Great Pack and Great Features. I like how the medium pack fits my 80lb lean German Shepherd. I had tried the previous year lower end model in a large and it was way to large. Even snugged up all the way with the straps allowed the pack to sit to far back and not right at his shoulders. So when I returned the large I picked up this model in a medium and even though the bags are smaller I feel the harness is much better suited for my GSD. The straps are now adjusted in the middle of their limits. So far no issues with rubbling any areas. I would suggest walking your dog w/ the harness on first for a week or so and monitor his/her condition for rubbing/red marks. Then add a little weight at a time. First time packing w/ the dog? Make it fun, always put the harness on and then do something fun like the ball or a walk. Don't just put it on them and laugh while he gets irritated with it being on. :)

The removalable clips for the main bags is a excellent feature , take a break, simply unclick four clips and the weight is now off the dog but you still have the harness for dog control.

The water bladders are nice but usually I don't fill them full. Just about 1/4-1/2 full for some water and cushion from the rest of his food and gear in the main compartments.

The harness has reflective strips which is quite nice in the woods when you set up camp. You can easily spot your dog with your head lamp.

Bought this as a second bag that my wife could use. Was trying to keep the cost down due to all the S&C.com purchases. Grabbed this at a great price and worth every penny. When I removed it from the stuff sack it did feel a little weak and thin. I threw it in the front loader on air only for 15mins and then layed it out on the bed. Came back after work and it felt much better. Was rather warm and I feel for me it would meet the 30degree rating.

Most manufactures figure you will wear a light long sleeve shirt and pantlayer while in the bag to obtain heat ratings. Direct wind and lack of sleeping pad will also affect any bags ability to keep you warm. Last not all people sleep at the same temps, I am a warm sleeper and feel this bag will keep me plenty warm based off of the trial runs I have given it so far.

Great value and compresses well. Would of been nice to have a storage sack other then the stuff sack for when not hiking with it to keep the loft going strong over the years. But for the price (under retail) I love it.