Rated 4 out of 5 by SnowSusie My new favorite fall/spring pack
This pack is great for fall and spring. I needed something a little bit bigger than my regular summer pack (Escape) but not quite as big as my winter pack (Bigelow). The top and front pockets are easy to access so I store what I think I'll need to reach most often in those places. Everything else goes in the main compartment. This pack has a lot of adjustments and is a step up from a basic day pack.
September 6, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by PAStreamgeek Quite a pack
Bought this for my wife, an active scout and camp leader. I earned some big brownie points with this one. She immediately took it on a couple of outings on very hot days. She reports the ventilation provided by the sturdy frame and mesh made all the difference. To use for any overnights, you would definitely need to go ultralight, but as a super sturdy daypack with lots of storage options, it's the best.
June 20, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by AlaskanMountainClimber Great hiking and climbing pack!
I bought this pack because of its size and fit for smaller framed women. Most packs are designed to fit a multitude of sizes and shapes on men and women. How can I at 110lbs and 5'4" wear the same pack as a man who weighs 230lbs at 6'0"? I am very happy that LL Bean has started producing gear designed for women! Also, I have been an LLBean customer since I was a little girl on the East Coast of Canada, using their bookbags to go to school! I trust them completely!
April 13, 2012
Rated 3 out of 5 by Bluebearee Upgraded from the Bigelow
I've owned a Bigelow day pack for 6 years which was used heavily; time for a new day pack. This was a good deal when packs went on sale in December for 30% off. I'm not sure I would pay $99. It has many good features: the mesh trampoline back being one, and the shove-it pocket on the outside front. The waterbottle or outside pockets are not easy to get into - I do not really see the need for all the side compression straps and frankly it makes attaching the lid (last step) awkward to maneuver around the neoprene lash down pieces. I'm not sure why that was considered a good idea.
Jury is still out on this one for me. I like the slim profile and the harness is a good fit for me, a small woman. I did notice on a New Years day hike that the bottom edge of the rigid framesheet rubbed against my right cheek/hip area.
The lid is a huge upgrade from my almost useless Bigelow one and the front zipper access is a nice bene, though I'm not sure how often I would use it, I'm used to top loaders and am fine with that type of access only.
What are the attached circular stretch cords for on either side? Ice axe attachments? Why don't packs (and all gear) come with an information sheet to acquaint the user with the features?
January 9, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Punmietz Nice but Small
It is a wonderful backpack, but I should have reviewed the details more clearly. It is small, about the size of a standard school backpack and not the hiking type I was looking for. I also thought it had a detachable day pack but that is just illusion, it's one piece. On the plus side, while I had it out of the plastic it seemed very sturdy, excellent materials, LOTS of space, it just wasn't that perfect fit for me.
December 28, 2011
Rated 5 out of 5 by BikingZGirl Ideal Backpack
I love this pack. It is not too big or too small; has a trampoline back; is my favorite color purple; loads from the top with front access and the hip belt pockets are a useful size and placed far enough forward to be easily reached. I'm under 5' 2" so finding a shorter torso fit has been difficult. At first the shoulder straps wouldn't sit on my shoulders but I moved the chest strap up closer to my neck and now the pack fits great.
November 5, 2011
Rated 4 out of 5 by Aojiroi Great so far!
My boyfriend and I are in the process of planning a coast to coast trip as part of a life long dream of ours. Because of the length of this trip and the destinations we plan on hitting (cities and such) we wanted something light and small so that it would not be a hassle maneuvering the woods or towns, so went with these packs over the larger back packing choices.
It's large enough so that I can fit everything I need inside. I've got my sleeping bag, pillow, tent, clothing and some toiletries and camera/mp3 player inside. It's snug, but everything is fit and secure inside.
It would have gotten 5 stars but the zippers are not waterproof. ): While this is not a deal breaker it's a little bit annoying considering it wouldn't be THAT hard to add a layer of the water-resistant fabric over the zippers. We don't plan on walking around in the rain but if caught in a downpour the stuff around the edges of the zipper WILL GET WET! So if you have anything of value make sure it's in a ziplock/dry bag. And don't put anything you can't get a little wet if unprotected around the edges.
October 10, 2011
Rated 5 out of 5 by COrocks comfy fit
very comfy fit and great for day hiking in the summer, 6-10 mile hikes at 9,000-11,000...
October 9, 2011
Rated 5 out of 5 by hilldogg Very happy
The pack is perfect for day hikes. The suspension system helps keep your back dry. There is plenty of room for a change of clothes, food, drink, safety gear and camera. Have only done one hike with it so far, but I was very happy with it. My husband is jealous of the bag and wants one of his own!
September 3, 2011
Rated 5 out of 5 by ahfdragonfly Excellent bag!
Got the bag on Wednesday & by Sunday had climbed 7 Adirondack High Peaks with it. Easy to adjust, very comfortable to wear, even on 12+ hour - multiple peak hikes. I thought I would need more pockets, but with the top and front entry to the main compartment, I haven't had any issues getting to my gear. Love the trampoline suspension system! Makes a huge difference being able to keep your pack off your back, but still secure hiking in hot humid conditions. I'm guessing it will be a bonus, keeping you from getting too sweaty on a hard winter hike, too. Only suggestion would be a better system for the hydration hose, but it's pretty easy to figure something out, so it's not a big issue at all.
July 31, 2011