All the other kids are just haters

By Ian Brown Ranked #741 - Backpacks November 12, 2009

I got this pack about five years ago and the idea of water resistant outside material seemed relatively new at the time. My other buddies tried to make fun of me for buying such a new pack, but the laughter turned on them when they had to start scrambling for their little messy pack covers in the downpour. Rain, sleet, snow or accidental water spills, this pack withstood the abuse. As an instructor, it gave me the critical opportunity to stop worrying about the way my pack was, and help others deal with the trash bag / pack covering mess. Others are right, the pack is a little heavy, but the frame and padding is like the cadillac of backpacking.

On a sizing note, I have the men's regular, and I probably would be better fit in the small. I'm 5'11", about 180ish lbs, and about 17" torso length. The kangaroo pockets (the hip pockets) have been great for carrying mugs, thermoses, and MSR white gas bottles. I also like how I can open the divider to the sleeping bag compartment, and make the bag just one huge barrel - this has worked really well on my mountaineering trips. On summer trips, I can keep the two compartments separated, and still take on my fair share of group gear. The transforming lid into a fanny pack has really come in handy. It's a great way for injured participants to carry a shell and their own hydration when you have to split the rest of their pack amongst the group. The side zipper has also allowed me to stash away / grab layers rather quickly without having to spend an absorbent amount of time unpacking and re-packing.

Overall, its worth the weight if you're one of those who likes the extra doo-dads and the plush padding.

View Details: Arc'teryx Bora 80 Backpack - 4390-5000cu in

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