Super light weight! - Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Black Pack - Large

I am really overall impressed with the features of the Southwest pack; super quality, super light weight, and well made. I have not yet field tested this puppy, as I'm waiting to receive a GoLite pack and will do the weight/feature comparison before I decide. I gave the rating four stars for two reasons: I am not a fan of the Velcro fastening at the top of the roll pack; it makes it cumbersome and difficult to use the pack properly. I realize this helps with the waterproof aspect, but I believe a simpler and less difficult to separate opening would have worked better (I.e. like the top of a dry sack). Second, I think I'm really going to miss having a top pocket to access on the go gear: I'm used to putting items I want to have handy there, and allows me to just drop the pack and have easy access. Although the outside pockets are large, anything I put in them will have to be in a separate waterproof bag (I.e. snack bars, first aid kit, etc.). I realize the design is minimalist, so understand the pack will have some limitations to save weight. Just hate that Velcro!

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.