This pack is perfectly designed for a day trip to the ice falls or for cross-country skiing . You can keep a water bottle readily accessible on each side and also easy carry poles in pass-through side pockets. The pack is plenty large enough for a day trip or summer overnighter and allows easy access to everything. Axes can be secured to the outside of the pack very easily so they do not move or get in your way on the approach. The pack is well padded and balanced and is very comfortable. In addition to using this pack for recreation, I also used it everyday in my work as a field Biologist. It is almost indestructible for the average person. I finally blew the bottom out of my first one after four years of constant abuse and general disregard for its well being. This pack should last for decades under typical use.

Customer Service

Outstanding customer service... the company repaired my four year old pack without delay or charge. Unfortunately it didn't stand up to an acid spill shortly afterwards.