The North Face Skareb 55 Backpack - 3050-3650cu in - 2008

I don't know whether everyone else reviewing this pack has never actually worn it on a trip or tried a pack that was worth a damn, but either way they are giving a good name to a horrible pack. I bought this pack for short weekends to the smokies and it has done nothing but give me problems.
The "X" frame system constantly works free from its holds at the top of the pack and need to be readjusted. The shoulder straps have no padding, obviously to save on weight, but this creates very uncomfortable pressure points. I've owned this pack for a little over a year and am ecstatic to go get a new pack tomorrow. North Face has been dropping the ball for years now and this is another example.

I used this for a month traveling Europe. It was great. Very light and holds a lot while not taking up a lot of space. Very good quality. No complaints. Backcountry.com is great too!

The reviews here pretty much have this on the dot. I disagree with the comment about the buckles not holding on the waist strap though. I'm a slightly bigger guy with a healthy stomach on me and I've had no problem with these things, even after a heavy lunch and a beer. The roll top closure makes this pack a prime choice for traveling too, nobody is going to get inside the thing without you knowing. Just keep the valuables out of the small zipper accessory pocket. Didn't write this review to argue though, I just wanted to let everybody know this is extremely hydration compatible, contrary to the stats backcountry loaded up for us. (no offense backcountry, I love you guys) In fact you don't even have to rig anything, it is already there, with a little water drop symbol to show you if you don't understand what the little corner patch behind your head is for. Like I said, great pack.

Great for wthe amount of gear it can hold for such a lightweight product!For two to three climbing and back packing trips it is perfect!

I have this in the large. It fits my frame well (5'10", 170) and the suspension system has worked for me so far(4 trips. 12 to 22 total miles), and it rides pretty stable once I get all the straps adjusted and locked down. The light weight is nice, and it has just enough volume for someone who is still working on the minimalist, ultra-light ideal. (Carrying ~35 lbs for 1-2 nights. Where I camp bear cannisters are required/strongly recommended so that doesn't help) The included rain cover came in handy on a rainy trip in Yosemite. The zip closure side pouches hold quite a bit. I'm sure there are more comfortable, lighter packs out there, but for the price, I couldn't ask for more.

I know that a pack fit is very differant for each user, but I really think that abeeler72295240 must have rec'vd a lemon - because I too have had this pack for over a year and I have no idea what he is talking about?!?!

Mine is the large frame and I over packed this on a two nighter literally 50lbs and stuffed to the gills. It's not meant for that, but it handled exceptionally well. The shoulder pads are very comfortable, if you need more padding go look for it - this is for lightweight - fast moving overnights. The padding was very comfortable for me - but is made for ventilation not pillow softness. I found no pressure points in this pack, from the waistbelt to the shoulders and even the sternum strap... (although that should be able to move down further) by far the best pack I have ever owned for quick day trips and 2 night overnighters.. and I searched for 2 months and tried on allot of packs before I found this one. The X-frame never once came out - or worked free, his must have been a defect.

I just used this backpack for a three day trip and loved it. It was the perfect size for me and had plenty of extra pockets. The straps were super easy to adjust which made for a more comfortable hike! Loved it!! Will use over and over until it falls apart!!

We bought the small and medium models. I really appreciated the light weight at 19,000 ft. The included pack cover comes in handy in the forest. The hydration pack pocket fits a 3 liter bladder. No problems with workmanship. The belt, chest and belt clips look flimsy but they've stood up for 9 months, now. The external cords and gear loop were handy for stowing trekking poles on gentle pitches. The cords also compress the pack when carrying smaller loads for day hikes in the Shenandoah and overnights on the AT. Drawback - single main chamber makes packing strategic.