This is the best daypack I've seen yet.
(They don't list a price here but I paid $120 Canadian.)

It's light but tough. I've taken it out into the Rockies for the last 2 years and have never wanted for anything more. The only time I wasn't overjoyed with it was when I loaded 40lbs + into it and went on a 3 day excursion. Even though I put it through more than it was designed for it still performed quite well considering.

The best feature is it's namesake. The struts that come down each side of the backpack keep your back away from the pack wall letting air flow right through while you grind up the slope. An extra bonus from this is that there are no items poking you in the back as they shift during the hike.

Another feature I insisted on which this had is an inside pocket for a hydration bag. So far any leaks have been contained to this pouch saving my fleece from soaking it up.

The new year's line has only one change from the old line and that is a rain cover. A nice touch on an already great pack.

If I ever have to replace my daypack I'm not even looking for another model - I'm buying another one of these.

Customer Service

Emailed for a catalogue May '99 and received confirmation that it would be sent out. July '00 and I'm still waiting. Germany isn't that far.

Similar Products Used:

Various MEC backpacks. WWW.MEC.CA
Great Store.