I am just starting in backpacking and i am looking for a pack some people in my family have told me this is the pack to go with but is there lighter options with the same durability and is it worth the money or is truely a great pack

Good question, because buying a backpack is a major purchase—perhaps the most important and expensive one you’ll make—as you get into backpacking. Firstly, I’ll say that yes, if you can afford it, an Arc’teryx backpack would be a fantastic choice. Arc’teryx makes top-quality backpacks that weigh very little, are comfortable, and are smartly designed; they’ll stand up to an incredible amount of wear and tear, so your investment will be a good one. That being said, you need to consider several questions as you decide which particular model is the right one for you. The Bora 80-liter Backpack is truly ginormous; you could practically fit your pet pony inside it. This is something a large person could take on a lengthy, serious mountain expedition. If you’re just getting into backpacking, it’s very likely that you would do just fine with a smaller 50-liter or maybe 60-liter pack. That would allow ample space for overnighters or a 3-4 day jaunt in the woods. Look into the Arc’teryx Axios and Altra packs; both are available in this size range. And since any Arc’teryx pack can be fully tweaked and adjusted to fit your torso perfectly, chances are high that it will work well for you.

There is no doubt this pack is well designed and of the utmost quality, a friend of mine has a Bora and the thing is indestructible. But, pack choice must be based on not only quality and features, but fit: just because a particular pack fits others doesn't necessarily mean that it is the right pack for you. In this way, backpacks are a lot like boots, what fits someone really well may be uncomfortable for your unique body-shape. My recommendation would be to go somewhere where you can try on a series of packs, including the Bora, and see which ones fit you the best. Personally, I find that Osprey packs fit me the best, (tall, thin) and they generally are lighter/cost less to boot. I use an Exos, but many of my friends really like the Aether. Both Osprey and Arcteryx have unlimited lifetime guarantees from the manufacturer as well as backcountry, and are of superior quality. Also, although 80L is a great size for weeklong backpacking trips, if you mostly do weekend stuff, a 65L will weigh 2-5lb less and still hold everything you need quite comfortably. Try to evaluate the type of trips you will mostly be doing, and how lightweight and compact the rest of your gear is, and choose your size from there. (generally 90L+, multiday 4 season/ 80L weeklong backpacking/ 65L weekend backpacking/ 50L lightweight overnight/ 35L ultralight backpacking, full daytrips). If you use a down bag, silnylon tarp, torso length pad, and wipe with rocks, you might be able to drop a size/weight/price class. If you backpack with a synthetic 0º, 4 season tent, lantern, dutch oven and deodorant, size up. Hope that helps -Simon