Arc'teryx Bora 35 Backpack - 1950 cu in - 2006 BCS

I admit, I was concerned about this pack's ability to carry a load comfortably after reading another review and from talking to another vendor. I used the on-line chat help and was assured from their customer feedback that this pack was "bomb-proof". I purchased the pack and have since used it numerous times hiking and snowshoeing on steep, rough trails with loads of 12-20 pounds, often with snowshoes strapped to the sides. The pack carries the load extremely well, the packstraps and waistbelt are very comfortable, workmanship is excellent, and I love everything about the pack, although I have not used the hydration sleeve. The toughness of the materials used allow me to crawl over, through and under windfall without any worry of pack failure. I would definitely recommend this pack.

I own an Arc’teryx Bora 65 and love it. It is by far the most comfortable pack I've ever owned. So I was a bit let down when I bought the Bora 35. The pack itself was just what you would expect: tough, rip proof, kangaroo pocket, just like the bigger Boras. The suspension however, leaves much to be desired. Now I realize that a 35 liter pack is meant for short day hikes and that 20lb is probably the max I would be carrying, but this pack was uncomfortable with 12-15lb after a few hours on the trail. The shoulder straps are quite thin with minimal padding, and the waist strap is a simple, thin, nylon strap. No hip padding whatsoever. So after two hikes I sent it back. My other complaint is the hydration sleeve which performed poorly with a two-liter Camelback bladder. A single liter would probably work fine though. So if you're looking for the same great comfort you'd find in the Bora 50, 65, or 80, this isn’t going to cut it for you.

I own the Bora 80 and love it, so I bought the Bora 35 as a day back. And I have used it a few time and use it all the time riding my bike to and from work and have never had a problem with uncomfortable-ness...great pack, I recommend it for a day back. 5 stars