I'm vertically challenged and over weight (50 inch chest). Hiking allows me to try and lose the weight I've gained. I was hoping that the Equinox 33 would allow me to pack for a day and not have to worry about the cumbersome larger gear. The chest strap hit under my chin; the pack was like trying to put on a child's pack. I'm sorry, but I can't recommend it for big people.

I bought this bag to replace a larger Totes backpack that I paid $20 for a few months ago, but that had started falling apart on me. So I was looking for something built well, which this bag is. But what initially surprised me was that the zippers on the Equinox weren't as smooth as the zippers on the Totes bag, in addition, the material that the Totes bag was made of, and the straps as well, were both softer than the Equinox bag. The Equinox bag material is a bit stiff, as are the straps.

I also think the bag could use more and better organizational pockets in the front 2 pockets. The front pocket has nothing, though it is probably a bit too small to be subdivided, except for maybe a few pen holders. The middle pocket does have organizing pockets, but again, the Totes bag had much more. It wouldn't take much, really. I just barely fit my PDA in one pocket, and some pens in the others, but I've got no room for my train or bus maps, or any other document for that matter. The largest compartment is certainly large enough for my needs. I typically carry some magazines, my lunch, and a bunch of comic books (work-related, believe it or not). I have no real complaints here. Overall, I like this bag, though I still haven't found a use for the ice pick strap, and I would like to be able to store the waist strap somewhere, since I don't really use it. But I anticipate this bag will serve me well for years to come.

The backpack is great and is working wonders for my heavy loads at college. Really comfortable and for the price it can't be beat.

Best Daypack ever.

Love the pack, use if for school and everything else. The dual pouches for water bottles are awesome, and so is everything else about this comfortable pack.

This backpack is very comfortable. Used it in Yosemite for day hiking. The only thing I would have liked on the pack is a bit more webbing for the water bottles. Tall bottles (bike type) want to slip out when taking the pack on and off. Probably wider, shorter bottles would work better.

Just got back from Franconia Notch in the White Mountains, N.H. and this pack performed well. Very comfortable, well balanced, and it held all my gear. One of the other reviews complained of the short water bottle holders I would agree. I had no problem with the 32 ounce nalgene bottles just run the compression strap through the strap on the bottle top. If I ever had to replace this one I would buy it again for the price you can't beat it. My wife has a North Face Borealis and we both agree the Equinox is a better pack.

I have had this backpack for a month now and I really enjoy it. It looks great and can carry a lot of stuff. I just wish there was a little more padding in the shoulder straps. If you put a lot of stuff in it, like college books, it sometimes makes your shoulders sore. But other then that I like it a lot and I am glad I bought it.

Pack has plenty of adjustments for comfort, enough straps for packing. The padding on the shoulder straps is a little thin, but still comfortable. Overall I am very pleased with this pack.

The Equinox is very versatile, from a carry-on, to climbimg Croagh Patrick, or hiking the Burren, it held all and did all. It made our trip to Ireland even more enjoyable. My gilrfriend Sarah thought it was a lifesaver when she wore it to keep her on the mountain in 100 mph wind gusts. I thought it was a little funny.

I already owned an Equinox 33. In beige. So I got a black one for night ops. A "real" daypack, not a Sears daypack. Padded hip belt, chest strap, pockets, compartments. Durable. Not just a book bag (although I use it for that alot).

Couldn't get it to hold what we needed, and ended up returning it. Is it really 2000 cu in's?

Used this backpack in 6 national parks in the last 21 days. It worked flawlessly, in heat, cold, and rain. It had just the right amount of room for a long day hike (water, rain gear, food, camera, etc). It has a nice variety of pocket sizes. The only problem would be for tall people. I'm a 6' man and the waist strap barely made it to my waist. If you are a man, more than 6ft and need the waist strap, then you might have problems. Otherwise, this backpack is the best.

I haven't been more pleased with a purchase in a very long time. The price couldn't be beat, the shipping was lightning fast, and I didn't have to make any sacrifices. Brand name quality, super low price, really fast! Thanks Backcountry.com!

I've been using this pack for a while now, mainly for school, but also for those day hikes on the weekends. It works well for the books, holds the coffee on the outside, and keeps things organized inside. For the hiking, the two mesh pockets on the outside, the comfy shoulder harnesses, and the extra straps for holding stuff on the outside of the pack, like a blanket or extra jacket all come in handy.

Great daypack, with plenty of space, and the sternum and waist straps are great for stopping it from sliding all over the place. It's also incredibly comfortable. I only wish there were pockets in the main compartment, because I carry lots of little things that tend to get jumbled up and make a lump at the bottom of the pack. Regardless, awesome price on an awesome looking and performing backpack.

The gear is good but I am not pleased with only 2 things:
1) The middle section of the backpack when packed with a few items easily opens whenever I am on the go and second,
2) This is my own fault, but I figured 2000cu in was enough. I can barely fit my books for school.

The backpack otherwise serves its purpose well and I am not hesitant to use it for any purpose.

Comfortable and my kids thought I looked cool. You can't beat that.

I searched everywhere for a backpack that was big enough for my school books, but small enough to be able to rollerblade/bike/hike without a cumbersome backpack restricting my movements. This is definitely it. A great backpack.