I'm returning the backpack as the product description is inaccurate. Many thanks to Backcountry for their excellent customer service, however. This is for the 2009 model of the Khamsin 40 backpack. The product description here, on other web sites and on the Arcteryx website itself is incorrect, which after some emails was verified by an Arcteryx rep: their own incorrect product info has trickled down to all retail vendors--Arcteryx even has some photos on their website, but they don't exist in the model. The backpack does not have a full length side zipper -- there is no side access whatsoever. The backpack does not have full vertical suspension, but only two horizontal stays. In using the pack, this was very problematic as it would bow out and become extremely uncomfortable to wear without the vertical struts.

Otherwise, the pack is well made and looks nice. I found the kangaroo pocket a very nice feature as I've not had anything similar on other packs. However, lacking the support and side access (a reason for my purchase) this pack is "just another" pack without any particularly distinguishing features and, as said above, the poor suspension creates for a very uncomfortable load: as soon as you put on the hip belt, the weight of the pack bears down and bows the back panel out and away from your back putting weight squarely on the shoulders and partially on the hips and the lower back as it bows back in. (yes, the pack is correctly sized for me--the bowing is only a few inches, but very problematic).