Mark from United States, CA Public Profile

I agree for the most part with the other Mark's review. A front mesh pocket would be great. But I find the two front pockets work great for storing your "10 essentials" and things you need to access quickly. However, they do not have a drain hole at the bottom of the pocket. Great for storing dry rain gear or tarp, but not so good for wet gear. Adding a drain hole would greatly increase the usability of the pockets. Being a frame less pack it feels a bit flimsy / wobbly on your back, making it necessary to tighten down all the straps, but that's what helps the pack to weight just over 2 lbs. But a lightweight frame would greatly add to the stability. The side mesh pockets are great, tall and snug. But if you over fill the pack you can fit only one tall Smart 1-ltr bottle. Pulling out a water bottle from the side pockets takes some gymnastic moves, but I use an internal water bladder, so it's not an issue for me. Overall the pack is comfortable and with the robic fabric also durable. There are numerous daisy chain loops for adding gear to the outside, as well as sturdy loops at the bottom where you can add sturdy adjustable straps for carrying heavier gear like a tent. To solve the problem of thin shoulder straps, I added after market pads from Zpacks which greatly adds to the comfort of the pack, allowing me to carry 35lbs comfortably. The only real complaint I have is the way the top load is designed. There is a blue strip that you must at least make 3 or 4 rolls to get to,

Nota bad screen just not quite tall enough.

The only reason I don't give it a 5 is because it is difficult to get all the air out. But I have 2 Klymit pads and get great camp sleep.

Have not worn them hiking yet but they fit well and are comfortable.

For the money this is a great pack. Plenty of room and easy to pack. The side pockets are tall and can hold 2-1ltr smart water bottles each. The pack is light and fits well. However, I would like to see a light weight frame and a full wrap around belt. A mesh front instead of pockets would also work better than the 2 pockets. Also, I think 30 lbs is the limit, because with the thinner shoulder straps you start to feel the weight in your shoulders. But with all that said I truly do like this pack. It would work for a night or a week in the backcountry.