I was drawn to this pack, because it is recyclable and I have tended to like what NEMO has produced over the years. I have only used it for about a week and on one flight, so my experience isn't exhaustive.
I was surprised by how large the vertical zipper pocket is. I found it somewhat challenging to keep items organized in that pocket and discovered items can disappear in there. I have yet to find a use for the zipper pockets contained therein, though I suspect I will. I like pockets.
I love the very deep stretch mesh pockets for my water bottle or a wind breaker or a snack. I have yet to try a fatter water bottle, so the pockets may not work for everyone. These sorts of pockets on a panel loading pack don't always work well. I find that these do.
I do not yet now how well the pack will handle rain/snow, but I am tempted to stash a small pack cover in the zippered bottom compartment. This compartment intrigues, me but like a few of the other nooks and crannies I have yet to figure out how best to use it.
The two shortcomings for me are the price and the lack of a single, large compartment. I find the price a bit steep, but you are getting a pack with a lot of features and I am willing to pay more for something I know can/will be recycled. The vertical zippered pocket is large, but there will certainly be 30L packs that can carry more stuff. The price you pay for all the organizational features is a diminished carrying capacity and a limit to the size of any one item you can carry.
Overall, I like it and suspect it will become my EDC backpack.
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