Ferrari, all day, anyday

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

M

Height

5` 10"

Weight

175 lbs

I was putting off this purchase for a long time and I am sooo glad I pulled the trigger. Everything on this pack has been thought through extremely well. From the back support to the pockets to the rain cover to the day back inside. Its simplicity is as well of a competitive advantage as its gadgets. I love taking it out every time I get out, weather it is for a multi day backpacking trip or traveling overseas.

Ronan G.

Not tall enough and a bit heavy

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Unless you really really need the support, the pack is needlessly heavy and does not breathe well around the back. I found other lightweight packs helped my back feel better without the weight. This is only probably good for heavy loads. For a 3 day trip, it's too much. Also, it is not tall enough for me, so it pulls down on the shoulders too much still even after all adjustments. If you have a lot of weight and are going in cold weather, then it's great! Durable and comfortable fit.

dmi5591381

Very comfortable bag

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Disclaimer: I'm a first time backpacker so what I consider a flaw or positive may not be true for a more experienced person. I picked this bag because a lot of reviews have claimed the suspension system is awesome. I was carrying about 35 lbs worth of camping and fishing gear up about 1000 ft of elevation gain over 2 miles. So not the steepest trail but you definitely feel it with a load (@10000 ft elevation). Going up the pack felt great. Coming down I had some sore spots but I think that was due to my really poor load distribution. I like how the load "redistributes" on it's own from the suspension system. I never felt like my back was getting too warm, so the ventilation seemed to be as advertised. There were plenty of compression straps and tie downs, which was also a plus. The various access points to the contents were also huge There weren't really any negatives...but for some reason I didn't feel like the out pockets were placed well. In a full back, they were somewhat difficult to access. The bag is also on the heavier side. But it's one of those tradeoffs...you can't haven an awesome suspension with cushioning without adding some weight.

David Lee

Most comfortable pack I own

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I've owned this pack for more than three years and have used it on several trips from slot canyons to steep mountains. This pack carries more comfortably than any other pack I own. The Response A3 suspension helps the pack fit your torso properly, and the padded, articulating hip belt allow the pack move with you. This pack can comfortably accommodate loads up to 50 pounds, which is great for those week-long treks. With a weight of more than 5 pounds, this pack may not be ideal for those trying to keep their load light. But for users who place comfort above pack-weight, this backpack is ideal.

Ross Rosier

high-end product

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

This backpack is great. carries my 22lbs of gear and additional 10lbs of food/water while sending the load to all the right places. makes my long hiking jaunts a breeze!

Ryan

Comfort on a whole new level

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Comfort is huge for me when I'm backpacking and this pack definitely does not disappoint. The Response A3 Suspension system that is used on the hipbelts and shoulder harnesses, creates an optimal fit that literally fits my body like a glove and it has definitely made an impression on me. I will keep this backpack until it falls apart. Then maybe try to have it fixed and keep using it until that is not possible. Hot spots and pressure points are in the past for me with my new Baltoro due to the above stated system combined with Gregory's PreCurve tech. and multi density EVA foam. They literally built this thing to feel amazing out there on the trail so that you can get the most out of your adventures. 50 pounds? No problem. With how lightweight and comfortable this pack is, that 12 miles to basecamp will feel like a cake walk. I believe they also shaved off weight from last year's model with the outer material and the framing. But rest assured, I threw my pack off in a hurry at base camp to run to a nearby lake and very brutally brushed it against a pine tree on accident. It took the bark off the tree and the nylon had a minor scratch that buffed out. I'd also say this is a lucky pack because I've been rained out at King's Peak for the past 3 years and finally this summer I summited that behemoth!

William O

Great fitting and well made!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I've been using a cheap pack for the past 10 years and have been wanting to really get into true backpacking and go on longer quests. This pack will be perfect for that, I cannot believe the difference a quality product makes. This thing is made well of high quality materials and should last me many years. I really like all the adjustments that can be made to suspension system and hip belt, so you can find a truly custom fit. It handles heavy loads well, I've taken it on about 50+ miles, with 40+ lbs. and it held up well and was very comfortable. One of the main features I like, is you can remove the water bladder holder and use it as a hydration/daypack for mini treks while at camp. I also like that you can zip the front of the pack down, so you can access the main ruck sack compartment without opening the top. That way you can access items on the bottom of the pack without taking all of the ones on top out first. I'm excited to take this on longer and more difficult hikes and will recommend to anyone I meet. Great pack!

T. J. Banker

Very comfortable

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

This pack is very comfortable with lots of room for everything you need.

Scott D.

This pack should have full body access from the front as well correct? The description only says top access.

Zach