Arc Teryx Bora 90

Review Date
June 28, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: declanw(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from PA, USA

Price Paid:  $316.00 at Moosejaw

Summary:
Have this back about a year, use it for both summer and winter camping/climbing. Outstanding backpack, very comfortable, especially on difficult terrain. Daisy chains and tool ties placement are excellent. Compresses great for shorter trips, comfortable for heavy loads also. I was surprised as to how good it felt to wear. Only minor irritant is during warm summer hiking, foam backing gets wet from perspiration .. then again what pack does not have this problem. Definitely more comfortable than Gregory's and Dana's. This pack does encourage you to bring more than you need. Versatile pack, you won't go too far wrong with this one.

Customer Service:
N/A

Similar Products Used:
Gregory

Review Date
July 10, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Cody(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Salinas,CA,USA

Price Paid:  $275.00 at packcountry.com

Summary:
What can I say, I love this backpack. Although I've been backpacking since 6th grade (I'm 20 now), this is the first and only internal frame backpack that I've ever used. After doing months of research, and taking into consideration many different brands, I finally decided on the ARC TERYX BORA 90. Compared to every other backpack that I've had a chance to observe, the bora 90 is superior in construction, durability, comfortability, and pack weight to pack space ratio. Initially I was looking for a backpack with side pockets but I'm actually glad this pack doesn't include any for they would be excessive. With a huge center detatchable pocket and a standard top pocket, the bora 90 more than accomodates all of my smaller, preferabely easy-to-get-to items. And then of course there is the main compartment which easily holds my sleeping bag, tent, clothes, food, water bottles, gas canisters, pots, pans, books, camera, etc.-- with room to spare.
If you are at all worried about the load and weight capacity of this pack--don't be. This pack will carry anythig you dare to bring. The only limitaions you may encounter will be due, not to the performance of the pack but, to the physical restricitons of your own mortal body.

Customer Service:
So far I've needed no service and am very doubtful that I will any time soon.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
October 23, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Caroline Davies(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Vancouver, BC Canada

Price Paid:  $260.00 at Mountain Equipment Co-op

Summary:
Wonderful backpack. I am certainly glad that I spent the extra few bucks to get this one. It's lasted me 5 years and counting -- and still looks great. I am a rather short woman, so it is great to find a pack that distributes the weight accordingly. I've loaded up to 35lbs. on this pack and taken it across the globe and back (several times) with no difficulties at all, whether its backpacking along the Nile or through Europe...

I can't say enough good things about this pack.

Similar Products Used:
Kelty external frame backpack

Review Date
October 17, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Jeff (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Bronx, NY

Price Paid:  $250.00 at Packcountry.com

Summary:
WOW! What a superb pack. It fits great, not a single pressure point on the entire thing. The hipbelt is the best I've ever tried -- it fits snugly and securely and evenly distributes the weight. Getting nearly all the weight transferred to my hips was a cinch.

I've not carried much more than 45 pounds or so in this pack. Under 40 and it feels like my daypack. At more than 45, I'm aware I'm not carrying a daypack anymore but the weight is stable.

You'll find lighter packs than the Bora 90 (or it's sisters the 80 and 95) but you'll not find a more comfortable suspension system. I'm willing to accept a little extra in the pack's base weight when it so effectively translates into a comfortable load.

The lack of a sleeping bag compartment is a minor annoyance but not a major issue. It's probably the only change I'd make. (the Bora 80 and 95 have this feature) The kangaroo pouch is great for wet gear, and also perfectly fits my 3L platypus. The top pockets (2 of them) are big enough to hold my rain gear and pack cover on one side and my map and some food on the other.

Check Arc'Teryx out... their packs are top notch. If the 90 isn't right, maybe the 80 or 95 is. They all share the same excellent suspension system.

Also, it's very worth trying to get this pack from Canada. I paid $250 including shipping -- that ought to be illegal for a pack this good.

Customer Service:
I emailed and asked about how to properly fit the pack and got a 10 page Adobe PDF manual on how to properly deal with it. Very cool.

Similar Products Used:
Bora 80, Gregory Palisade

Review Date
August 16, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Adam(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Sarnia, Canada

Price Paid:  $375.00

Summary:
Back with an updated review. Just finished a 9 day hike through Canadian Shield country in N. Ontario with this pack. Stood up excellently. Very impressed!! Great storage. It will hold as much weight as you can carry. (I had about 70lbs in it starting) Comfy over 8 hrs days of hiking. Great adjustability!

Similar Products Used:
None