I used this pack on a winter 7 miles, 3,200' elevation hike breaking trail most of the way. I packed from the bottom up: belay parka in a compression sack, burly goretex shell jacket, 2 one liter nalgene bottles, extra gloves, med/ emergency kit (about 1L in size), 2,500 calories of snacks, nanopuff jacket. Two headlamps and keys in the internal zip pocket, map and microspikes in the external zip pocket. Two 16oz waterbottles in each side pocket for 3L total, neither side waterbottle fell out while butt sliding down the trail. Samsung Galaxy S22 fit nicely in either chest pocket, chapstick in the elastic pockets. 25" snowshoes on the S/M pack were easy to put on a take off with a sling. I didn't use the zip pocket next to the waterbottle holder but it definitely seems like it could be useful. Used the double sternum strap (very comfortable!) to clip my gloves to the bottom and tuck them under the top so no snow fell in. I carried the pack around for 15 minutes with 30lbs of rice and beans in the back, it carries the weight well but you can feel items through the back if you don't pack right. No soreness the day after hiking. I plan to take this out on longer day hikes - presidential range, great range where I might want extra gear but don't want a 40+L pack. No signs of wear after a single hike getting snagged by trees, seems like it will be durable. Sizing: I typically wear my packs at 18" torso, the S/M mens is a perfect fit, I had about 1" extra waistband with a 28" waist. I bought the Deuter SpeedLite 28 womens but it was terribly tiny all over, this is everything I wanted that pack to be and better. Overall: Very well organized, lots of attachment points, lightweight, comfortable, and moves well with the wearer. Well worth the price.
Read More
