Excellent pack but missing a couple of minor points

By WeeHooker Ranked #21 - Daypacks - Technical January 8, 2007

I bought my Plasma 30 as an "inbetween" pack for when I wanted to do day/extended day hikes where I needed to carry more than my 700cubic inch The North Face Hammerhead would take but didn't need a full blown multi day pack. I stuck with The North Face Flight series pack because I love their Evap pads and back support. ( And of course, The North Face quality/support).The volume of the Plasma allows me to take my basic kit (emergency stuff, first aid, poncho, etc) and still leaves ample room for a change of clothes/jacket in it's BIG, undevided interior ( which can take a bit to get used to packing). The pack is loaded with nice features. I love the hip belt pockets for my camera, compass, maps, gorp etc. They are always in reach. The top /hood pocket keeps my lunch from getting smashed and provides the only outer segregated, covered pocket on the pack. The Event panel and fabric are excellent ( as I found out on the Hammerhead). The back is firm enough that it feels almost like a framed pack.
What I would like to see added:
1) An outlet slot for a hydration bladder hose. As designed, it has to hang out the zipper on one side only.
2) Extra compression straps for when I don't need to fill it completely.
3) Maybe an access zipper to the bottom of the pack as things tend to get lost in the main cavity.

View Details: The North Face Plasma 30 Backpack - 1830 cu in

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