critter

I just purchased this pack, and it's maiden voyage was into the grand canyon on an overnite trip via the new hance trail. this trip was beautiful, the hike was strenuous, and the pack felt like it was hardly there. it transferred its weight (about 20 lbs full) well to my hips and legs, and didn't hang on my shoulders (one of which can be a troublesome pain) in an uncomfortable way. it never got in the way or caused me to lose my balance in precarious situations. i fit a nalgene bottle in each side pocket, and my water bladder in the pocket behind the frame. i opted for the alpine vapor instead of the vapor trail because i was concerned about durability in canyons. this pack seems to be pretty durable, and even tho i never tried the vapor trail i'm glad i went with this one. plenty of options for strapping things down and compressing. the foam in the belt, shoulder straps, and back pad is comfortable and conformed nicely to my form. i don't go thru gear like toilet paper, so i don't have alot to compare this to, but my other pack is a kelty cheyenne- a little bigger, alot heavier, and sort of cumbersome. i am a 5'2" female, and it's hard to find things that fit me well, which the alpine vapor (small) does perfectly. having one main compartment was fine- i just packed so that the things i needed to be accessible were at the top. no problem. i would consider getting a hip pack though, instead of carrying snacks and camera in my pants pockets...

I just purchased this pack, and it's maiden voyage was into the grand canyon on an overnite trip via the new hance trail. this trip was beautiful, the hike was strenuous, and the pack felt like it was hardly there. it transferred its weight (about 20 lbs full) well to my hips and legs, and didn't hang on my shoulders (one of which can be a troublesome pain) in an uncomfortable way. it never got in the way or caused me to lose my balance in precarious situations. i fit a nalgene bottle in each side pocket, and my water bladder in the pocket behind the frame. i opted for the alpine vapor instead of the vapor trail because i was concerned about durability in canyons. this pack seems to be pretty durable, and even tho i never tried the vapor trail i'm glad i went with this one. plenty of options for strapping things down and compressing. the foam in the belt, shoulder straps, and back pad is comfortable and conformed nicely to my form. i don't go thru gear like toilet paper, so i don't have alot to compare this to, but my other pack is a kelty cheyenne- a little bigger, alot heavier, and sort of cumbersome. i am a 5'2" female, and it's hard to find things that fit me well, which the alpine vapor (small) does perfectly. having one main compartment was fine- i just packed so that the things i needed to be accessible were at the top. no problem. i would consider getting a hip pack though, instead of carrying snacks and camera in my pants pockets...