I have not bushwhacked with this pack... but, it is safe to say if you want a lightweight pack you will have to give a little on the durability side. This would be the case with ANY lightweight material. With that said, many a climber have taken this pack climbing up high were crampons and tools have been needed without complaints of puncture or durability issues. I mean if you are bushwhacking through Devils Club in Alaska... the durability of your pack will be the least of your worries. As for packing for capacity, I just took a Mountain Hardwear Directissima to Peru and had it packed to capacity multiple times. Packing your stuff into the shape of the pack is easy to do. It is not a bucket or haul bag... but, it sure carries a hell of a lot better too. Hope this info helps!

A medium pack ranges from a 18.5" - 21.5" torso length (depending on the manufacturer). If you are a solid 19", then a medium would be your fit -- across the board of manufacturers.

Also, for others, if you find yourself a solid 21" torso, then going with a large could be the best way to go. Most packs have a cutoff of 21" - 21.5" (again, depending on manufacturer). You should get fitted by a professional, if you are at an "in between size".

I am a 21" torso, and am using a large pack. Don't use my example as gospel though, you really should be fitted before buying any pack online.

I have a 19" torso and I require a medium pack, but large harness and waist strap. It really depends on your frame. I am 6'3, 250. Your best bet is to get fitted so you know for sure because when weight is added, then you'll know if its for you.

Mike. I would go with a medium and I think it will fit your parameters perfectly. Hope this helps!

Don't think there is an explanation anywhere... but, the "dual Axe-S quick release ice axe toggles" refers to the two bottle opener looking things attached to the back of the pack. Basically, most mountaineering axes are produced with a hole of some sort in the head of the tool. When you want to attach an axe to the back of our packs you thread the bottle opener, aka dual Axe-S quick release ice axe toggle, through the head of the ice axe and pull the bottom cord to tighten. It is extremely simple, lightweight, and if you are looking for a bottle opener after you get back to your car to crack that beer... you can either use a carabiner or that sweet bottle opener on the back of your pack! Hope this helps.

Yes, there are gray webbing loops on the side of that pack that you can slide the tails of skis into when carrying them in an 'A' frame fashion.

4200 small, 4600 medium, and 5000 large

The sizing chart for MHW packs is as follows.Torso Lengthsmall - less than 17inmed - 17-19.5inlarge is over 19.5inTo find the right size pack, use the torso length measurement system. To find your torso length, measure your back along the spine from the the top point of your hipbones to the knobby bone at the base of your neck. This will give you a measurement in inches that will determine the correct pack size. I would use the aforementioned procedure & find your correct size.