I've had my New Star for 18 years and I love it. It's held up to everything over time and the only thing that has broken is a couple of the zipper pulls. Others have complained about the lack of sleeping bag compartment, but that's a matter of preference. I love the flexibility of packing the sleeping bag in the main compartment or strapping it on to the bottom with the adjustable straps there, depending on what else I'm carrying. I've also learned to use the extension section with separate cinch cords as a separate compartment for food and other things that I may need for my mid day stops. I looked into replacing it with a newer, lighter pack a few years ago but decided the 1/2 pound or so of wieght savings wasn't worth the high cost of a lighter pack. Sweaty back is the biggest drawback, but overall a GREAT pack.

I've used this pack on many extended backcountry trips (4 to 10 days), weekend trips, as well as just moving stuff from one continent to the other. The top pouch annoys me: it is always flopping around. It is necessary to adjust the hip belt fairly often, yes, but what bothers me more is the shape of the bag. I also don't like the zipper system all along the body of the bag. I would prefer a bottom region zipper to get climbing gear out easily. It doesn't fit well in the lumbar region and when full I never seem to get into a comfortable spot with it. But my biggest complaint about the bag is the weight: at 6 lbs it is just too heavy to be versatile. I'd say it is great for extended trips, but too heavy and sweaty for shorter trips.

Similar Products Used:

REI external frame pack from the 60s

Works Great. Top pouch wiggles a bit if it's not cramed full, and the belt need's tightened every 3rd mile or so. On the other side it's the most comfortable pack I know of, and the side pockets are big enough to fit trail guides, maps, nalgene bottles, etc. It's an A+ in my book...

Customer Service

It's REI there the best.

Not sure what everyone's gripe about the bag is. I do agree that the hipbelt comes a little lose but it is not nearly as often as is suggested. I've used it on the PCT where I average about 16 miles per day, and I find that I have to adjust the straps maybe every hour or two depending on how much hip flexing has been going on. Once properly adjusted the pack is quite snug yet allows a great range of motion while allowing you to walk upright. The adjustable ice axe loop is convenient for carrying a shovel. Great deal for the price.

Customer Service

REI is the greatest; they've taken back everything ive had any problems with no questions asked.

I spent 5 days in APPS with this pack. No problems. Yes, the belt needs to be tightened every 30 minutes or so, but so what. It could use more exernal pockets, and the top hip pouch doesn't cinch down and STAY in place, but overall it's a solid reliable pack. I can fit a Volkswagon in it, it held up in pouring rain with 54# of gear, and remained comfortable and solid, and I only paid 70 bucks! What more can you ask for?

Customer Service

Haven't had to deal with them, for this product, but they've been wonderful for other items

this is a solid bag i have had it for two years and its held up with just 1 tiny rip in the back from krampons. I think its a very comfertable bag but almost to much because it causes my back to sweat alot but i think its a reasonable trade off instead of being in pain or discomfort. It definitly big enough i have gone on a 10 day with no problem. Also i like how big the side pockets are i have no problem gettin my water bottles in and out like i see people with gregorys often have problems. My main problem with the bag is the lack of external pockets which is solved partially by the fanny pack, but still... Cuz the zipper you cant really use its impossible to close if the bag is full so its not in my opinion quality for trail access.

Similar Products Used:

None

I originally purchased this pack 4 years ago for a camping/hosteling trip through Europe...was the perfect bag at a great price. I've now been using it on quite a few 4-7 day backcountry adventures and I have been satisfied. The only drawback is what other people have mentioned: the hip belt loosenes easily and the top pack flops around quite a bit unless it is full. The zippers are very high quality and the bag has survived many overstuffs and airplane cargo rides! Definitely a great choice as an inexpensive first pack.

Customer Service

REI is always great. Although I have not had any problems with this pack, they have replaced a sleeping bag I purchased there no questions asked when a seam started to separate.

Similar Products Used:

None, this was my first pack.

The Good stuff:
This is a very basic pack. It is basically a big sack with a hip belt and shoulder straps. The back zippers open to get better access to gear. People complain about it's lack of features but it has enough for me. I can't think of much else I would want in a pack. It doesn't have a lot of little pockets to put stuff in but I think that is good. I'd rather have one big pocket and then get a little nylon organizer pack to throw inside. The suspension system is better than my previous pack too (a lowe alpine pack). I didn't get any blisters or bruises from it on my 4 day hike once I got it adjusted correctly.

Negatives:
The straps keep loosening up as you hike. If it rains the straps really start sliding out so you have to keep tightening everything every 30 minutes or so. It's hard to get the suspension system to fit snugly against your back, the pack always seems to sway a little bit no matter what. I think it's only a good deal if you buy it on sale.

Similar Products Used:

Lowe Alpine pack (forget the type)

Good pack. I bought it about four years ago when I was just working out of my boy scout Coleman/Kelty gear. I've used it plenty over these last few summers and have even been able to fill it to capacity (I carry all my stuff inside icluding sleeping pad, big tent, and photography gear).

As has been stated before, this is a no-frills pack. That's ok, it's also cheap! It's a great beginner-intermediate/not filthy disgustingly rich person pack.

The longest day I ever had with it was the hike to Image Lake in Washington State (18 miles, up 5000 feet or so) with 52 pounds. Let's just say the pack stayed reasonably comfortable for much longer than my feet. I say reasonably comfortable because, with any weight, it is painful right from the trailhead. It remains tolerable throughout the duration of a hike and that's the important thing.

Customer Service

I work for REI. We rule.

Similar Products Used:

random old Coleman external frame pack. ahh the pain...

Kelty Tioga or something. not quite so much pain.

The GOOD:
Versatile - panel and top-loading.
Durable.
Convertible fanny pack.
Color - green and black.

The BAD:
Hipbelt - doesn't fit my 32 in. waist. If tightened too much, I get pain in my legs. Sometimes I just hike without it buckled.
Hipbelt - did I mention the hipbelt? It doesn't stay tight.
Strap buckles - they don't stay tight.
Weight - I think 5lb. 12oz. is too much.
Top pocket - it flops around. It works much better with a full pack, but I NEVER carry that much gear.
Compression straps - tighten across top of mesh pockets, restricting access.

A stiff hipbelt and loose top pocket make it a fair performer, despite excellent customer support.

Customer Service

REI - excellent, of course.

Similar Products Used:

Peak 1
Alpinelite
Kelty Flight