Arc'teryx Cierzo 18 Backpack - 1098cu in

The best part about this little gem is that no matter what's in it, it sits beautifully between your shoulder blades. My buddy borrowed it and took it skiing, his first words were, "I can't even feel it" (vs. his Dakine Heli Pro) and I've taken it on hikes, to work, to tradeshows, the odd festival here and there, and just traveling in general. It's great for all of the above, and the only niggle I'd have is that the drawstring can be a pain to put away. I wish they'd put on some sort of keeper for the drawstring when tight, but I think it just needs to go down into the hole in the top of the main sack. The best thing about this bag is how it fits even without any backpanel suspension, and how great of a harness is attached to it. Sternum strap, curved, padded, and a waist strap. That's removable! Never worry about it shifting when you're bending over or running again. And there are attachments for shock cord, I'm looking into adding some for lashing/compression. Oh, and for the record, I love the colors :)

Imagine incredible Arcteryx quality control applied to something much like the stuff-sack-and-nylon-straps ultralight rigs I've been home-making in my basement for many years. For this one, Arcteryx uses absolutely top-of-the-line materials (especially, a class of siliconized nylon heavier than the usual stuff so you can abuse it a little, and waterproof zippers), puts a first-class daypack harness on it, omits the entirely unnecessary but commonplace top flap in favor of a drawstring (instant access), and puts a very usefully sized front pocket on it. Instant classic. You can leave home without it if you like, but it's so incredibly light and compressible you might as well leave it in the trunk of a spur-of-the-moment outing. The price ain't chump change, but this model has so many top-level touches on it, and uses such expensive materials, it's a pleasure just to look at and a decent value. It's a *little* boxy for my taste (I'm used to something a little longer and closer to the back), and I'm still looking for a more subtle color choice, but I won't argue further with the designers. See one in person and appreciate Arcteryx for trying something against the current grain of backpack design -- for making *one* model lighter, simpler, cleverer.

It's okay, but I am not really impressed with the cierzo. First of all, it's such a basic backpack that the price tag should be closer to $20 than $50 (leave it to us gear junkies to pay anyway). Looks kind of awkward if it's not filled up, planning on returning it.