Marmot Garmsal Backpack - 2008 BCS

I have been using this pack as my primary daypack for six months now. Good, solid, durable, adjustable pack. Functional, but no frills. I hiked trails with it, I climbed rock and snow with it, I bushwacked with it, and I rode my mountain bike with it, all in Washington Cascades, in scorching heat and in pouring rain/snow and everything in between. It has held up well so far. It does have two gear loops which come in really handy. That said, attaching an ice ax (or something equally long) on the outside requires some ingenuity, as there is nothing readily available in the upper part of the pack to strap the ax to.

One thing to understand about this pack is that the "airflow frame system" (curved frame, basically) is a compromise: you get your back nicely ventilated, but getting to the stuff at the bottom of the pack is harder than it is with a regular pack, particularly if you have a full hydration bladder inside. This is inherent to the airflow frame, though.

The bottom line is, this is a great pack for a very decent price. Oh yeah, I'm a 6'2" 180lbs dude, and it fits perfect.

Although I don't use them, contrary to the specs on the page, it actually does have gear loops that drop down from a velcroed pouch on the bottom of the pack (I literally just found these after owning the bag for over a year) as well as ice ax loops that come out of the bag from hidden spots near the top of the front pocket. Impressive design.

I used this bag to backpack across Europe for 3 weeks. It was absolutely amazing. It was just big enough to fit everything and just small enough to fit in plane's overhead compartments so that I could carry it on and not risk being luggageless. The trip was during the summer and even in hot places (i.e. Rome in August), the design of the mesh back allowed for airflow and an unsweaty back. It was also really comfortable. I am five feet tall and about 110 pounds and, even though it wasnt a female-specific pack, it fit the contours of my body very well. A number of inside pockets allow for safekeeping and the outside mesh pockets, top pockets and pockets on the waistband allow for plenty of room to store necessities for quick access. Since the Europe trip, I have taken this bag everywhere - camping, hiking, business trips, you name it. It is literally my favorite pack I have ever owned.

I am 71 years old - young I should say and I am still hiking & backpacking. Through out the years I have owned many backpacks since I was in the Boy Scouts at age 11 and still camping at age 71. Three weeks ago, I went on a 6 mile hike into the Cohutta Wilderness in Northern Georgia.
Of course I had my Marmot Garmsal pack and I had a Great trip. I can't say enough about this backpack.
When I was younger I would carry a 50 lb. pack & now age & wisdom that Light is Right. So my pack during the summer is 17 1/2 lbs. and my winter is 26 lbs. At those weights I am able to enjoy what is in front of me & around me. This Garmsal pack is just right for me , I weigh 197 lbs. and going down in body weight, Just like my pack weight. Getting lighter. If you want a quality pack , buy a Marmot Garmsal Pack. Have fun Hiking & Camping I sure do. Dr. Roger W. Grim

This pack is really nice. It fits well and carries a lot. On top of that it just looks good. I recommend it.