Eric from United States, CA Public Profile

I received it via USPS just yesterday and wore it tonight. It is a fantastic pack. I purchased it to replace my Lowe Alpine Expedition 75:95 L pack. The Bergan's is simply a much more comfortable backpack all the way around. Hands down. I already owned the Bergans Alpinist Medium 110 L pack and should have picked up the smaller one from them rather than run the risk. One of the great features is that not only is this a top loading backpack but it is also front loading too, so you can use it for technical pursuits and travel as well. Another outstanding feature is that the mesh pockets for holding water or other items are placed midway on the pack instead of being on the bottom. For me this is ingenious. Kind of a bummer it doesn't come with a rain cover, however, I'll just order one and use a trash bag liner on the interior should I find myself out in the wet. The only real con on this otherwise fantastic pack is that alot of the hardwear seems to be made out of lightweight plastic. How durable it'll be I can't say.

First off, ignore the other guys opinion on size. For the most part, always purchase one size larger than your usual US sizing in Montane and EU branded kit in general if you are accustomed to the fit of Marmot, Mountain Hardwear and Patagonia. Now, I am 5'11", 210, 36 waist and 41/42 R sport coat. Ordered XL and happy with fit. Think of it as a non-membrane softshell on steroids. This jacket excels in temps of about low 50's for static conditions and low 40's to a bit lower when on the move. Great pile lining and Pertex Classic shell for good water resistant protection. The only downside is the hood. Kind of odd. Alpine Red rocks. Need to find the Shadow Grey. And if made in Morrocan Blue, would get a third too.

I have yet to take these into the mountains to wear in the winter, but I plan on taking these with me to Mt Ranier and wearing them with my Grivel G12 crampons.

They are very stiff. Keeping that in mind, they are still wearable around town and in the mountains. Take that statement with a grain of salt mind you, I was wearing them around to break in and while not as flexible as my Salomon Quest 4D II boots, they did not give me blisters or cause any pain. Just have to keep in mind that there is very little flexibility in them due to the nature of this kind of boot.

I typically wear a 12 wide in my boots, but given that I am only slightly on the wide side these in 12 medium fit me well with a light hiking sock. And should fit well with a heavier sock on too when I hit the mountains.

I don't plan on ever doing any high altitude climbing with these but more winter trekking in the Alps or hill walking in the UK or when I find myself in conditions where crampons are required for safety sake.

If you need this kind of boot, you can't go too far wrong with this boot at all.