I hiked the John Muir Trail this August-September with the Maven 65L. This was my first ever backpacking trip (yeah, when I go, I go big..) and this was also my first backpack, so I spent months comparing and researching brands and models. Months, as in I was on a first-name basis with Alex at REI Arcadia (shoutout to Alex!) and visited the store at least twice a week. But all that crazy obsession/dedication paid off, because the Maven was pretty much my best friend on the trail! This pack is AWESOME!
It being my first backpacking trip, I was having to outfit myself with a lot of gear. While I wasn't quite ready to drop the BIG bucks on truly ultralight gear, I did take the opportunity to find that sweet spot between weight and cost savings. I set modest goals for my big-3 weight, and knew that since I would be carrying a more traditional backpacking tent, camera gear, and a bear can full of 10+ days of food, I'd likely need a pack that could handle some weight comfortably. The Maven was that pack. This pack manages to provide all the bells and whistles as the traditional favorites, while still being lighter weight overall. The suspension and "carry" doesn't feel compromised or watered down. The pack wears fantastically well, and in 225+ miles of walking with it, I never once had a single complaint. Not one. Seriously.
I could talk all day about the fit and features of this pack, but to give you an overall idea of how "worth it" it is (for me)... Through a stroke of that obsessive dedication I mentioned earlier, and some seriously good luck, I managed to get my hands on Gregory Deva 68L at an REI Used Gear Sale. The pack was in brand new condition, only the inner sidekick hydration sleeve was dusty. The price was $99. I had an $88 dividend, making the price $11! I could buy my first backpack for a whopping $11. It was the deal of a lifetime, how lucky could I get? But there was a problem. I had loaded up the Deva, and spent 3 hours walking circles around the store. The Deva was a fine pack, with some awesome features, including a few I missed on the Maven. But something about it just wasn't right. It was like it was lacking a "spring in its step." I knew that the Maven was the better pack, for me, for this trip, and for future adventures. It was lighter, fit better, felt much more streamlined, yet still handled a heavy load like a dream. Only the Maven was full price. Was I willing to pass up an $11 pack? Yes, I was. Because I knew the Maven was well worth it, and it did not disappoint. If you are new to backpacking and dont have all the expensive ultralight gear or anticipate occasionally carrying loads in the 30-40lbs range, I would HIGHLY recommend the Maven!
It being my first backpacking trip, I was having to outfit myself with a lot of gear. While I wasn't quite ready to drop the BIG bucks on truly ultralight gear, I did take the opportunity to find that sweet spot between weight and cost savings. I set modest goals for my big-3 weight, and knew that since I would be carrying a more traditional backpacking tent, camera gear, and a bear can full of 10+ days of food, I'd likely need a pack that could handle some weight comfortably. The Maven was that pack. This pack manages to provide all the bells and whistles as the traditional favorites, while still being lighter weight overall. The suspension and "carry" doesn't feel compromised or watered down. The pack wears fantastically well, and in 225+ miles of walking with it, I never once had a single complaint. Not one. Seriously.
I could talk all day about the fit and features of this pack, but to give you an overall idea of how "worth it" it is (for me)... Through a stroke of that obsessive dedication I mentioned earlier, and some seriously good luck, I managed to get my hands on Gregory Deva 68L at an REI Used Gear Sale. The pack was in brand new condition, only the inner sidekick hydration sleeve was dusty. The price was $99. I had an $88 dividend, making the price $11! I could buy my first backpack for a whopping $11. It was the deal of a lifetime, how lucky could I get? But there was a problem. I had loaded up the Deva, and spent 3 hours walking circles around the store. The Deva was a fine pack, with some awesome features, including a few I missed on the Maven. But something about it just wasn't right. It was like it was lacking a "spring in its step." I knew that the Maven was the better pack, for me, for this trip, and for future adventures. It was lighter, fit better, felt much more streamlined, yet still handled a heavy load like a dream. Only the Maven was full price. Was I willing to pass up an $11 pack? Yes, I was. Because I knew the Maven was well worth it, and it did not disappoint. If you are new to backpacking and dont have all the expensive ultralight gear or anticipate occasionally carrying loads in the 30-40lbs range, I would HIGHLY recommend the Maven!