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Wearing a hefty backpack can make you feel as quick and agile as a turtle. The North Face thought you’d appreciate a pack that moves with your body so that hiking over those rocks and deadfall with a full load is easier. The El Lobo 65 Backpack features The North Face’s new X-Radial suspension system: Aluminum tubes form an X, and the X’ s central hub allows the tubes to move forward and backward to match the sway of your hips and shoulders as you walk. Just because this suspension is flexible doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice support—carry 60 pounds in El Lobo without wincing. The North Face also gave this expandable pack a padded, breathable back panel for comfort and a removable hood that converts into a large lumbar pack for day hikes from base camp.
Bottom Line: Feel like a slightly weighted-down wolf instead of a turtle.
I would like to buy this backpack, but before I would like to know what does "fit range" means. Is this the length measured from the shoulder to the hip?
Im not sure what "fit range" means but I will say that there is a torso adjustment on this pack. Check out the sizing chart (tells you how to measure) and find the size that fits your measurements. Then you can fine tune it with that torso adjustment. I have a 19" torso and went with a large and had to adjust it down just a little. Hope that helps...
This pack has very good support and distributes weight well. When it's fully loaded it doesn't feel nearly as heavy as it really is. It has great features, I'd list them but they're all up on the tech specs. It does have a mesh pocket on the right side waist strap that's pretty cool (perfect for a camera). Very comfortable on long hikes, the X frame is awesome. I think this is a great pack for a good price.
Has anybody had any size issues with this? From looking around it looks like it isn't as adjustable or on the smaller size. Anyone have a 19" torso and using a medium with it?
Mark, I've a 19" torso and went with the large version of the El Lobo earlier this year. Fits great and the torso is adjustable, although my pack has M-L stitched on it which leads me to believe that the pack includes both sizes with the self-adjusted torso sizing being the only difference.
That said, what drew me to this pack was it's radial-x frame and pivot system which really makes a huge difference moving around nimbly with a 55lb load, add the comfortably padded hip straps and I'd say it's been quite comfortable for multiday treks.
I bought this for my first pack. I like to get quality gear right off the bat. I figured that NF was a top quality brand and it's be a safe bet. Not so much. First day i had it, i was packing my gear to see how it would all fit and a zipper pulled off the sleping bag compartment. Another zipper pulled off the brain on my second trip out with it. Not a big deal but for two trips its kinda aggrivating. The really bad news is the frame is starting to wear through the mesh stuff on the back of the pack. For only having it out for a total of 8 days, its not holding up like i hoped it would. maybe i got a lemon but I dont think ill get another NF pack anytime soon.
Although Osprey makes some great packs, I would go with the North Face pack based on the price difference. Right now, it looks like you could save some serious money by going with NF. The two packs are probably nearly the same in quality and durability and comfort.
My old Kelty external frame was worn out so I began researching a new internal pack and came across 'el Lobo'. I bought it without ever seeing it or trying it on, which is silly, of course. But it has been excellent in the mountains of North and South Carolina. It distributes weight very well, and I've overloaded it on purpose with good results as well. The various gear pockets are great, offering flexibility and options for storing your gear and accessing it in different ways. It is rugged and handled rain on and off without a problem or a pack cover. I have not been in serious showers with it yet. To conclude: its versatile, tough, and well worth the money.
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