This pack has plenty of space for a day trip or a minimal overnighter. There are a ton of straps and it took a few for me to figure out all of them. If you're a snowboarder then you get the vert carry which is all I use and there is way to carry skis in the A-frame which is good cause I'm a splitboarder so there is the extra option. If you ride, the diagonal carry strap of skis on the bottom is useless and there is no easy way to tuck it in - I may just cut it off but for now it's not a big deal.
I have never used this kind of a frame before, where the frame is an external piece on the back. I've used old full frame packs and internal molded frames and this is a little different. The frame is study and makes it light.
It's got a "pass though" for your hydration hose but only allows it to go across and over your left shoulder, not a big deal but I've always had mine on the right so it was a little to get used to reaching for that side.
I'm tall (6'4") and I found the waist straps sit right (I got the large pack) or just a little high but comfortable. The small pouch on the waist band is good for ID, a pack of gum or a really small digi camera but that's about all. I just use it for gum and it's easy access but you're not fitting much else in there. The "hidden" mesh type pocket on the inside of the top flap is also perfect for keys and ID and other small items - I overlooked this pocket the first few times out with this pack and was happy to find it later.

Overall, I like this pack. I've used it on shorter daytrips and long daytrips with heavy weight and it was comfortable and had plenty of space. For the price you wont be disappointed.

I bought this shovel back in 2000 (looked a little different then) and that was the first purchase I made here. Been hooked on this website since. The shovel is amazing - it's lightweight and takes a beating. I've carried it hiking, backcountry snowboarding and it doesn't leave my truck when the snow starts to fly. Mine is black but is the same shovel. Other than some dings and dents it's held up awesome. It's also got holes in the blade which make it easily strapped in a number of locations.

I've had this watch for a couple of months now. I like the ease of use - it's not hard to figure out how to run it. I've been using the altimeter a lot and it is very accurate. It does need to be updated regularly but that is expected.

I haven't had a chance to use the ski chrono yet but I have been using the data logger when hiking and I like it. Nice to be able to see the real alt as well as the ascent.

I have hit the buttons a few times by accident but I haven't activated anything or changed anything because all the resets have to be done by holding a button for a couple of seconds.

The backlighting is cool too. Not just a backlight but more of an inversion of lighting - good stuff.

Can't beat the price with a stick either.

I have raynauds disease, meaning my extremities lose circulation in the cold and my fingers turn white and I can't feel them. I bought these for long stints outside. They are the only mitts that keep my hands warm. They are bulky but I knew that buying them - looking for warmth, not movement.