I bought this as an employee at an outdoor shop in 1996 (now: 9/00). It has been used all over North America for mountaineering and backpacking. No complaints. Not a single stich has popped nor a zipper burst. It has been dropped, dragged, submerged, and left with rotten bananas for weeks.
A few things:
-those pockets on the side are for skis, not water bottles.
-The floating pocket on the back is best replaced with some webbing for holding stuff on.
-The fit is amazing, and handles huge loads as comfortably as my (now gathering dust) Dana Terraplane.
-The material for the back padding has not worn out after years of heavy use. Top notch.
-BUY IT.

Customer Service

Called once to inquire about some products. Very knowledgable with a hearty Canuk accent.

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Dana Terraplane

This is the most versatile pack I have ever used. From canoeing, mountaineering, skiing, to being the family pack mule. The suspension is incredible for a pack this size. Easily overloaded. This year while in Maine I had to carry my 50lb son out. He actually sat on the top of the loaded pack, to my surprise it carried better than other large packs I've used. Maybe I am just lucky but the medium feels like it was custom fitted for me. I am surprised its discontinued. No negatives here. Awesome pack.

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Dana Bridger

I really like this pack. I've used it for large portions of my hike of the AT, and it's really ideal for the June - September portion of a thru-hike. That is, if you're into lightweight hiking.

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I've used a large number of packs, though my other favourite has been Gregory's 1995 Robson. I've only had bad experiences with Lowe.

I have had my Khamsin 50 for 4 years and have never worn a more comfortable pack. That said, I can think of only a couple drawbacks: 1) The outside pocket is too small to carry much and usually gets in the way, 2) It can be difficult to pack everything for a long weekend. I would prefer a 3500-4000 c.i. pack for anything beyond an overnight trip.

I've had a Kamshin for 4 years now but the pack hasn't changed a lot. It is a great pack, great size, and very comfortable. I have a few complaints, though:

- the shape of the lid does not fit over the pack when it is full to capacity. The pocket underneath the lid is the cause of the problem.

- the pack lacks an easy and secure way to fasten the ice axe handle when you use the ice axe loops.

- given it's small size and irregular shape, the back pocket is of limited usefulness.

That said, the pack excels in its most important characteristics -- comfort, capacity, and resonably light weight.

My dream pack would be a Bora of the same size as the Kamshin. The Arc'Teryx Nozone also looks interesting -- same size, lighter weight, and optimized for climbing.

The Arc'Teryx Khamsin 50 is one neat backpack. I purchased mine from REI-outlet.com at a reasonable price. Suspension is the best. Size is perfect for the weekend adventurer with just enough space for some extras. Arc'Teryx does make quality backpacks and the the Khamsin 50 is no exception. I do wish though that these backpacks were made of waterproof material. A backpack cover would definetly be a good investment.

Customer Service

The Arc'Teryx website does need some overhaul. Never got to call on customer service

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None

I use this pack mostly for rock and ice climbing. It is a really simple pack. There is a zipper going up the side that I never use. The pouch on the back is really small. There is no drainage holes in the pack. Considering that it is geared towards ice climbing it would be a wise addition. The water bottle holders are a tight squeeze for bottles when the pack is full. I have dropped a bottle more than once.
On a good note, the construction is bomber. The pack defiently performs!

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Bora 70 and north face

I have had this pack for about three years now. I've used the Khamsin 50 for long day hikes, and even overnight summer trips. Also a great sized pack for two-week long city travel vacations in Europe.

Pros: amazing build quality, simplistic, clean design, diff. sized packs for people with diff. back lengths, huge side-access zipper lets you get to your stuff deep inside your pack without having to open the top of the pack, large zippers throughout, lots of shoulder strap, and hipbelt padding...and the bag looks just as good and expensive as the price you've paid for it!

Cons: the two water bottle holders won't hold Nalgenes, the external removable pack is useless
(no drainage hole for wet gear, too small to hold anything bigger than a fleece sweater, just ruins the simplistic design of the bag: I recommend just taking off the thing!)

This is my second Khamsin 50 pack. My brother liked my first pack so much that he wouldn't give it back...so I had to buy another one!

Customer Service

This is the "Toyota" of backpacks! Never had any problems with it.

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- Mountain Hardwear 1st Dimension Standard Sleeping Bag
- Mountain Hardwear Micro Mesh Bivy
- Arcteryx Bora 80 backpack (all of the great reviews by Outdoor Review and Outside Magazine on this bag influenced my recent decision to buy it)

I use this pack mostly for ice climbing. The removable crampon bag (with axe tubes) is a huge bonus, and really adds to this pack's performance. The suspension system works great, and is very comfortable, even under heavy loads (wet ropes, climbing hardware, clothes, tent etc. I've had over 55 lbs in this, and felt great). I haven't used a better pack for 1-2 day mountianeering / ice climbing trips. Highly recommended if you can afford the $220.00 CDN price tag.

Customer Service

none

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Outbound 50 l, no frame!(it were crap, mate), Seratus Icefall (good for the price, but no comparison to the Khamsin 50)

Well, I have had this pack for 2 years now, and I love it. I have been using it for primarily climbing gear. However I have plans to use it for the AT this summer. Overall I can say that I love this pack. The only major drawbacks are the fact that the H20 bottle holders are pretty much useless if you carry a water bottle bigger than 8oz. , the other drawback being unless you have an unlimited amount of $$$$ it is pretty expensive.

This pack is extremely comfortable and the kangaroo pocket is very versitile in packing stuff and can really make it easy to get more than 2990cui (even though I think it is a bit bigger than that)

James

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I have a large 5500 - 6000 cu. inch LLBean pack which is not as comfortable as this one.