The North Face Inversion

Review Date
November 8, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Old_Climber ,  Mountaineer

Price Paid:  $299.00 at REI

Summary:
This is a great pack, strong and durable. Holds up well, not showing any signs of wear and tear after summiting Mts Rainier, Hood, and Adams, plus several hikes through the Sawtooths. But, this is a heavy pack as pack weights go today. Only problem was a broken waist belt buckle during a hike in the Boulder/White Clouds, field expediency provided a temporary fix.

Customer Service:
Contacted CS about above mentioned buckle and had a new one in a week @ no charge.

Similar Products Used:
Gregory & Lowe, both good packs, the Gregory was ext frame, tough as nails, the Lowe is great for short over-nighters, just too small for extended trips.

Review Date
February 27, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Tracy Clark ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $0.00 at TNF Direct

Summary:
I have had this pack for a little over 7 years, numerous trips and besides the first trip, have not had a problem!! The first trip was just 3 days of hiking around my neighborhood with it loaded up to break it (and me) in. That got the waistbelt fitting and the rest of the straps and stays to where I needed them.
this is an excellent bag!! Swallows everything, great balance when done right. I can fit EVERYTHING inside, the tent, camp mat, sleeping bag, you name it!
I like the lower area seperated form the top, I can then place my down bag in a trashbag and load in any other things that HAVE to stay dry.
The detachable fanny pack works well for storing cooking supplies. Detach and you can have dinner started while you finish setting up camp.
Overall the best bag I have owned. I got it as a gift from an aunt that worked for TNF, so she knew what to get.

Customer Service:
Never had a problem

Similar Products Used:
Gregory
TNF Enterprise

Review Date
February 27, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Tracy Clark(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $0.00 at TNF Direct

Summary:
I have had this pack for a little over 7 years, numerous trips and besides the first trip, have not had a problem!! The first trip was just 3 days of hiking around my neighborhood with it loaded up to break it (and me) in. That got the waistbelt fitting and the rest of the straps and stays to where I needed them.
this is an excellent bag!! Swallows everything, great balance when done right. I can fit EVERYTHING inside, the tent, camp mat, sleeping bag, you name it!
I like the lower area seperated form the top, I can then place my down bag in a trashbag and load in any other things that HAVE to stay dry.
The detachable fanny pack works well for storing cooking supplies. Detach and you can have dinner started while you finish setting up camp.
Overall the best bag I have owned. I got it as a gift from an aunt that worked for TNF, so she knew what to get.

Customer Service:
Never had a problem

Similar Products Used:
Gregory
TNF Enterprise

Review Date
October 24, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
2.33 of 5, 3 votes

Reviewed by: Dave Prefontaine(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Wpg,Mb,CND

Price Paid:  $175.00

Summary:
2yrs, 250miles best extended trip pack I've ever had, you couldn't pay me enough to get rid of it.

Review Date
May 26, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: John Fabirkiewicz(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Livonia, MI U.S.

Price Paid:  $189.00 at Seirra Trading Post

Summary:
Great Pack for the $$$. Research quite a few packs before purchasing the Inversion. Talked a buddy into getting one too! I have taken this pack to Isle Royale a few times, AT a few and out west. It balances the load very nicely, and hugs your back very well (important on tough vertical ascents through the Smoky's). If you can find this bag anywhere I would suggest getting one,although not recomended for people with smaller frames 5'7". The panel load is great and it holds a ton of gear. Only downfalls are the hip belts, they take a couple of trips to break in, it seems to squeak a bit, and slightly heavier than some other bags, but it's a big bag and virtually indestructable. Tread Lightly

Customer Service:
The North Face was very helpful in helping us locate another bag when my friend decide to buy one.

Similar Products Used:
Camp Trails - Catskill, Great beginner pack