Contributions by Jimi in C-town (2)

I bought this to use for my over nighters, climbing, and for day trips. It takes over for my bora 35 which has a hard internal frame and doesn't pack down for as a second bag very well. This pack has a foam "frame" that is semi-stiff and keeps its shape but can be rolled up and stuffed if need be. It is also just about the perfect size to throw a lunch, a couple extra layers, and some water in but has the versatility to carry ice axes/shovels, poles, sleeping bag... all in addition to the clothes and water. My one complaint is that I wish the top pocket was big enough to carry a book in. Its about the length of a toothbrush and but not quite wide enough for a small paperback, and the zipper makes it even more difficult to get that in. I also kind of yearn for a daisy chain on it.

So far this has been a bomber jacket. I have climbed, camped, and biked in it and wear it around town. It is not the warmest jacket around, but that's what layering is for. It has been almost completely waterproof for me, living here in the Oregon winter, and significantly cuts down on the drafty weather. My only complaints is that it could be a warmer fleece and I wish it would block out a little bit more of the wind. We will see about its water resistance in a month or two.