to use it a lot, the extra weight is worth it. If not, find something lighter.

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I liked my old Kelty, I forget the model, better.

I've used my Bora 70 for carrying large loads for overnite climbing trips into Lynville Gorge. The suspension of this pack is plush to say the least. I don't know that I would recommend it for extreme mountaineering such as mixed climbing due to the bulk of the shoulder and waist straps. I really like the concave in the pack behind your head that allows you to look up without restriction. It has a nice roomy, floating top hatch, removable cargo pouch and and extra vertical zippered entry into the main compartment. I feel like this pack will last and is a good value. But if you're looking for and ultralight technical pack, go with the Wild Things Andenista or Arc'terx Vapor.

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