top of the line

By PearlJamPSU Ranked #131 - Weeklong Packs (Over 4500 cu in) March 19, 2009

I have the XL in mustard and this pack is seriously the best I have ever used. It has nearly everything you are looking for in a pack - capacity, size, comfort, and style. The suspension is very comfortable and as long as you have your pack/gear strapped down, it's easy to forget you are carrying such a large load. I did not opt for getting the hip belt molded because, in my opinion, it became comfortable enough without it after two short excursions. The ventilation system truly does keep the sweat off your back and the hydration pocket holds my 100 ounce Camelbak Omega reservoir without any problems. The sleeping bag compartment is large enough to easily hold a synthetic North Face long bag and the external pocket can stow rain gear, smelly clothes, and so on without getting anything wet.

The pack isn't totally waterproof, but it is water resistant to the extent that your stuff won't get soaked if it's a light rain. I ended up buying the Osprey pack cover in the event I'm in a deluge but haven't dealt with that issue yet.

Perhaps the only nuisance is that it is fairly awkward trying to get a wide-mouth Nalgene bottle out of the side pocket because it doesn't have the standard water bottle pocket(s). Other than that, it is expensive, but it sure is worth it.

View Details: Osprey Packs Argon 85 Backpack - 5187-5553cu in

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes