This pack was extremely comfortable on a 53 mile backpacking trip through Montana's Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in August of 2018 and held up very well with excellent features. The only slight issue was that it had a squeaky noise when the hip belt was sinched down super tight and I could never figure out where it was coming from to eliminate it.
Just did 30 miles on the Inca Trail with this pack. Loaded clear full with 45 lbs. No shoulder pain or hip pain like I have had with previous packs. Amazing pack! Looking forward to many more hikes.
I tried this thing on and it fit better than an excellent glove. I'm excited to use it.
As a short guy (5'6) with a little extra around the middle, finding a pack that fit me was harder than I thought it would be. By most manufacturers' sizing my torso lenght put me in a small pack, but most of the waist belts didn't really fit me right. Sure I could get the hipbelts closed, but the padding would not reach the front of my hips. This pack has a really great adjustment system for torso and hip belt. The REI staff member who helped me was great! He really took his time to measure my torso, and then dial in all the adjustments so the pack really fits great! The mesh suspention feels a little weird at first, the hip belt sort of "hugs" you! There's great padding on the shoulder straps too. Nice and cushy without feeling too bulky.
I took the pack out this past weekend and I loved it. I used to backpack alot, but haven't at all in the past ten years, so I was a little nervous about carrying more than a daypack. Total pack weight was about 25 pounds and the pack handled it with not problem. The hipbelt was snug but never overly tight, and with the load lifters engaged I could really let the hipbelt take most of the weight.
There was quite a lot of rock hopping at some stream crossings and the pack felt really stable and balanced on my back, thanks to compression straps on the sides and over the top of the main compartment.
Pros: Overall a really comfortable pack with great features and solid build quality.
Cons: (not enough to change my 5 star rating) 1)no rain cover included 2) no key clip/lanyard in the top pocket (which a lot of packs have)
At the first , it seems too expensive for a backpack, but I found it is well made and worthwhile to us for hiking.
Now I really like this product.
Thanks
Tried on many back packs and this one fit the best
I wear one of these everyday for work. I give it two stars because it is comfortable, otherwise it’s one-star material.
Matt
Can this pack fit a BV 500 with room to spare for the rest of your gear?
A BV500 will fit but will take up approximately half of the pack's volume.