I bought The North Face Seraphim on closeouts. It's a nice pack and has many good featuresk, and it's not too heavy. But, after only twenty miles under the pack (second use) a strap started pulling out of the back pad. That should not happen on a new pack from a supposedly good equipment manufacturer.

This pack seems to be North Face's attempt at modernizing it's pack line.
It is a marked improvement over TNF's
past packs which were throw-backs to the 80's.

I would call it, still an entry-level pack. This pack cannot be fitted properly as there is no custom-bending
it's frame to anyone's back. It's one of those, "one or two sizesfit's all
packs". The one thing I did like about the was it's solid hip-pad.

Just about every new extra aspect of this pack was a rip on another brand. It's "pod" system was an obvious copy on Osprey's original "vector" system.
I also noticed the velcro ice axe fixtures. These were also taken from another great pack company, Arcteryx!

For the weight and complexity of this pack I would never take it mountaineering or climbing. It's just too heavy. . .I prefer lighter, simpler.

Customer Service

The North Face's customer service is the
worst I've seen. You have to wait
at least 15 min, then they send your pack to the wrong state! I beleive TNF
has changed it's focus from the core
to following trends. Even the company that owns TNF is trendy/fashion. . .
Vanity Fair! The professionals who really push gear to it's limit, just don't use this stuff anymore, unless they want to be cool on campus!

Similar Products Used:

Osprey
Mystery Ranch
Dana Design
Black Diamond

I belive that this is the best backpack for people like us, the climbers and the mountaineers. This Pack saved my life in Alaska, Italy and even in Israel. I recommend it to everyone who has the money and the time to realize that it is one of the finest packs in the world.

Customer Service

i belive that when you buy "TNF" you buy a product that make you fill safe and good, not like other famus, this pack is just the best!!!

Similar Products Used:

I have tried "lowe" , "Vaude" , "karrimor" and even "Gregory" i liked only two : "Gregory" & "Vaude"