I like the pack and use it for shorter tips. Lately I've been having a problem with the back zipper jamming. I would try to stay below 30 lbs. A bear can really maxes it out. I have put some of my gear in the can. I am 6'2" w/21" torso. The large pack seems a little short at times.

I have read several reviews of the z pack, most of which have been positive.
Well, I've tried the "z" (men's medium)and here are my likes and dislikes:

Likes:
1. Nice sized main compartment, held most of my 3 season gear.
2. Bucket pocket and rear zipperd pouch.
3. Roomy top pocket
4. Weigth, 3lbs. 2oz.
5. Hydration sleeve
6. Materials seem solid enough for its weight
Dislikes:
1. Suspension can not be adjusted
2. Too many staps, but no bottom compression straps
3. Overall fit and comfort

Do to the lack of adjustment, I could not find a size that fit me comfortably. I normally wear a size medium, but the med. Z was too small and the large was too big. Both sizes were basically uncomfortable in the my lower back, and shoulders. I could not effectively transfer the weight (30lbs.)to my hips without feeling alot of pulling on my shoulders.
I ended up returning the Z pack and found what I was looking for in the Granite Gear Nimbus Latitude. In my opinion, this pack is far superior to the Z pack. It weighs 1/2 lb. more but sports a wonderfully comfortable suspension, user friendly pack system, and bomber construction.

I just used this for a two day, 20 mile hike in humid Missouri. I carried 30 pounds. The pack was comfortable. I had a little soreness on my hips, but overall it was very comfortable even at heavier weights. The size is nice, too. Fit everything nicely with room for maybe a four day. There was a little abrasion on the waterproof zipper. Gregory's zippers are simply not as good as Arc'Teryx's. But the design of Gregory packs, and this one in particular, is simply better than the others. This pack has the awesome front Shovit, and the side zipper, and everything else I want. Weight is right too. For an ultra-light pack there are no sacrifices. I like it.

I took this pack with about 29 pounds overnight in the Timpanogoos. It was great. It held the load nicely and it allowed me to take what I needed. This is one of the finest lightweight packs out there that can carry a large load.

I used my Z Pack on a four day 36 mile trip in the Rae Lakes loop in Kings Canyon Nat. Park. The biggest problem I had was getting the mandatory Bear canister into the pack along with everything else that had to go into the pack. I don't think that any of the pack manufacturers think about getting a bear canister into the pack. Also, I am 5'8" tall and the Med. size pack seemed to have too small of a frame for me. I think I should have bought the large size. Gregory claims that the pack can carry up to forty lbs. but I feel that would over load the hip and shoulder pads. 30 lbs. seemed to be the max I would want to carry in the pack.

Nice product. Used it everyday as a day pack on a two week trip in Utah. Fits well. Holds gear nicely. Comfortable and well constructed. Only time will tell if it will hold up and if I will still like it a year from now.

Well, I finally recieved a size medium after returning a small because it didnt fit me. The pack fits my frame really nicely. It distributes weight comfortably to the waist. It has a lot of compression straps, side access is sweet. Price was a plus. The only reason I didnt give it a 5 is because I have yet to use it on an extended trip.

This is my second backpack. I own a Gregory Shasta for the long hauls, but wanted a weekend/3 day bag, as this is the usual trip nowadays. I have used this pack on a half-dozen outings so far and love it, combining it with lightweight sleeping bag, pad, tent, and stove. I come in at around 30lb with water and a few extras. I love the freedom a light pack gives me. Last fall, when I used this pack for a rainy adventure in the south Siskiyous of Oregon, I pushed the weight a little over 40lb and I met its limit. The pack was uncomfortable. Otherwise, within its design limits, the Z-pack is a great, versatile pack. I love the lid compartment, side entry and outer cargo netting. A rugged, practical, comfortable pack that got me where I was going in style, with energy to spare at trails end--something this 57-year-old backpacker finds increasingly important when sharing the trail with mates 20 years my junior.