First off, huge props to Backcountry.com for their return policy and customer service - no BS. They are the reason I'm writing this email. I feel like I gotta give back

Anyway, I had bought this for snowboarding after my last backcountry pack was stolen and I a bunch (prob too much) research and found this. I have been snowboarding for 16 years and worn a pack for probably the last 10. I mostly ride at resorts, but make the occasional backcountry trip. I used this about 10 times at a resort and took it for one summer day hike.

Pros:
- Looks cool strapped to your back
- Spine Protection System looks like it would actually do something to protect from penetrating trauma
- Nice selection of pockets
- Comfort with light load
- Pretty low profile, so won't push you off the chair
- Minimal straps, so less chance for a snag
- Streamlined form

Cons:
- Material is weak - the day hike was a light one, but I discovered a significant abrasion at the end of the day and couldn't remember where it happenned
- Snowboard attachment straps are weak, I carried my board using the pack maybe twice, but one strap was already 80% cut through
- Hip belt is functionally useless - as mentioned in another review, it really doesn't do a good job of spreading weight to your hips. This is because its really just a neoprene strap and its almost impossible to get tight. Its designed to hug your hips and be comfortable during the day and it is, as long as your snowboard isn't strapped on the pack.

Final verdict:
As a backcountry pack, this thing fails. As a resort pack, I'd prob give it 4 stars. But $140+ for a backcountry pack that lacks backcountry durability and functionality, no thanks.

Pros: Great pack, excellent weight distribution and support. Storm proof zippers and a better helmet attachment system than Osprey (the osperey wont fit large helmets, fatheads like me are out of luck) and the most comfortable/secure waist straps of all the packs I've worn Cons: Not as much storage as a comparable pack, such as the osperey 26. The Orto is low profile but at a cost. Also camelback is on the panel that opens out for back acess, this means that it drags your hydration hose across making getting into your stuff a hassel. No insulated sleeve for the hydration hose and only 1 small hip pocket (Osperey has 2 big ones.) All in all, a great pack, but has a few small things they could have fixed. Perhaps in a future model. Still, I would recomend it, the Orto has features that the others dont, such as the SPS which is REALLY nice.

This pack is amazing, and I love it. So happy with the purchase. I'm 5'10" and am on the lengthy end of the 24. I am happy that I went with this over the 26 for this simple fact. I wanted a small pack, and although I lost 2L of room, no regrets. It has the amount of room that I need. It not only looks killer, it is just that. This pack is perfect for cold temps. I've been out hiking the last few days with this in -49 wind chill (-19 and colder in F). Because of fatigue or footing, I have fallen several times and the pack has saved my back. It also kept my inners totally dry. KILLER

Although designed for the skiing/boarding crowd, I selected this as a compact day pack for winter mountaineering. I can fit a down sweater, fleece pullover, shell and 2.5L bladder, still with some room to spare. Not much, but I wanted a smaller pack and I love the low profile shape. The snowboard carry straps work well stowing snowshoes, and it'll cleverly carry a couple of ice axes. Cons: A bit heavy with the internal frame and the front hip belt pocket is very small. Otherwise an excellent pack, and I'm picky.

back protection makes it heavier, but after landing on my spine while trying a backflip the rock that should have cancelled my ability to walk never ever touched me! It flexes with my movements and carries the weight correctly for skiing. I love it's access to inside stuff and it's simplistic design. This is a very, very good pack for anyone who is serious about skiing, alpinism and the mountains. The features that aren't there are not there because they aren't needed. This pack rides well and will keep you from harm. A serious yes for those looking for a better pack.

For the best spine protection you might have to choose the larger pack. Check in detail, there is a relationship between pack size and your length!

What a great backpack. It has met all of my expectations and then some. I have tried several packs and this one rocks. The quality is second to none and the features area great. You will not be disappointed.

I ordered this bag and ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! However, I am a female 5'7" tall and I weigh 115 pounds, and I was really hoping there would be a little more back support on the bag. After one saturday when I did a 14 hour round trip hike, my back was absolutely SCREAMING, and I feel this could have been avoided somewhat with better support (i.e. a stiffer panel that is in contact with your back). The bag was actually a very good size for my height and weight, I also had plenty of room to store extra layers, snacks/meals, stuff for my dog on hikes, etc. So, I guess this may be personal preference, but if you experience back fatigue easily, try looking for a different bag with more support.