Great pack. I own several Maddens (Mountaineer, Pathfinder, Tolo, Jambo and a lumbar) None of them has so much as popped a stitch. I did step on and break a buckle once. Hey, they are not idiot proof just bullet proof. I wanted a regular (2-5) day trip bag and saw this one on ebay for $45. Upon arrival I was once again impressed by the quality of the Madden brand. I took out the single stay, shaped it to fit my strange back, loaded it up (40-45 lbs) and headed up to Canada (in my trusty Karmann Ghia no less) for a long four day weekend. It was great. Since then I have taken it to Florida and Maryland with no problems. The shovel pocket, oven style sleeping bag compartment door and mesh side pockets are all great features. Two small complaints both involve the top pocket. First, I wish the zipper was in the back not the front to avoid dumping my stuff out. Second, I wish it was removable and converted to a lumbar pack like the pocket on my old Rocco SE (i sold it to a friend b/c the frame was too small for me, she loves it by the way) I expect to have all of my Maddens for the rest of my life (barring theft or fire). Unfortunately, the company no longer exists and they are hard to come by these days (ebay occasionally has them available).

Customer Service

Great, the fiberglass wand on another madden shattered in cold weather a few years back. I returned it for repairs (no charge) and got it back two weeks later with updated delrin rods.

Similar Products Used:

Dana, Osprey, Mountainsmith, Lowe, Wilderness Experience and Trigon (two more great companies gone the way of the dinosaur)

This is really an excellent pack. It is extremely stable with a heavy load, around 40lbs for me. It hugs my back and hips very securely. I've done 5 day trips with it and not had a bit of soreness, and I use the lighter hipbelt. The construction is bomber, very heavy duty, and yet the overall weight of the pack is quite light for its size. My only complaint is the top pocket zipper on the side of the pocket. It should be on the top of the pocket.

Customer Service

I have to say that their customer service is pretty good. I called them up directly and asked for a discount on the pack and they gave me a code to order online and get 10% off. However, I ordered 2 packs and the second one was on backorder forever and I kept getting a different story every time I called them. I eventually cancelled the order and am glad because it was for a travel bag and I found one that Osprey makes that is exactly what I wanted.

Similar Products Used:

Gregory Snow Peak (PAIN, PAIN, PAIN)

The Scrambler is a wonderful backpack for any lightweight outing. It has pockets, that other packs avoid, and is very light considering all the extras. I had a thru-hiker on the AT drooling over the quality and weight.

Customer Service

So-So . . . took a long time to get the proper waist belt.

Similar Products Used:

Kelty internal & external frame packs.