Marmot Eiger 48 Backpack - 2950cu in - 2009 BCS

Short Version: The pack has a simple design that makes it durable and light. My favorite part of this pack is the insanely comfortable back pack panel that feels like an extension of the body.

Long Version: Wow do I love this backpack. Let me repeat that again so that this review doesn’t look like a generic “I love my gear because I own it”. WOW DO I LOVE THIS BACKPACK. Out of the five packs that I have owned none of them make me as happy as this one does. The shape of the back panel is PERFECT. The material is light and malleable yet thick enough to survive an epic bushwacking extravaganza. The design is simple and durable because there are no major pack height adjustments or movable hip belts. On the same note, the simple design has lots of “why didn’t I think of that?” features (like the little loops that marmot uses at the end of every strap to keep them from flailing around). I bought this pack because I was given a price that I couldn’t pass up but I never foresaw it becoming the only backpack that I use. It is capable of comfortably carrying 3 days worth of winter gear/food/fuel. It is also capable of carrying 3 days worth of winter gear/food/fuel along with climbing shoes, a chalk bag, and a GIANT crash pad strapped to the back of it!

This is my 2 night summer pack. Its light, has some breathability in the back panel and has good support for its weight. I keep my packweight below 40lbs and wouldn't want more in a pack like this. It could probably handle more weight, but I would rather move to a more supportive large pack. I keep this pack in the garage ready to go on a whim's notice. Adrian Ballinger used this pack while guiding everest.

My other pack is an Arcteryx Acrux which is 70-80 liters so I was looking for something smaller for day and weekend trips. After a lot of research I decided on the Eiger 48. What an awesome pack. Streamlined design but still has a lot of very cool and usable features, whether you are in the mountains or hiking through the woods this is a great all around pack. I mean except for the lid being fixed and that there is not a feature specifically designed to hold a shovel I can't find a reason to complain. Very solid, very practical. It is all you ever hoped for in a pack.