Upgraded and lighter weight, this quintessential dream pack for extended backcountry trips offers the ultimate in gear access and organization.
Combination top/front-loading design features twin side-access and a separate sleeping bag compartment with detachable divider
Twin "barn door" side pockets allow sideways access with interior mesh stretch pockets and zippered mesh dividers
Two zippered front pockets and side mesh pocket keep essentials close at hand with a new canted side water bottle pocket for easier reach
Partial framesheet combined with two new lighter stays in a V-shape pattern provide an optimal blend of stiffness, torsional flex and head clearance
Foam-padded, contoured shoulder straps with Auto-Cant™ systems fits a range of shoulders and adjusts automatically to varying trail conditions
Dual-density, padded Adjust-A-Cant™ waistbelt has 3 angle settings for a custom, flexible fit while belt stiffener transfers pack weight to hips
Flo-Form® II thermo-molded shoulder harness and hipbelt allow a contoured, sculpted fit for optimum load transfer and comfort
Top lid pocket converts to a waist pack and features a sleeve underneath designed to carry a hydration bladder, sold separately
Mesh-lined back panel wicks moisture away for increased comfort on the trail
Includes dual ice axe/tool loops, daisy chain and lash tabs for strapping on extra gear
V-pull side compression straps and sleeping pad straps help stabilize and control the load
Made of ultra-lightweight 210-denier Arrowhead ripstop with waterproof Shelter-Rite™ nylon/vinyl reinforcement on bottom for long-lasting wear
Spud - Sep 16, 2002 2:27 pm - Voted 4/5
Untitled Review1. The shoulder straps and waist adjustments are really well designed and this pays off in comfort. I packed this baby full with about 85 lbs of gear that I slogged up and down Rainier and I came away alot less pained than I had with my previous packs. (That's still too much weight to be slogging anyhow)
2. The waterproof reinforced bottom is ideal as its the part of the pack that seems to take the most wear and tear.
3. The angled water bottle holder and elastic strap is smart and right in the correct spot.
4. The rip stop fabric is top notch. I had many opportunities to puncture this baby and it pshawed my every attempt.
The minuses:
1. I find the side pockets are somewhat useless. They have zippered netting inside the pack they deem as functional but are of little use. instead of pockets they wind up being better served to just access the inside of the pack midway down.
2. The straps for the ice axe seem to be a bit of an afterthought and unless extra strapping is rigged, you can't tie the axe so that it lies flat, straight up and down against the pack.
3. The snap closures on the compression straps can't take too much compression before letting go (as I found out a few times).