GoLite Ion Backpack - Women's - 1500 cu in - 2007 BCS

I covet this pack! I use it for everything! Hiking, carrying work stuff, stuff biking clothes in it, beach use, everything. Usually I appreciate compartments, but for this bag, I really enjoy having a ton of room for stuffing my clothes in. It's super comfy and unbelievably light. I love that you can pack it in another bag and it isn't bulky or heavy. Love it!

Size small works well for me (5 ft. woman) although it's not women specific design. VERY water resistant. Hiked with load of clothes in snowstorm/freezing rain/ice pellet for 2 hours and it kept all the contents dry. Minimalist design (no internal pockets) which cuts weight to almost nothing! Very well padded shoulder straps and durable material. I even use it for carrying groceries and beers!

Excellent pack for short ultralight trips, day hikes and more "civilized" ventures.

Since the pack is narrow with no compression or load straps it requires deliberate packing for optimum carrying comfort. The shoulder straps have enough padding to be very comfortable at sub-10lb loads (maximum I have tested) and the waist strap is wide enough not to twist. Lack of external pockets are a drawback, though my platypus hydration hose and 2L bag alleviate most of the inconvenience.

BTW: It's a UNISEX pack, not a woman's per Golite's tag and customer service.

Too narrow to be useful IMHO. Another few inches and it would be a great pack. If you just need a little tough pack it's great, but not for much than a day out or overnighter if your SUL.