I used this backpack on my last hiking trip in Yosemite and Mt. Whitney and it was worth every cent. It is very light and breathable, so despite having 8 lb in it, I almost did not feel it on my back. It made a huge difference on my Mt. Whitney hike (22 miles in a day), so I recommend this product without any hesitation. I agree that a hydration pocket inside the main compartment would be an improvement, but for such a comfortable feel I am more than happy to work around that inconvenience.

I bought my Plasma 30 as an "inbetween" pack for when I wanted to do day/extended day hikes where I needed to carry more than my 700cubic inch The North Face Hammerhead would take but didn't need a full blown multi day pack. I stuck with The North Face Flight series pack because I love their Evap pads and back support. ( And of course, The North Face quality/support).The volume of the Plasma allows me to take my basic kit (emergency stuff, first aid, poncho, etc) and still leaves ample room for a change of clothes/jacket in it's BIG, undevided interior ( which can take a bit to get used to packing). The pack is loaded with nice features. I love the hip belt pockets for my camera, compass, maps, gorp etc. They are always in reach. The top /hood pocket keeps my lunch from getting smashed and provides the only outer segregated, covered pocket on the pack. The Event panel and fabric are excellent ( as I found out on the Hammerhead). The back is firm enough that it feels almost like a framed pack.
What I would like to see added:
1) An outlet slot for a hydration bladder hose. As designed, it has to hang out the zipper on one side only.
2) Extra compression straps for when I don't need to fill it completely.
3) Maybe an access zipper to the bottom of the pack as things tend to get lost in the main cavity.

I have to say the bag I replaced with the Plasma 30 was my all time favorite bag, so it’s hard to give it a 5, but we shall see how it goes. The raincover as what sold in me in what I felt was the only point lacking in my last pack (it was a Solomon that was stolen out of my friends car). The Plasma 30 looked similar and had similar specs. It's a great on-the-move bag that you can cram with stuff. For some reason, when I read the description I thought there was another pocket or two which is where my apprehension lies, although I stand by my 4 rating. Having only the big compartment and a smaller mess on the outside gives you the space for things like sweaty gym clothes, quick access to a raincoat and things of that nature, but traveling through Asia as I am it doesn't really leaves things out in the open.

Other than that, it's great durable and comfortable as hell when you're wearing it for long periods of time.