Not as good as the original!

Sean Chism

Member since  May 4, 2009

Posted on July 19, 2011

I recently purchased this pack, and I was able to compare it to the older version of the same pack that belongs to my wife. While this pack is adequate for the job, the suspension and construction doesn't seem to be as good as the olser version. The suspension is a single stay rod instead of the older versions dual stays. The reason I didn't like this was the fact that the load lifter straps have nothing to pull against, and do nothing tho releive shoulder stress. I also wasn't a big fan of the hip belt construction. After several training hikes with a 55lb pack the stableizer strap seemed to be pulling loose from the pack. While it didn't tear yet, it seemed to me that it was just a matter of time. I have returned the pack due to these issues. While I think the pack will do the job, I thought there were better packs for the same amount of money. If Mountain Hardwear had not changed the pack I would have kept it, and would have rated it at least a four star!