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Wasatch Tours with room to spare
- Familiarity:I've used it several times
Below is my review for the cover and the base unit. I'll add that I love the modular system of the Vario line. You can use the "0" cover for sidecountry use, the 18L for short yo-yo laps, the 25L for day trips, the 40L for hut trips, and with other manufacturers getting on board the possibilities keep expanding. The ease of attaachment and swapping is also really easy and I like the idea that if there is something wrong with the cover I can probably just swap that rather than the entire $1000+ pack.
After some use I find that it is indeed kind of heavy but not really that much heavier than my other pack (Black Diampond Covert Avalung) since I tend to bring the works with me when I tour (water, first aid kit, layers, repair kit, etc.). It carries really well and comfortably so it encourages me to wear it all of the time. As for hydration, there is a tube routing hole but I've just switched to drinking from a dromedary bag since it never freezes and is way more versatile.
I'm reviewing the base unit and the 25L cover. That is the perfect size for all day tours here in the Wasatch and it also comes with what some people call the "0" cover which basically will allow your avy gear and a light layer, perfect for sidecountry use.
Now for the cons...
-There are a ton of straps everywhere (which are removeable) which makes it feel like there are too many danlgies everywhere. You can remove them so it's not that big of a deal.
-The zippers so far are doing just fine but I think that they will likely be one of the failure points on the cover.
-The load lifter straps cross over the zippers for the avy tool pocket instead of staying clear. This seams as though it can be easily remedied by ABS by attaching them in the right place. I simply remember to keep the zipper pulls on the side so you can pull the pocket open without having to deal with the load lifter straps.
