You can probably carry every piece of outdoor gear you have ever owned in this pack. it's that huge. I took it to the alaska backcountry for a month and it never let me down. the hip straps are super comfortable on your hips, and the brain detaches as a makeshift summit pack.

I would like to see a few more organizational features on this pack, but it's real intended purpose is to haul EVERYTHING for long slogs on expeditions.

I debated whether or not to get this pack for some time. I knew that Arcteryx builds some of the best packs out there, and I THOUGHT i wanted something huge. Finally got over the price and bought it for a trip i took on the AT through the White Mountains. I was stoked on the pack initially. This pack is very near waterproof though I purchased a pack shelter just to be certain. Build quality is second to none, though the zippers Arcteryx used on the pack were a bit overkill I thought, seeing as this is a heavy pack to begin with I think they could have done a few things to cut the weight down as much as possible. My only real complaint with the pack was that every 15 minutes or so it became necessary to readjust the hipbelt. For whatever reason the nylon straps slip on this hipbelt (at least on my pack) When you're hiking up the north side of Mt. Moosilauke in a downpour the last thing you want to be thinking about is adjusting the hipbelt on your pack. At first I didn't think much of this problem but by the end of the trip I was very irritated- This is a VERY EXPENSIVE backpack. One of the most expensive you can buy if I'm not mistaken, and when I drop almost 500 bucks on a product I expect it to be near flawless! Arcteryx really needs to work on their hipbelt issue. (I've heard others complain of slipping hipbelts) Other than this very bothersome flaw in the packs viability the only thing I can say to someone about to purchase it is this, DON'T EXPECT ALOT OF OPTIONS FOR GEAR. This pack was made for someone who wants to get to point A to point B with a truckload of gear and do it comfortably. Aside from the hipbelt the pack does this job well. But if you're someone who wants to thru hike the AT or do any kind of hiking where you're constantly setting your pack down to attend to blisters, filter water, get rain gear, change your socks, don't expect this pack to have lots of small/medium size pockets in different locations for easy access to this gear. There is a large pocket in the brain of the pack, but other than that pouch and the one on the underside of the brain, you're going to be unclipping, unzipping, and unpacking quite often to get at what you want. ASIDE FROM THE HIPBELT this is a very high quality pack built for a specific task and one should keep this in mind if thinking about purchasing it. I would have given it 4 stars but the hipbelt was such a letdown. COME ON ARCTERYX! I EXPECT A $435 DOLLAR PACK'S HIPBELT TO STAY TIGHT!!!!!

This is without doubt amongst the best backpacks on the market. And I would be very surprised if it wasn`t. But, as with all things, it`s not perfect. It is claimed that the volume is 95L, but it does not feel like that when I use it on trips. I also think that the sleeping bag compartment is to small for my winter sleeping-bag. And as with all gear from Arc`teryx, its not exactly cheap. At least not where I come from.

What I appreciate with this pack is that it has a whole lot of straps you can fasten gear on. Groundsheet, ice axe, fishing rod and so on. The straps also gives you great comfort while hiking. The pack is highly adjustable, which i find very important. Although it is a little tricky to figure out at first, you will appreciate it, cause it allows the pack to fit your back perfectly. It has a large front pocket that I like , where I use to keep my jacket, camera, snack etc. There is easy access to the front, main, and top pocket with the waterproof zippers. And the pack has actually, for now, been waterproof. Although, a few drops of water will always find a way inside.

The most significant thing about this backpack is the comfort when carrying heavy loads. If you know how to load it properly, 30-40 kg does not feel as heavy as it should feel. The comfort is the best I have ever experienced.

I would recommend this backpack to hikers who is experienced with heavy loads and long trips. If you want a backpack for just a weekend on the mountain, I would get another one. Expeditions and long trips is the Bora`s main sector.

Very comfortable and designed for big loads. Tall version is sold with medium waist belt. I've ordered large one from mountaingear.com. if it's possible put waist belt option on this site.

I bought this pack the second year they came out in Canada and just retired it last year.I have used most brands of large packs made (with the exception of Dana Designs) and have never seen its equal. The old model was very sturdy, while the newer ones are lighter material, so possibly not as durable. I tried a new model on recently and the fit is the same.Can carry anything you could need or want for a week or more. Enough options in size that almost anyone can dial in a great fit. Load transfer to a very supportive hip belt is amazing. The belt is so simple but comfy that I have even used in on other packs from different makers. The back panel is very comfortable but a bit sweaty in warmer climates given its material (molded foam) and structure.

I bought this backpack to use during a summer of hiking on the AT. It is definetly huge, almost to big it is very easy to overpack. The padding and suspension on the pack are great and it can comfortably carry alot more than your legs can with little to know strain on your back or shoulders. In general a very well made piece of equipment.

I had a bit of an issue though with the internal divider between the pack body itself and the lower sleeping bag compartment. Along the whole back of the pack the fabric from the divider seperated and anything of medium to small size would be able to fall from the main compartment into the sleeping bag compartment.

Backcountry's great return policy enabled me to return it and in the end I decided to size down to a small gregory z55 pack. I would recomend the pack overall but be ready for it to be huge and watch the internal panel.

My 25-year-old pack finally gave up the ghost this summer, and while replacing it (and mourning, lotta good memories with that pack) I spent a bunch of time (in stores, and in the backcountry) with a bunch of new packs, all loaded with ~70lbs of stuff. My typical usage is for multi-day climbing trips, so a load for me is usually a bag, tent, fuel, stove, 5 days' food, my rack, a rope, clothes, ice axe, water + purifier, cookpot+cup, etc.

Of all the bags I tried, the Bora did the best job of carrying the load without causing hot spots or point-pain on my shoulders or hips. It is a pound or two heavier than most multi-day bags, but to be frank I can't tell the difference between 5 and 7 pounds, but I can feel the difference in comfort between this bag and the other bags I tried- especially when hauling around heavy loads.

One thing that shines particularly well for me about this bag is the belt- my preferred gait moves my hips a lot, and this belt pivots with your hips, without shifting the load on your back or isolating the whole load on the high hip bone. Whatever geeks came up with this (and it's clear that some very serious geeking went into the design of this) you guys are my heroes. The harness and frame are at once fantastic and invisible- burly and unobtrusive.

The pack has a nice balance of features without feeling cluttered. There are side, top, and bottom accesses to the main compartment. Nine distinct compression straps (3 per side on the main compartment, 2 under the bottom, and one over the top) make load management work really well. Two axe loops and twin daisy chains mean you can hang more gear on the back if you're not already overloaded. The brain pack has a zip-access pouch to hold your water bag, and detaches to make a small hip-pack. Exterior zippers are waterproof, the textiles used feel burly and shed water. The large back pocket offers convenient zipper-access, perfect for stowing extra layers or a shell.

Overall, the finish and attention to detail is astonishing. This is certainly my favorite pack in its class.

Carried a heavy load very well, sturdy construction, bomber zips, very water-resistant, etc. My only complaint is the shoulder straps, they would twist and cut into my shoulders. Still occurred after countless adjustments. I'm convinced the problem is in how Arcteryx sews the webbing to the strap. I returned mine and adopted a more minimalist mentality. I'm going to give the Altra a shot.

I've used this back on several extended backpacking trips. I can fit everything (including two bear canisters), and the pack still looks good. I wish they made the 95 in a women's version. I also have a Bora 62. I've had that pack for years and it still looks like new (with the exception of being faded). You won't be disappointed with this pack.

more expensive, no ski carry, 2 pounds heavier than other packs in its category, hardly any internal organizational pockets, but when you are out on an expedition and run into others they will think you really mean business (or have a shit ton of money).