Arc'teryx Bora 80 Backpack - 4700 cu in - 2006

I've had this pack for about a year now. It's by far the best pack I have ever lugged around. It is true that it is not totally waterproof, however, it is a lot more water resistant than other packs I have used. There's very comfortable suspension, even with heavy loads.

I still carry a rain cover, and for added protection, you should put your sleeping bag in a garbage sack (regardless of what pack you use). I mean, you dont have too, but then you won't have to sleep in a dry sack either ;)

The material it is made out of is amazingly tough. I used my 80 on some hikes up to the old copper mines in the heart of Wrangel St. Elias National Park and it held up very well. I was climbing on rocks that ripped my Nalgene bottle to shreds and the 80 came out with hardly any marks on it (I wasn’t taking it easy on it either). The kangaroo pocket is awesome, I don’t know how I lived without it before. The hip belt is very nice and takes most of the load and puts it on your hips. It is also waterproof, it was raining for 3 solid days and my stuff stayed dry the whole time. I also was able to fit it as a carry on when I flew on the plane.

Exactly what the other guy said using the big words! Amazing pack couldn't ask for a more comfortable pack! Not a thing on it that I would change. My other pack is a Gregory Lassen and Triconi. Triconi just doesn't have the features I wanted like a daisy chain or removable fanny pack on the top lid. Lassen is pretty much perfect a little lighter and a little cheaper but does not have the white interior to find things quickly which is why I went out and purchased the Bora 80!

I just returned from a July 4th trip into the El Dorado National Forest in California, after just receiving my new Bora 80 pack. Though I didn't get to test it's suspension on a long hike (we canoed in to our campsite), I can vouch for the well-thought out features. Firstly, the "kangaroo pouch" allowed me not just an area to stash wet clothes after swimming, it is a huge additional pocket for anything that you might need fast access to. The lid/fanny pack was also much more comfortable than I thought it might be. The side-access zipper allowed me to easily see/find things deep in my pack -- so great was this feature that I'll never get another pack without it. The list goes on and on. This pack is absolutely incredible!

this is by far the greatest pack that has every been created.... the size and comfort are perfect for those week-long or more treks.... all the pockets and straps are set in such a way that they will hold anything you can put in it.... perhaps one of the best buys I have ever made....

My school book bag could hold more weight than this pack. Some nice features but not ideal.

A week long trip in the West Elk Wilderness in CO - this pack was great. We had a group of 20 people that had different packs (North Face, Gregory, etc.). Bora 80 was by far the best pack - most comfortable, easiest to pack, to access, etc. Everyone wished they had the same pack. If you know how to pack, you can put a lot of stuff in that pack, if you want more room, Bora 95 should do.

sagacious, s&-'gA-sh&s, Function: adjective
Exibiting a capacity for subtlety and the intelligent application of knowledge; Arc Teryx! The Bora 80 is the most comfortable, stable, well designed pack I've had the pleasure to use.(I did very much like the Mountain Smith Delta Elite 5000(panel/top loader)) The kangaroo pocket rocks. Top lid/lumbar pack; real comfy. The belt is a bit overdone unless you're packin' heavy. The exit port for the hydration tube is a little tight and I wouldn't have minded a bungee back there somewhere. Otherwise, fan-freakin-tastic! However, since I "microsized" everything, I had to switch to the Bora 60 LT witch is basically the same pack minus a couple things. Winter solo mountaineering with less than 40lbs on your back, Priceless!
PS: I love Arc’Teryx but let's try to keep the flow of innovation function over form. Style is definitely a priority and there is no competition when it comes down to, dare I say, "sexy" designs. AT takes the cake!

I was trying to get the old Bora 80, but it seems it's no longer available. The new one is fine but I don't like the waterproof fabric that just adds weight and does not do the job as good as a raincover. The old one was awesome, had better visual colors, better stitchings and tougher fabric. All Arc'teryx did was to change that and put on some new waterproof fabric, keep the same suspention and stray away from their "Change the Status Quo" Doctrine. To put it simply this pack is too overengineered and the old one was better. Still trying to get the old one.

I used the Bora 80 on a 9 day trek over all kinds of terrain in North Sikkim to the base of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the 3rd highest peak in the world, last week. I got all I needed for the trek into it - and out, every evening! It really served me well, kept out the rain and snow, and then resisted the clumsiness of airport baggage handlers on the way home! A great choice for me!

So far so good, didn't even use rainfly and kept my gear dry on a drizzly day.

The Bora line is sweet. The 80 fits like a pack SHOULD. The construction quality is top of the line. A small neg is that once the unit is cramed full of your stuff, the side zip is the only way to get in and dig for whatever you need at the bottom. Another zip design that goes all the way around might be more convenient. I really like this pack.

This is my first Arc'teryx backpack. I've been using it for two months now, mainly for trekking in New Zealand. It's perfect in all weather conditions. Extreme waterproof. Very easy access to all compartments. Sturdy backpack. Comfortable system, nr 1 hip belt! Definitely worth the price.

I have used the pack for a 4 days trip and am very satisfied. Nice to carry and easy to pack. If you have the correct back-length is very comfortable with heavy weight. A drawback for those who trust the words "100 % watertight", it's not! For me it wasn't surprise. I got water inside in bottom, just a little but anyway.. Anyway the best pack I ever have.

Used this on the Appalachian Trail and was kind of upset to depend on the waterproofness claimed by this pack. Stuff didn’t get soaked but they did get wet. the so called water tight zippers where first to fail. My cream-colored hoody got this darkish brown stain since it was against the side zipper in the main compartment. I guess this pack needs the rain cover that’s made for the pack. Other then that I love the pack.

Great pack. I used it recently on the Gray Lock Mountain. When I was buying it, the question was whether to get Bora 65 or 80. I picked 80 so if needed you can compress it to eliminate extra room. After packing it light (at least with my pack rat abilities) I found not that much of extra room if any. On the trail the pack proved itself over and over again. No problem with sore back or muscle pain. Side packets are great if you put Nalgene and something else in (like fuel bottle). Reading from many people that Nalgene tend to escape from the pocket, I bough OR Nalgene holders that you can attach to the side straps - that worked really well. On the other note, kangaroo pocket worked well for storing rain gear and some of the small items. So far I am glad I got this one, and while it is expensive, it looks great and quality is a top notch.

I took my Bora 80 on a 7-day 52-mile trip in the Wind Rivers and have to say it was my favorite gear of the trip. It carried the 60-pound load with no problem, it was easy to pack and totally waterproof. It rained all night and all I did was throw the lid over the top of the bag, to my surprise not a drop of water got in the pack. Other sick features include the top pouch turns into a fanny pack, great hydration sleeve, and the best hip belt I have ever used.