I've only had this pack for a few months, but I love it. Contrary to other reviewers, I was perfectly capable of finding the two nalgene-sized side pockets. The one large back pocket (with zip pocket) is great (depending on the circumstances) for your raingear, wallet, keys, or the ting that your hiking partner can't be bothered to put in the main compartment. The Compression straps work great, not only for crushing your stuff, but also for attaching things (like rolls of duct tape) to the outside of the bag. The brain is made from waterproof material, to keep your bits-and-bobs dry. As a whole, there's a lot of use of waterproof fabrics (though no pressure seal), so this pack does well in rainstorms, or sitting at the bottom of a boat (though not under submersion), and keeps your stuff dry to boot. The sleeping-bag pocket actually goes into the main compartment, with a retractable diaphragm to separate the two. The suspension is incredibly comfortable even under heavy loads: with a lazy group, I took 80lb up 10 miles and 3000' of elevation. I won't say that I didn't break a sweat, but the pack performed admirably. The airflow is pretty comfortable too. The hip straps use a change in webbing direction to help spread weight comfortably over your hips. The hip-flaps also have a convenient zipped-pocket. Both colour combinations are pretty sweet (though the green is cooler).

I've had the pack about 6 months now, and have no complaints. The X radial frame truly is amazing, and makes this pack very comfortable, even at heavier weights. The inside stays completely dry in inclement weather. Recommended!!

I haven't had this backpack for long, but it really is a great backpack. I haven't had a problem with my gear getting wet. The frame is amazing, it has great support and doesn't weight almost anything as far as backpacks go. It is the perfect size for everything that I have needed it for so far. I can get my tent, sleeping bag, wet suit all in it and still have a lot of room for other stuff like clothes and food. One really nice feature on this bag is that it has a special spot at the bottom for your sleeping bag that you can get to through the main compartment or there is a special zipper for it (it's also nice if you need to get at something you packed at the bottom of your bag.

A superb pack ...to a a point..the only fault i can find is the lack of side pockets one pocket on the top is nowhere near enough....

this back pack served it's purpose...i back packed around Romania and the United States during my vacation. The pack came in handy when i got rained on etc...the only issue i have with this are the pockets around the top. There's basicly one pocket on the top portion. I also bought a North Face Ligero 50 which i use to go to and from work and is also waterproof. I prefer the pocket structure on this pack much more then the Primero 70

Just got this pack about a month ago for a 16 day euro trip and it was perfect. I am an over-packer so I got the Large and it was exactly what I needed. Easy to get to anything anywhere in the bag and big enough to hold a ton of stuff and still find room for souvenirs.

The only thing I would change is maybe adding a zipper to the large pocket on the back though it is pretty tight so nothing ever fell out, I was just worried things might.

The crew at the north face has taken extra care to make sure that you stay as ventilated as possible with the Primero 70. It stays comfortable when fully packed and sheds moisture during those quick summer showers.