J from United States, CA Public Profile

I got this bag because I wanted a better trad multi-pitch bag. I had a 25L Patagonia Ascensionist pack I used for 4 years and I got a big hole on the side on my last trip to Yosemite when I did Matthes Crest. It was a good enough bag, material was light and durable, but it was a bit uncomfortable on the back on longer approaches. I felt hot as it sticks so back. It doesn't have a bladder compartment, but I was able to make it work.

My requirements for a new multi-pitch bag were: bladder compartment, breathability on the back, comfortable straps, ability to carry the rope on top, and accessibility of my gear.

When I got the backpack, I was blown by how pretty it looked! I got pumpkin. It's bright orange and had a nice fit. I took it on a test hike on a local 5-mile hike. Tested it with a full 3L bladder and 5 lb plate on my back. First thing I noticed is that the straps on my shoulders are too close to each other that it's very uncomfortable on my neck. I only had less than 10 lbs on me. The hip strap was useless (as usually all tinier straps on a 25L are) that it doesn't really help take the weight off my shoulders. The bladder compartment is built for maybe a 2L? I could barely fit mine in there. It says it's a 25 L but I feel that it's smaller. It has a roll up top but if I want to bring a rope on top of it I can't use the full length of it. The bottom of the bag is slimmer and if you have water in there (you will need to put your bladder inside the compartment with all