Used this backpack when packing across Europe for 2 months straight, and then on several 5day - 3 week excursions. Great for holding a few changes of clothes, as well as stuff like passport, camera, and necessities. Very comfortable, and the lack of zipper access to the main compartment keeps prying hands out when you're on a crowded train or bus. I kept my wallet, passport, camera, etc... in the pack rather than in my pockets due to my comfortability with its bizarre but secure "flip and clip" closure - nobody will be able to mess with it without you definitely knowing. The pack itself is essentially one big compartment, with some exterior side pockets and a large mesh quick-stash.

Used this backpack when packing across Europe for 2 months straight, and then on several 5day - 3 week excursions. Great for holding a few changes of clothes, as well as stuff like passport, camera, and necessities. Very comfortable, and the lack of zipper access to the main compartment keeps prying hands out when you're on a crowded train or bus. I kept my wallet, passport, camera, etc... in the pack rather than in my pockets due to my comfortability with its bizarre but secure "flip and clip" closure - nobody will be able to mess with it without you definitely knowing. The pack itself is essentially one big compartment, with some exterior side pockets and a large mesh quick-stash.

I bought the Large version of this backpack 60L, which was plenty for a 3 week trip to Europe during the winter.
I tried on a different pack, the skareb 40, large, at a local outfitter store to test the fit, since the backpanel is the same between the two packs. It arrived and i discovered a neat little whistle on the chest strap. Fully loaded, the pack didn't fit perfectly, but it was comfortable enough. After walking around for a few hours, my shoulders were noticeably fatigued, which probably wouldn't have happened if it fit properly, but I can't blame that entirely on the pack. Upon adjusting it to be a little looser, but with the weight primarily on the hip strap, this problem was reduced, but at the expense of the pack fitting a little loosely. As I said, i used this to backpack around Europe, so it wasn't used to its purpose exactly, but I wanted a pack which could be used for heavy duty hiking if needed. Thus, I found it inconvenient at times to try to reach things at the bottom of the sack, but its a better design for rugged packing, where a broken bottom zipper could prove disabling. The roll-top closure is quite unique, though I can't say it's any better or worse than a conventional zipper.

Backpacker Magazine rated this ultralight pack (3Lbs for Lg) as the Best Buy for 2006. The magazine says it is like Altoids-curiously strong. I wholeheartedly have to agree with this. I can't believe it weighs 3Lbs and it is very tough. My best experience this year with this pack was carrying it to Havasu Falls, backpacking near Mooney Falls (about 12 miles). My friend and I made to the campsite without stopping (carrying about 40Lbs). I was very comfortable the entire way.
It also comes with a matching rain cover in the side pocket (great idea!). It is also ready for a hydration reservoir. I packed a 3 liter reservoir from my the North Face Hammerhead and it was a perfect fit.
I know that Gregory G Pack has won several Backpacker Magazine Editor's Choice Awards, but I think this pack deserves it. The G is still less than 3000 cu in for a large size. It is barely big enough for a weekender. Also it is not as durable as this pack.
One minor quibble: I wish that this pack was tad bigger. I was super stuffed for weekend backpacking trips. Come on Skareb 60 or 65!

This is an outstanding pack! The hard frame and backing make it extremely comfortable in any terrain, especially up steep mountain trails. The pack fits well against the back and has excellent ventilation. When you first put it on, it may seem a bit stiff. That goes away after about five minutes with a full load, and the pack feels great after that. It's pretty minimal when it comes to pockets, but the waistbelt pockets are pretty deep. it comes with a nice raincover that works well, too. All in all a great pack for weekend adventures, and it keep you limber enough to chase the kiddos...while you carry all their gear!

very pleased with my pack - I researched at least 20 packs plus before I picked this one. very comfy ,sticks to your back ,and the roll top is great. I've always had packs with the butt sack on top(Dana Designs,Gregory)for day hikes from base camp and never was real happy with that big pillow on top. If you're lookin to hike with a tighter package check it out, I love it. If I have to find a flaw with it I would say that the hydration bladder should have a separate sleeve just in case of a leak. I hang my CamelBak from the hook inside and a leak wouldn't be good. In my opinion it's a great pack for the light, fast hiker just what it was made for.

I have used mine twice now. And if you are just going on a quick over night it is perfect. It also works great for trips that a tent is not needed.

Just did three days two nights in the backcountry. Fit tent, sleeping bag, water filter, food, extra clothes, stove & kettle. Felt great. Very happy with the pack. Oh' also had three liter water blatter. Great pack. LOVE IT!

Not that I don't appreciate having lots of compartments in a backpack, but I'm using this as a day-pack for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, so I don't need 15 different areas for my lunch, cameras and a change of clothes. I like that it has Nalgene bottle holders on either side. Many of the packs I looked at didn't have these, and I like one for water and one for snacks.

I'm in the military and needed a pack for a five day rendevous / vacation. The Skareb 55 held just the right amount of gear. It has no zipper system for the main compartment which is GREAT b/c you don't have to worry about zippers breaking or not closing easily, always a problem for most of us. The Bungee system is excellent to store a thin tall liter water bottle + dry shirt and map, even when the main compartment is fully packed it still fits! The side compartments located around the hip area, are not fully accessible when the pack is worn, but they are very roomy and is excellent to keep your personal gear such as your passport, keys, pens, phone, GPS, sunglasses, etc.
The Skareb 55 is 100% comfortable,and has a full waist support with an added chest strap. You can adjust it to your preference. The X frame really does fight against moisture.
Here is a brief story about the compatability for a tough situation with the "55". I was late catching my flight at an International Airport, I had to Haul as fast as I could to the airlines Gate. With the pack fully loaded carrying a good 35-45 Lbs. I ran UP an escalator, Beating out at least three hundred people. The pack didn't weigh me down or feel top heavy, I was ecsatic that it adhered to my back as if it were a part of my body. The pack didn't bounce around, or lose it's adjustments. If I had a square piece of carry on luggage with wheels, none of this would have been possible and I most definately would have missed my flight!
I highly rate this for anyone who lives an on the go lifestyle or purely for adventure use. The material is excellent, Thin yet indestructible, I had dragged it on concrete, and it even got snagged on metal hooks that would have torn any other pack/bag. This site sent out the order FAST and I received it by UPS within 3 days, just how I ordered. Overall The Skareb 55, I am Highly Satisfied with it, could not ask for anything more from The NorthFace. I recommend the "55" for all the minimalist users who need that support, flexibility, and agility in a pack for that on the go lifestyle. Thank You!

I just hiked up Mt. Blanca in Colorado this past July. This was the first trip using this bag, and I was just amazed how it performed. I was able to keep a sleeping bad, half a tent, food, and all my other gear and still had extra space. The North Face really made a high quality product when making this bag. I will have this bag for the rest of my life. The rain fly that comes with the bag is an added bonus that most bags do not come with. My girlfriend used that Akila 40 and loved it as well. She was able to put all her gear in the bag and carry the other part of the tent without any problems. I recommend this bag to everyone.

I used this pack for the first time last year on a 5 day mt. whitney hike and the comfort is outstanding even with 45 lbs.it was very comfortable . The pack stays nice and close to your body,even rock scrambling the pack stays right with you. But the size is still big enough for 5 days of supplies. I use this pack on all my 1 to 5 day trips now. More than 5 days you need a bigger pack.

I selected the Skareb for my trek up Mt. Whitney in California. I will be taking the Moutaineering route. Though I haven't departed yet, I have been using the Sareb in my training. Three times now I have filled the pack with containers of water. Once I reach the summit, I dump the water to protect my knees on the way down. I like the light-weight Skareb. The material its made of is tough. I like the harness and belt. I like the pockets on the side of the belt. The perfect balance - no complaints.

NICE PACK- LIGHTWEIGHT AND HIGH QUALITY. GOOD INOVATIVE DESIGN.
WAIST BELT ODD SHAPE, BUCKLES DON'T HOLD (AT ALL)!