This pack is an upgrade from my aging REI Newstar Travese pack, that I got cheap at a scratch and dent sale. The Newstar was ok, but didn't have the volume for multi day snowboard mountaineering trips. The GG pack is a very thoughtful, comfortable,well engineered pack,with LOTS of room. Carbon fiber framesheet gives the best support of any of the large volume high end expedition packs I've tried including: Arc Teryx Bora 90,Osprey Crescent 110,Gregory Denali Pro and Dana Astralplane. Anatomical split hip belt is very similar to the one on Osprey's Crescent 110L pack, form fitting and comfortable. Aside from the carbon fiber framesheet, the pack is unique in that it couples the best features of a compression sack with a back pack. GG has been making top notch compression sacks for years and the experience shows. The pack has an extra set of internal compression straps that really keep your gear cinched down inside, for absolutely no movement while hiking. Like the reviewer for the Cirrus Access 6000 mentions, unlike other brands,the inside of the pack does not have a separate compartment for a sleeping bag. Internal compartments keep you from fully utilizing space. The outside of the pack doesn't have any pockets either,just side pouches. I keep stuff I have to access on the trail stashed in the top lid or side pouches. The back of the pack has 3 attachment straps with tapered fabric sewn in to fasten darn near anything to it, from a hydration pack to a snowboard. This feature was important to me, as not many large multi-day packs are made for snowboard mountaineering. The top lid functions as a detachable hip pack like everybody elses,but has compression straps as well. I found the compression straps on the lid handy for fastening my fishing rod case to it and making fishing trips from camp, as well as fastening an ice axe to the back for summer peak bagging over snowfields. Could even support some light touring skis for peak bagging in winter. I've only made one trip with the pack so far. But it comfortably carried 65 lbs of gear(with plenty of room to spare)for over 30 miles,over rugged trail conditions,in altitudes of 7000-11,000 ft in Montana's Beartooth Mountains. As mentioned above, I put on another 15 miles hiking with the detachable lid/hip pack for stream fishing day trips and climbing a snowy approach to White Tail peak (12,400') on the 4th of July. The only drawback to the whole system so far is when using the top lid as a hip pack and carrying 10+ lbs, the strap belt has no padding and dug into my waist at times. Nobody elses detachable top lid has padded waist straps either, so I really can't knock GG for that. I've seen kits to add light suspender style shoulder straps to fanny packs to divert some of the load to the upper body for comfort. I'll rig up something like that for future trips. All in all, the most comfortable,most stable heavy load carrying expedition pack I've tried. Based on materials and quality, I expect it to last a lifetime. Great value at $100 less than a Gregory Denali Pro.

Customer Service

havn't needed

Similar Products Used:

REI Newstar Traverse, Dakine Poacher( snowboard daypack)