wa.waunderer

I bought this pack, like many based upon the internet pictures, Arcteryx history of quality, weight, and "hydration compatible. I have to admit I was suprised, it appeared to be cheaply made, and hydration compatible didn't mean hydration sleeve, just a couple holes where a hydration tube can be threaded through. For the price I was very disappointed. There are many packs from Osprey,Deuter, Black Diamond, Golite, and others that offer more features, higher quality craftsmanship, more comfort, comparable or less weight, at a cheaper price. Arcteryx is more overpriced fad than function anymore.

I have used these for crevasse rescue and they lower the resistance quite a bit when pulling using the Z / C systems. I think I read where they can reduce resistance 25-40 % vs. standard carabiners in that capacity.

I use this pack for peakbagging 4 season in the North Cascades. From the durable materials, large hipbelt pockets, supportive - ventilating suspension, rear horizontal straps for snowshoes, rear wet pocket,and generous lid volume in a tight lightweight package I don't think it can be beat. Those are a few of the many features.

The jacket is UL and very compressible, it shed light precip, and was totally windproof during peakbags with winds up to 50 mph. I like the closures at the cuffs, and pull strings at the hem. I still like my Schoeller soft shell for highly aerobic approaches in the cold.