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Showing 1 of 7 reviews about:
JohnfromMO
74
Sep 15, 2018
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I've had this pack about a year (I have the 45 l), but only took it on one backpacking trip (sad face!). I have also used it for just local training hikes (loaded up). I think it's a nice compromise between a real ultralight pack and more regular backpack with its frame and back padding. I have an unusually long torso for my height, so I like its sizing range and adjustable length (I think adjustability in hipbelts is probably less necessary). In general, it carries well, with nice transfer into the hips and nice padding in the shoulder straps. It took a bit to get the fit dialed in for me, but that's pretty common. The rolltop is nice, offering the possibility of dumping the top lid. Clear design failures include: the hydration bladder sleeve, which is way too small and makes getting the bladder in a real chore, and the waist belt pockets, which are ridiculously small (you can fit in maybe one bar or a smartphone--if it's not one of the big ones--into each). In the end, I kind of wish I had held out for the GG Crown X60 drop that came later, as I am transitioning to more ultralight set up. The 45 l is a fine size for the relatively short trips I tend to take and going lighter means that I'm also taking up less volume, so it's working out fine, but my alternative for longer trips is my much-beloved, but also super-heavy old Dana Designs Terraplane. Getting a bigger ultralight pack would have probably been a wiser investment. But I think for someone who wants good support, but to go a little lighter on a weekend to 3-4 day trip pack, this is a nice sweet spot.
mjmiller
19
Oct 3, 2018
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JohnfromMOOne thing I have found from years of backpacking and having experience with 6 different extended stay packs over the years is that no hydration sleeve is adequate in any pack unless you go out with a half empty pack. Most of us end up carrying our hydration bladders on the tops of our pack loads nestled as close to our backs as packing skill and gear selection permits. Cannot say that I have experience with a huge selection of bladders but most seem to leak under pressure and the only way to get them in the sleeves is to put them in first and then pack the rest of the gear which then generally does not fit well. However the sleeves work well to store folded emergency rain tarps, ground cloths, cooking cozies, maps and other flat stuff you will not need to access on an ongoing basis or unless your pack is already half emptied. Having your bladder at the top of your load also makes it easier to refill during the day if you need to and especially if you are loading up on water because you expect to make a dry camp or think a water source may have dried up where you plan to stop.
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