I live in UK and the Bora 95 costs $685 with 6 weeks delivery. I got 20% off via the REI Members dividend and with shipping came to $410 and took 7 days from day of order. Superb quality, real attention to detail, hip belt incredibly comfortable even loaded. Water tight zips aren't. Never could be since the you have two zip pulls and where they meet there is a gap or "hole". Also with bag full the zip stretch slightly and driving rain will get in. You have to pack your things in a few waterproof bags and then use the side zip to get at each bag. Personally I would prefer it without the side zip. Having the inner face of the bag material white helps a lot in searching for stuff. Grumbles: No instructions at all, not even about cleaning. Makes no sense. Kangaroo pouch needs a double zip pull so you can undo from the bottom or top. At present it's a bit pointless since you have to undo the lid to get at the zip pull. Reflective patch would have been useful but this you can sort out yourself. Velcro Ice Axe holders are magic. Overall stunning quality and worth buying with the deal I got but the normal price of $685 in UK means it's not worth it, Macpac would win hands down at half the price. My value rating is based on UK prices.

Customer Service

Can't use since shipping costs to and from UK prohibite this.

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Macpac Pursuit - but for climbing so smaller pack. Similar excellent quality, not so technically advanced but quite a bit more rugged. Used the Macpac Glissade which is similar size to Bora 80. If Macpac put more into development and ideas then their packs would be better than Arcteryx.

I finally got a chance to use my pack. I went hiking on the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge. Once a couple of my friends pointed out how to customize it to my frame and explained how it should fit, it was very comfofortable. I'm writing this right now fairly sore but not cause of this pack cause of my shoes..but thats a different review. The pads are great and feature pack excellent. I ahd to by a camelbak omega cause it didnt have a hydration system nor did it have a place to put one but other than that this pack performed wonderfully, I'm a really slender guy 5'10" and 150 lbs. So i was the probably the weakest person there and I also had the heaviest pack, but because of its comfortability I had to problems whatsovever

Customer Service

Have not needed to use

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I used this pack extensively on all kinds of trips. I worked fairly well on low elevation, 3 season backpacking trips, but was a little heavy. Durring winter mountaineering at high elevations, I found the pack to be not only heavy, but cumbersom, and very inconvenient. Not to mention rather uncomfortable when compared to some other packs. It was nearly impossible to stow/retrieve something from the pack without considerable hassle. I am now using an Osprey Crescent 110 and couldnt be happier.

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Osprey crescent 110

I shopped for a very long time over the Internet, reading review upon review on backpacks. I needed a big pack. Not only was I starting my adventures in backpacking but, I planned on doing it for a long time so I wanted to get something good that would last. All that research on the Internet paid off. I am very happy with my Bora 95 pack. The pack has the best frame/support I have tried on a pack. There is a lot of cushion. When I had 55lbs on my back, with this pack, it did get heavy at times. I didn''t adjust the frame sheet like I should have, so I had a little back ache. That was my first use so now I know how it should fit me and I can bend the frame sheet to match my back. Other than that, the pack never hurt my shoulders or the rest of me because Arc''Teryx spent a lot of time with ergonomic engineering - that''s why I would say this pack is a leader among expedition packs. I purchased the Arc''Teryx Bora 95 Large (inc spot color - on right) in Canada from Altitude-Sports.com. The pack cost $289 + $21.28 shipping (no tax). This was a really good deal buying this from Canada, since it normally cost $395+shipping+tax from USA shops. I was very happy will Altitude Sports - They shipped the pack in good time and they followed up through e-mail to make sure I received it - they were very helpful and answered all my questions over e-mail.

Customer Service

I e-mailed Arteryx some questions, after I purchase the pack, and they got back to me right away. If I did have a problem with the pack I suspect they would provide top notch service.

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Tried on Gregory, Dana Designs...Their packs were not nearly as padded on my back.

Fantastic pack! As mentioned, it is a little heavy, but very rugged. All seams are well made and the zippers are flawless. The pack stays dry inside and the hydration pack addition is a nice touch.

Recently went hiking for four days and carried camera equipment with a weight totalling about 65lbs w/o much problem. The pack is quite comfortable. The side pockets carry canteens or Nalgene bottles well and the outer pocket is very handy. The removable fanny pack is very useful.

This is a great bag for the multi-day (4+) hike and holds a lot of stuff. Anything less, consider a smaller Arc'teryx.

Would buy again, although judging from the construction, I don't think I'll have to. This is my second Arc'teryx pack (two sizes) and I love them both. Find a friend in Canada and get these from MEC.ca for much cheaper than available in the US.

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None

This is the most wicked pack i've ever had. I've done several multiday trips with it over the year and a half i've owned it. I needed a large pack since my wife doesn't carry weight well. I usually end up carrying the kitchen, fuel, tent, food, and mountaineering gear in my pack, leaving my wife with only her sleeping bag and clothes. I tried on the denali pro, dana, and others in a store with MY GEAR to help me select a pack. The Bora 95 fit me the best, had the best features, and looked nice too. I liked the denali pro also but I thought it was tooo big. Since my initial 3 day spring mountaineering trip in colorado, I have been completelly sold on arcteryx quality. I have never carried less than 50 pounds in it. It never feels as heavy as it is. I would recommend arcteryx over any other company and this is the pack for people who carry a little extra than the average person. I did get bruises on my shoulders and hips during my last trip,while using trekking poles. Also, although the side pockets are small, I can carry one liter nalgene water bottles in them (but its not ease). I usually carry my camelback bladder in the kangaroo pocket, no problems. I bought the pack at regular price and never looked back since.

Customer Service

not applicable

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Denali Pro, Kelty

I have owned this pack since November and am without a doubt satisfied completely. With all the differant adjustments you can make with pack length, waist belt sizes and shoulder strop option you can get this pack custom fit to you. From the side access to the compression straps, you can easily get in and out of this pack and adjust as you load from a weekend trip or long expedition. I have carried some serious loads with me on several occassions and it fits and rides perfect. It may not be a Denali Pro but its not 450+ buck either. This years model has some added features from the one I have as well as color options, cobalt or redrock. If you carry some weight when you are out this is the pack to go with

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I have tried Osprey and Gregory, never could get the fit right.

I absolutely love this pack. Have not had any problems with any part of it at all. The suspension is excellent. Have heard people gripe about "no bladder pocket"? Try using the kangeroo pocket. It is a logical place for it. Check out the grommet in the bottom of it. Perfect in case something leaks. The bottom pockets are not for water bottles, they are wand pockets. The pack is a little heavy but is Arcteryx's bombproof construction. The price is high but you get what you pay for. A excellent pack for anyone wanting comfort and quality.

Customer Service

Doubt if I ever will need repair service. Answered my e-mail in less then 24hrs. for tech. advice

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TNF Renegade Camp 7 Grizzley

This is one really fine pack. While all the superlatives given it by other users is very true, there are a few things that might make this an even better pack. For example, the kangaroo pocket is really great, but it would be improved by being able to zip the pocket open from the bottom as well as the top for easier access with it's top on. Also, the chest strap could be stiffer, so it doesn't need adjusting with gloved hands and the small side pockets could be much deeper. A few minor improvements could make this a nearly perfect pack.

Great backpack with a very comfortable/supportive suspension system. A little on the heavy side but great in every other respect. Used the pack for a 1 week trip to Banff as I climbed various peaks in the Wapta icefields. The pack always kept my gear dry and the suspension left me with no backaches what-so-ever.

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