Arc'teryx Bora 80 Backpack - 4390-5000cu in

this is by Far one of the most comfortable packs i have ever owned, i purchased it over a year ago and i have already used it on five backcountry trips. while on the AT this past summer we experienced a large thunderstorm while on the trail and the bora held up great. the whole pack is not water proof but the sleeping bag compartment is and as for the rest of my stuff it actually stayed pretty dry considering the circumstances. overall awesome pack very tuff and i think you could pack all your gear and still have room for two kitchen sinks

I did a 10 day 121 mile trek in New Mexico and this pack was AMAZING. I just kept packing and packing and it never filled up. I ended up with 94 lbs and the weight distribution of this pack made it feel more like 50. Only problem was that the string on the zipper broke and I had to fix it with para-cord.

This is the third big-load internal frame pack I have had, the previous being North Face and Gregory. Those were good packs. The Bora, however sets the bar of craftmanship and workmanship even higher. Hands down, the best made pack I have owned. Big-load comfort and control is excellent. Shoulder straps are strong and super comfortable right out of the box. The hip belt gets there, but there is a definite break-in period. Also, Arcteryx has on their website detailed instructions with photos on how to custom-fit the pack to one's own contours. Had the pack out in one torrential downpour, only a very small amount of water got in, through the zippers where the trolleys meet. Access to the interior through the side zipper is good, and the huge kangaroo pouch holds all the quick access needs like raingear and snacks. The lower pull-out side pouches are good for water bottles, but their purse-string closures do not keep water out. It would be a good place for a GPS or small camera in dry weather. Like most packs, the strap-on lid doubles as a lumbar pack; this one is large and comfortable.
All in all, the finest pack I have ever owned.

Ordered this pack just over a year ago from Backcountry. I needed a new expedition pack for a season as a Backcountry Ranger for the Forest Service in Northern Idaho. After marinating on it for weeks, I finally settled on the Bora 80. Since then, I've had it in many environments (from ID and MT pine forests, Colorado Plateau, and Alaskan Tundra) and it has surpassed any other packs I've seen. With its double wall construction, you could practically throw it in a creek and expect it to stay dry. The outer pocket is great for storing gear that you can access in an instant, such as your rain coat and pants. Top loading is pretty standard for packs these days, but the Bora's side access is indispensable. Recently, the pack has spent an entire season with me in Denali NP, and it has held up superbly to the nearly constant rain and bushwacking. The only time my belongings got wet was when I opened the pack to access them, which was kept to a minimum thanks to careful planning and the side zipper. The harness system can also adjust in almost every way you'd like to fit nearly any body type. I do suggest breaking it in well before any extended trek that you wish to take it on. I've even seen this pack take a tumble down a hill and come out with hardly a scratch. The construction has also held up very well to all the bushwacking that my line of work entails (trail crew and backcountry ranger).

Pros:
* Extremely sturdy construction
* Side Access
* Nearly Waterproof
* Moldable Hip and Shoulder Belts
* Adjustable Hip Belt
* Adjustable Aluminum Stays
* Carries heavy loads with ease.
* Water pouches can carry any size bottle or other gear if you wish.

Cons:
* The Price of Arc'teryx is always a con. But unlike many other name brands, with Arc'teryx, you get what you pay for.
* I've heard many people say this pack is heavy. It is NOT a minimalist pack, which isn't a problem if you don't mind heavy loads.
* Rain seal on zipper of pack's brain wears off easily. On future models, I would suggest that they cover this top zipper with extra pack material.
* If there is such a thing as too much room, this is it. I find myself triaging my gear frequently just because with the Bora 80, you have room for the kitchen sink.
* I find the detachable brain to be too small for feasible use as a daypack.

All in all, this is the best pack I've owned. I've carried it on Resource work in the backcountry, trail crew hitches, and back country ranger patrols. The Bora 80 is a workhorse of a pack if that's what you want it for. It's also great for long recreation hikes or shorter ones where you expect to carry extra gear. It's extremely durable, nearly waterproof, and rides great on your back mile after mile. This pack alone has me shopping around Arc'teryx for a technical day pack now.

So if your lookin for a pack to haul your gear, your friends gear, your friends grandmother and your favorite bouldering problem around for any length of time look no further than this pack. It isn't light, and never pretends to be but I'll sacrifice a little weight for a comfortable freight hauler. The thick and wonderful hip & shoulder pads & frame design plus DWR zippers/material and standard Arc'teryx durability make for a great piece of gear. And the kangaroo pocket is awesome for wet shoes & socks that you don't want to put near your other stuff. I enjoy this pack.

If you're a mountaineer, or a person that takes long treks... OR a person that likes to have a ton of gear with you... This is the pack for you. There is a TON of room in this pack. Enough for over a week on the mountain with ropes, gear, ice axes, etc. The pack is not light... but you can’t feel the weight on your back due to the awesome frame design. The hip belt, and shoulder straps are second to none. The brain area of the pack is perfectly sized for all of your "need right now" gear. Also, the full length side zipper is perfect for looking in your pack to snag an extra layer without having to unload your entire pack. All in all... This is a pack for anyone. It will be the last pack you EVER buy.

I really don't have to say anything else that hasn't already been mentioned. I use this pack for anything long distance/days. It can take a beating on the trail and the plane.

I have taken this pack on several overnight trips in the cascades and love it. Lightweight and a great waist strap that doesn't dig in. I am 5' 11" about 160lbs. The waist strap is a little big but with it cinched all the way down it fits great. I usually line my pack with a 4mil construction garbage bag for our rainy cascade weather but so far I have not seen any moisture in the bag...even in the most torrential downpours.

Buy this pack...you won't be disappointed.

Comfy and huge. I use it for mountaineering, and it is great. Easily carries 60lbs with no problem easily holds ice ax, tent poles, trekking poles, and other long items. very durable and weather resistant.

wow what a mule this pack is and i am still standing tall! Definatly check it out for long treks and expedition use, great comfort and great loading/unloading options well made durable worth every penny!

The comfort of this pack has already been talked about and it is true that it isn't surpassed. The load handling is also amazing. And the fabric is superior. But it is not a perfect pack. The biggest improvement Arc could make is to bring the weight down. I almost always use my Needle 65 instead because before I even put a shirt in the pack I've saved about 2.5 pounds - and my Needle is nearly as comfortable. Unless it is a winter adventure or I am on a work trek with 7 days of gear and work instruments, then I pass on my Bora. That being said - my Bora has seen a lot of slide alder and vine maple bushwhacking and is no worse for wear. It wasn't able to defend itself against a mouse on the hipbelt though. I'm 5'5" and got a short, but probably should have got a regular. If you don't mind the weight, this is an amazing pack.

An incredible multi use backpack. As to comfort level....Wow! I have owned 4 different brands and this is way above any modern day pack on the market. Just got off a trip to wind rivers, 8th trip with pack 2nd with over 50#s, and the 58# pack felt like 25 pounds. Eight miles in and no fatigue at all and a comfort level at the hips that almost seems as though there is an anti gravity belt. A little on the heavy side but this is an indicator of the well built and solid foundation of this pack.

As one would expect (based upon the manufacturer and the price) this is a really nice pack. The main compartment is huge, without intrusion from the frame or the front kangaroo pocket (which itself is large and useful). The lid pocket is also large, and the lid is easily detachable, making it easy to take your essentials into your tent while leaving your pack in the vestibule. The side access zipper can be really helpful. The water bottle pockets are kind of strange, but a 32 oz Nalgene or 40 oz Klean Kanteen fit snugly in them, with little chance of them falling out (and one-handed access is not too difficult). The 6 compression straps are useful for smaller loads (or for strapping equipment to the outside of the pack), and there are also daisy chains and two ice axe holders. The pack is comfortable even with heavy loads, although it is important to get the right size and to fit the pack correctly (as described here http://www.arcteryx.com/pack-fit.aspx ). Yes, this pack is on the heavy side, but in my opinion the features and comfort more than make up for the weight.

Amazing...I got it for a 3 weeks trip to Europe..it is really comfortable regardless of all the stuff you are carrying. Very resistant, it was exposed to rainy and sunny conditions. No problems at all. Great backpack!

Only have taken it on one trip so far. I carried 27kg in comfort. The funny water bottle holders worked well when walking but wern't great when chucking into the back of the ncar.

So far so great.

I bought this pack for an upcoming mountaineering trip to Colorado. This is the first pack I have owned that didn't give me any hotspots anywhere. I have used gregory, REI and osprey packs and they always leave me sore afterwards. Loaded the bora up with 50lbs and took it on a 10 miles test hike on the AT in SNP and I felt completely fresh afterwards. Most comfortable pack I have used. Get this pack

As a rule I roll my eyes at the price points on most Arc'teryx gear, they make great stuff but not worth the price tag in most cases. This pack is the exception; it is simply the best pack I own (and I own a bunch), no question that it is the go-to pack for everything from shoulder season overnighter to longer hauls year-round. Structure, materials, comfort under heavier load, capacity, all are top notch. I bought my wife the lady's version as well and she retired her REI pack after using it one time, this is the real deal. Yes their jackets are absurdly overpriced and it's easy to get annoyed with Arc'teryx but their packs are absolutely first-rate, stand on me.

I got this pack about five years ago and the idea of water resistant outside material seemed relatively new at the time. My other buddies tried to make fun of me for buying such a new pack, but the laughter turned on them when they had to start scrambling for their little messy pack covers in the downpour. Rain, sleet, snow or accidental water spills, this pack withstood the abuse. As an instructor, it gave me the critical opportunity to stop worrying about the way my pack was, and help others deal with the trash bag / pack covering mess. Others are right, the pack is a little heavy, but the frame and padding is like the cadillac of backpacking.

On a sizing note, I have the men's regular, and I probably would be better fit in the small. I'm 5'11", about 180ish lbs, and about 17" torso length. The kangaroo pockets (the hip pockets) have been great for carrying mugs, thermoses, and MSR white gas bottles. I also like how I can open the divider to the sleeping bag compartment, and make the bag just one huge barrel - this has worked really well on my mountaineering trips. On summer trips, I can keep the two compartments separated, and still take on my fair share of group gear. The transforming lid into a fanny pack has really come in handy. It's a great way for injured participants to carry a shell and their own hydration when you have to split the rest of their pack amongst the group. The side zipper has also allowed me to stash away / grab layers rather quickly without having to spend an absorbent amount of time unpacking and re-packing.

Overall, its worth the weight if you're one of those who likes the extra doo-dads and the plush padding.

You could take the kitchen sink with this pack. I have had this is freezing snow storms to extended summer hikes and it endures it all. This pack has excellent durability and weather resistance. The room in this pack is great plus all the available loops and attatchments on the exterior. The fit is good and comfortable even with big loads. It will take some getting used to though, at least it did for me. Check www.arcteryx.com in their pack fit guide section for fine tuning. This bag is recommended highly.

I use this bag for everything. Backcountry trips, plane flights, and trips to the girlfriend's place to do laundry. It carries everything and the kitchen sink. If you fill this pack full for anything less then a week long trip, you need help packing. Super comfortable and highly adjustable. Everything you would expect from arcteryx! Stop thinking about it and just get this bag. Not one complaint in over 3 years of use.

This a quality pack, but make sure you try it on with at least 50 lbs to make sure it works for your body. The waist strap is ridiculously thick and spongy. I've tried both small and regular hip belts and I have to cinch it down so tight it feels like I'm giving myself the heimlich maneuver. Otherwise it slides down my hips. Arc'teryx made the belt too soft and compressible, so it doesn't hold - and I've had silver dollar sized spots of skin chaffed off my hips from the belt. Bottom line - hike with it weighted before you buy and make sure you like how it fits.

I own the Bora 65...I love every aspect of it. I didn't go for the 80 simply because I wanted to force myself to be more of a minimalist. As everyone has stated it's not fully waterproof but it keeps the important features protected - sleeping bag.

I walked across Spain for a month over 350miles with this pack and had absolutely no issues. Although I wasn't utilizing the entire pack because walking 12-20 miles everyday isn't fun with tons of weight.

Worth every penny! It was hard to go with the arcteryx at first due to being a fan of pockets, but with extra pockets comes potential for soaked gear. Go with any pack Arcteryx and you'll never regret it.

I've worn it for several days in Arkansas. It's heavy-duty, and a little heavy - ultralighters need not apply. Very well made. I really like the wet pouch, and the detachable lid is a snap to get on and off. The side pockets will hold water bottles, but be sure to cinch up the little bungees tight. They're really better suited for energy bars and snacks. You can pack a bunch of stuff in this pack, and it's comfortable.

my bora 80 has endured the impassable woods of westren nc . thickets so thick eric rudolph eluded the fedral govet for 5 years in them .
been out alot and in these times of economic uncertany I know that ill always have a home with my bora 80.
im still finding features with this pack that serve me well ive had to adapt to keep things organized by adding a compartmentd bag to my gear to keep small items accessable but the rig is flawless
I dont use 1/2 of the external strapping options but I imagine if I did id double the range of this thing relitively easily
I do wish arc teriyx offered some cylindrical bags for the sides but beyond that I cant see a whole lot o f room for improvement
well done
scott flues
scottflues@yahoo.com
asheville nc

This is a monster backpack. I've had this pack a couple months and just got back from a trip into the Olympic Mountains in Washington. Loaded with around 63 lbs of gear, this pack performed perfectly. With light rain at the lower elevations and snow up higher, there was not a drop of water inside. It could use a small external pocket or two but you can just strap on a small bag if needed. Things you want to get at like GPS, camera, knife etc. can be attached to the waist or shoulder straps for easy access.

To those that say this pack is too heavy, I would say; there is a reason for it... this pack is designed and manufactured to haul crazy loads, comfortably. I’ve owned several packs over the years but this Bora 80 is the best so far, pricey but worth every penny.

The only thing I didn’t care for was the bright orange color of the inside liner. When you have it loaded to capacity and the top cover is sitting higher than normal, you have this orange band around the pack (mine is black) that looks a little odd… minor issue.

Those Canadians know how to design a pack!

I've had this pack (or a version of it) since... 1998 ish? I've used it hiking the AT from Maine to Connecticut, all through Big Bend, most of the south central states, on down to Copper Canyon in Mexico. It's the most durable thing I've ever bought. I can't even tell you the stories this pack has survived. It STILL looks great- no plans to buy a new pack any time soon. It's a bit heavy, but doesn't feel like it when it's on your back. I can carry more weight than my buddies and feel like I have less because of the awesome suspension system. If it's too big, just take the removable pack off the top (or go ahead and take that extra Nalgene of wine with you). The pockets aren't built for holding water bottles, and you actually have to take the pack off to get to stuff, but that's like 60 seconds of inconvenience out of the hours that you'll hike in comfort. Get this pack, like me, and don't buy another one for 12 years. You can buy that other stuff you want later.

So I haven't been able to use this pack backcountry but I am more than happy. First, you can buy this pack from Hiltons tent city for 299 and backcountry wouldn't match the price.

I am 6'3" and 240 and I bought the tall as my torso is 20.5 inches.

The sleeping bag compartment is a must for me. Also being able to get to your gear without opening the top is a must. You can by the front or side zipper. The straps, hip belt and back pad are very padded and comfortable. This pack is a beast and is rugged.

I bought this pack for my month and a half expedition in the Costa Rican rainforest. I will be backpacking and sleeping in a hammock the whole time.

Arc'teryx is so close on this one the design and materials are top notch. By far the most comfortable long haul pack I have worn. The only complaint is the retarded water bottle holders. If your not carrying a water bottle (i.e. a bladder in the pack instead) they make the small pouches otherwise useless. The water bottle holder should be removable. Other than that, stellar pack.

I've had this back for over a year and have taken it on 4 backpacking trips, most recently over Buffalo Pass in Colorado. This pack is very comfortable and rides really well when moving, the weight is distributed evenly. The construction is generally top notch and heavy duty. The zippers and fabric are burly! One issue I have found though is that the plastic brace near the top of the pack that supports the area between the shoulder straps is a bit weak and may snap...when I dropped my pack it must of hit a rock as mine snapped. When I returned the pack for a new one, I was told by the sales rep that he had heard a batch of these packs had isues with manufacturing but that had been resolved.Aside from having a ton of space, there are just the right amount of bells and whistles. I love the side zipper that runs fully down the side of the pack...I can quickly access my stuff near the bottom of the pack without unloading the stuff on the top. I also like the zippered large storage on the top rear of the back that can be accessed by water proof zipper...I keep my quick access necessities, like rain gear there. The placement of the water bottle holders are a pain in the ass...with the pack on, its not that bad to get the bottles out of the holder but its a pain in the ass to put it back in. It doesn't have exteriod pouches or pockets or mesh, but I actually like that. It makes the pack sleek. When I strap this baby down its tight and doesn't have crap dangling on it so I don't get caught on branches or rocks.Solid...I'd buy again or recommend highly.

This is the most comfortable pack I have ever worn. It has all the bells and whistles, almost all of which have come in handy. The removable fanny pack is somewhat cool but it clearly adds a lot to the overall weight. I'm not a huge fan of the side-access zipper. Contrary to other reviews, I have no complaints about the water bottle holders. They are a little tight at first but loosen up with use. This pack doubles as a nice leg pad to elevate your feet and add some comfort. One very cold night I slept with my legs inside the pack! Everything about this pack gives me the impression that it will last a lifetime. My complaint is the horrific weight, nearly 7 pounds is a significant amount of weight.

I used this pack hiking through New Zealand and Australia and it worked out great! Easily carries anything you can think of!

This pack has worked great for me in both the backcountry of Alaska and in the mountains of Colorado. The side access makes getting anything stored inside easy and the front 'toolbox' compartment is perfect for things you don't want touching anything (i.e. Trash).The only dinky feature I noticed was the plastic head-guard. The plastic snaped off the first time I used the pack, making me a little worried about the overall quality of the pack. Nothing else has happened to the pack and it works just fine without the head-guard. Overall, construction is excellent. The zippers won't snap (they are solid and thick), and the fabric is fairly water-repellant, but holds water after intense downpours. The sleeping bag compartment is double lined with fabric, providing a dry bag later.A great buy that I hope, and expect, to last a lifetime.

My family and I had been planning a trip to Havasupai in the Grand Canyon for a couple of years. As a first timer to the reservation, I didn't know quite what to expect from the hike, but I had heard it was rather long. In my search for the perfect backpack, the Bora was at the top of my list but I just couldn't justify dropping the bills for a technical piece of equipment that might be more backpack than I needed. Well, I dropped the bills and I have no remorse. On a hike where I watched other peoples' buckles break or struggle to carry less comfortable packs with gear hanging off the sides and strapped all over the place, all my gear fit inside my pack and I was comfortable for the entire hike, in and out. The ease of access to the various compartments of the pack was perfect and the removable waist pack was optimal for day hikes. I rested easy during the rain knowing my sleeping bag was tucked safely into the bottom compartment which seems virtually water proof. Everyone warned me, "You're pack is too big. It's going to be too heavy!" Nah, it was just right. I was able to pack everything I needed and keep the pack lightweight and I stayed comfortable the entire trip. I'd recommend the Bora to anyone, novice or mountaineer.

Excellent pack! I brought this pack to hike at Indonesia's Rinjani mountain and Malaysia waterfalls. These are places where you'll get caught in thunderstorms is a norm. This pack performed as expected, very little water seepage. If you want a fully waterproof pack then get the Naos instead.

As for comfort this pack is top notch. Provided you get the correct size. I'm 5'10 and medium fits me well. Two training hike all it takes to break-in the pack.

Only set back is, there is no provision for water bladder. I normally hike in tropical forest so I sweat heavily. Having to rely on two water bottles is not enough for me. If you wanna use a bladder you have to get creative eg. placing the bladder in the kangaroo pouch. Other than that it is an awesome pack; tad pricey though...

my husband packed this thing to the brim and he was comfortably able to carry it. the padding in it is excellent and does not rub or create sore spots.

overall - a great backpack!!

After much research, reading up and soliciting of passer-by's opinions, followed by an in-store weighted pack test while browsing, I settled on the Arc'teryx Bora 80 for my long distance hiking needs.

While a bit overkill for shorter 4-5 day trips, I found the Bora 80's large volume convenient for quick and easy trail packing while on extended hauls. The Bora 80 comes with a few standards such as detachable top pouch which converts into a fanny pack for day hikes, separate bottom compartment for stuffing a sleeping bag and multiple straps for cinching down to stabilize the load.

Major Pros: first, thick padding and a suspension system which makes it the Cadillac of extended hike backpacks, while this does add to the burdensome near 7 lbs of weight which many complain about, it is weight I am willing to carry if it means comfort during my long days on the trial, and comfort is one thing this pack provides. Second: an easy-access large front pocket, which I found convenient to store all my clothes for the trip. Could also be used to store the days food and needed easy access supplies. Lastly the pack boasts a large internal space with minimal frame intrusion for easy packing, which also made it easy to load the cumbersome bear bin.

Sadly there are a few Cons: The first being the two side pockets which are shallow, making it easy for things to fallout unbenounced to the hiker, and poorly designed and thus difficult for mid-stride access to the gear that hasn't yet fallen out. The newer model has addressed this issue, but I am not sure how effectively. There is also no water reservoir to store a camel back, thus one must be rigged McGuiver style. The pack is rather pricey in comparison to other packs in its class, but Arc'teryx makes their gear by hand and stands behind their product, so you are getting a quality made pack for your money. It is one of the heaviest packs on the market, and while they put the wt to good use, 7 lbs is still a lot of weight no matter how you pad it. If you are looking to cut down ounces at every corner, I would pass on this pack. Being a solo hiker on many of my hikes, I am fairly devout to cutting back on weight myself, but a comfortable pack is one area I am willing to splurge.

As far as fit goes, I am a 5'8, fairly broad shouldered medium build girl, thus I had no problem fitting nicely into the men's pack, for more petite females there is a female version. The pack carries its load well and disperses the weight to the hips nicely.

I would and have recommend this pack to friends who don't mind a little extra wt for the comfort, After some 300 plus miles of 1 tp 3 week long hikes on the trail last year, I am still happy with my purchase and am packing it up again for another 300 miles.

Great pack! The most confortable "big" pack I have ever owned. Will easily carry everything for a week or more. The only downside is that this pack is heavy. I still give this pack 5 stars and if I needed another pack it would be my first choice.

The thermoformed hipbelts on this pack carry this backpack and load @ 25-30 lbs lighter than anything currently in the backpack genre'. I have a 31" waist and this hip belt and v-stay suspension are a dream whether it is packed to the gills for 5+ day backpacking in Windriver WY or packed with gear for an approach to a multi-pitch this pack has minimal swing weight to rival its ski and technical smaller cousins. Bora: the flask of whiskey and the end of the day for pleasure instead of pain.