I bought my Plasma 30 as an "inbetween" pack for when I wanted to do day/extended day hikes where I needed to carry more than my 700cubic inch The North Face Hammerhead would take but didn't need a full blown multi day pack. I stuck with The North Face Flight series pack because I love their Evap pads and back support. ( And of course, The North Face quality/support).The volume of the Plasma allows me to take my basic kit (emergency stuff, first aid, poncho, etc) and still leaves ample room for a change of clothes/jacket in it's BIG, undevided interior ( which can take a bit to get used to packing). The pack is loaded with nice features. I love the hip belt pockets for my camera, compass, maps, gorp etc. They are always in reach. The top /hood pocket keeps my lunch from getting smashed and provides the only outer segregated, covered pocket on the pack. The Event panel and fabric are excellent ( as I found out on the Hammerhead). The back is firm enough that it feels almost like a framed pack.
What I would like to see added:
1) An outlet slot for a hydration bladder hose. As designed, it has to hang out the zipper on one side only.
2) Extra compression straps for when I don't need to fill it completely.
3) Maybe an access zipper to the bottom of the pack as things tend to get lost in the main cavity.

I bought this pack for day hiking in the Noth East. Specificly, I wanted something for warmer months that was more than a (PITA) fanny pack but less than a 3#, 3000+ in weekend pack. After some research, I decided to go with the Hammerhead which seemed like a great combination of (legendary) quality, ultra light weight and "just enough" capacity. After using it a few times, here are my thoughts. First, what I like: a)This is a bomber built pack. It's going to last a long time. b) hydration system is (so far) great and easy to remove/fill. c) The comfort level of this pack is great. Padding is adaquate, breathable and the back firm enough that it almost feels like there is an internal frame. d) The external pockets still hold water bottles etc. for quick 1-2 hour hikes where I don't want to bother with filling/draining and cleaning the bladder. On the flip side; a) The 730 inch capacity is hard to utilize. The two internal pockets (and dividers)are long but very restrictive in area/access. You have to stuff things in and out and or feel for them as there is no clear view of the bottom most times. b) The mesh rear external pocket and bungee are small and don't hold allot (Maybe a hat, a fleece jacket is tight. c) Volume is Ok if all you want to do is carry a small emergency kit and esentials (i.e compact camera, extra socks, poncho and lunch.) Really no room for jackets, etc., unless lunch is a Power Bar.( Not their fault, just my obsservation)
All in all, this is a nice pack for 2 season day hiking in stable weather. In hindsight though, I would probably recommend a 1000 inch + volume (like the North Face Megamouth) if you want to use it well into the wet/cold months or in the mountains.