Marmot Ultra Kompressor Backpack - 1250cu in

I'm writing an update 4 months later to my first glowing recommendation. One of the side compression straps snapped on a day hike in the Cleveland National Forest and I've officially given up on this particular genre of backpack. I was out in a severe thunderstorm for several hours and even with a Sea-to-Summit rain cover, the Ultra's thin material managed to become completely soaked and drench everything in my bag, including my camera (which I saved). Obviously I'm not taking this on my next trip abroad. I returned the Ultra to Backcountry and bought an Osprey Stratos 24 to go with my Aether 85. So, while I originally gave this backpack five stars, I now have no choice but to give it 2 for a lack of durability. I'm sure Marmot or Backcountry would send me another one, no questions asked, but I don't want another one.

(Here's my original review, which has more detailed information:)
I was looking for a daypack that I can pack into a larger pack if necessary, yet can stand alone when I need it. First off, I've purchased other packs in this category and been disappointed by poor designs and flimsy build quality. Honestly, even the Kompressor and Kompressor Plus didn't catch my eye. My girlfriend bought this for me as a Xmas present and I'm glad she did. The pack actually feels like a backpack, with comfortable shoulder straps, and a sternum strap and a waist strap for added stability. It has 3 outer mesh pockets, 2 for water bottles, and another one I've used for sunglasses, a camera, etc...And with 1250 ci of storage space between the top pocket and main compartment, you can fit everything you need for walking around town or a day hike. However, the Ultra isn't packable into its own zipper pocket like the other Kompressors. You can definitely pack it down to a flat item taking up about as much room as a sweatshirt in your larger backpack.
I think it's important to know exactly why you're buying this pack. Yes, it actually fit my laptop, but the pack doesn't offer much protection, and can hardly fit anything else, especially in the mesh pockets, if you decide to cram the main compartment. This is an ultralight pack, plain and simple.

this pack is ultra lightweight, but after removing the back it still has a back panel. kind of weird having two back panels. anyway, this wasn't what i was looking for...that being said, it still seems like a good pack

This is my everyday bag. It's perfect for any type of day trip. In the city, hiking, snowshoeing. It's incredibly lightweight and durable.

Got the back the day before my wife and I went camping with our 9 month old and two dogs. Fantastic! The pack worked great to carry in my clothes and as a day pack to carry water and my daughter's essentials. It was light enough that carrying it on my back and her on my front wasn't too much. I'm a fan!