Chris O. from United States, CA Public Profile

When the pack arrived I almost put it back in the box and returned it - I'm glad I didn't because after packing it as a test and walking around the house I couldn't fault it - initially it seemed like it was going to be too flimsy (I'm used to burly packs like the Lowe Contour IV) but packed intelligently it felt fantastic on my back and completely packed came in at 20 lbs. This included the stove, tent, sleeping pad, food, clothes, personals and sleeping bag, even a super-light OR summit pack.

I've used it once on a Sierra backpack/peak bag since then and it worked really well, holding everything listed above and looking very tidy and neat into the bargain. I look forward to using it for my late spring to late fall trips in the High Sierra.

One note - I ordered a GG Compression Sack and one of the buckles broke on it - the same type of buckles are on the Crown 60 - this has caused some concern about how tough those buckles are, and therefore I have given 4 and not 5 stars.

just got back from the Wapta Traverse and used this as my base layer when skinning. When too hot I could pull the zipper down, when resting pull the zipper up and don a hardshell. Was warm enough in the unheated huts to wear alone. Nice cozy feel, cut very well, well made, nice color and looks good. I'll take a star off for no Napoleon pocket - which I think the new version may have. You can't go wrong with RAB. They stuff which works very well and generally fits well and looks good. My girlfriend loves the cut and look of the ladies clothing.

Pros: Functional powder baskets, comes with trekking baskets too. Handles have useful tool for operating heel lifters. Adjustable. Fairly light. Not pricey. Great color coordinated match for the ION binding, if you care. Stop below grip for short poling when traversing slopes. Removable straps for the safety conscious extremists. Straps adjust with velcro not a buckle, which seems to work quite easily.
Cons: Not the best choice if you want a pole which packs small.

I'm speaking for my girlfriend here, while the jacket has a lot of nice features, and seems technically very capable, it was obvious she was not going to be toasty warm in it, in fact while the heat welded baffle systems holds lots of promise from a water proofing point of view, it was welded through and I could see light through the welded joints when held up to a light, this doesn't bode well for heat retention. So we sent it back. So, technically very nice, nice that it's "waterproof" but not warm enough for her, as she feels the cold very easily. There should be some way of rating the insulated jackets for cold.