REI Venus Women's Pack - 74 Liters - '07 Special Buy

Comments about REI Venus Pack - Women's - '07 Special Buy:

This pack fits like a glove. I have long legs and short torso for a guy, 17". I took this on a five day, four night hike through the Grand Canyon. Hermit Trailhead to Hermit Creek, HC to Hermit Rapids, HR to Monument Creek, MC to Indian Garden to Bright Angel Trailhead (out). That last day was 15 miles. I carried a 70 oz bladder inside and two 34 oz Nalgene bottles in the side pockets. I disagree with the other review on this one thing. I had three Cliff bars in each side pocket, a compass, a multi-tool, and was still able to fit my water bottles on the outside pockets. (You have to pack the inside/side pockets just right) Granted, they were Cyclone bottles and have that great hour-glass shape so they stay put. Trust me when I say that this is a great backpack, regardless if it was "made" for a woman. It fits fine and I actually like the cut of the sholder straps. I'm 6ft, 172 lbs with 34 inseem if that helps. My pack was 53 lbs with water, 15 lbs was food (MRE's). I'm an ex-82nd Airborne Trooper and humped many miles with old style ruck sacks so this was a caddy to an old dumptruck. Prior to that I was a Boy Scout with an old frameless pack. I bought this for this trip alone. Packed right, the weight distribution was great and felt secure. It has all the features I was looking for, mainly top load and front flap for easy access + removeable top pouch, water bladder capable. I packed a second pair of convertable pants, one short sleave quick-wick shirt, one long sleave quick-wick, five pairs of medium weight REI socks, two man dome tent, 2/3 sleep pad, polar fleece top, river shoes, and regular camp gear. Take this for what it is...my opinion, but I loved the pack and made my trip very comfortable. Nothing ripped, nothing sagged. I'm going back in October with the wife. I will probably buy the small size for her. One thing - I paid [...]on clearance at the store, mediums only. Now they have smalls for the wife online for[$]...go figure.

Comments about REI Venus Pack - Women's - '07 Special Buy:

I love this pack! It handled 42 pounds easily, with tent, stove, sleeping bag, 4 liters of water, and winter gear. Sleeping bag compartment is unnecessary with the easy to load duffle opening. The hip belt wasn't padded enough for my bony hips, but I'm adding sheepskin for the next trip. The hydration sleeve is a must. The best feature is the central external pocket. It held all my rain gear, pack cover, and water filter. The top lid is big enough for the first aid kit/essentials, hat, gloves, and headlamp. The daisy chain on the back is nice, but I plan to add some for the top lid as well. The mesh pockets hold a 1 liter nalgene nicely, but only if you don't use the zipper pocket underneath for anything bigger than a bandanna or pocketknife. With a half liter bottle you can fill the zipper pocket underneath. There are lashing straps on the hip belt and I was able to fasten a little pouch on the hip belt to hold snacks for the trail. Overall, a great pack.

Comments about REI Venus Pack - Women's - '07 Special Buy:

I bought this online for a two week trip through Germany. I picked it up and the associate helped me to fit it to my body. The front opening made it REALLY easy to load/find stuff and my travel buddy was jealous as he only had the top opening. The outside pockets were also convenient. It could be hard to put on at times so its best to have a helper lift it for you. It was comfy and really didn't put pressure on my shoulders at all (and I had it FULL!). Worked great for me and I look forward to using it on camping/hiking trips soon :)

Comments about REI Venus Pack - Women's - '07 Special Buy:

This is my first full-size backpack, and I feel lucky to have picked the right one the first time. I've used it for everything from a one-night trip through the Narrows in Zion National Park to a month-long stay on Roatan (Honduras). On Roatan, it even held my diving fins in addition to all of my clothes, etc.

The fit is perfect. I'm 5'6" and 120lbs, so I've had trouble with other packs rubbing on my hips and shoulders before, but not this one. And the design is such that I can carry a huge amount of weight and not be uncomfortable.

I like the fact that there are lots of pockets for optimal organization, and I can see the entire inside of the main compartment and remove items that aren't on the top without disrupting the entire compartment, thanks to the zipper.

I have actually started using this pack instead of a suitcase, even when I'm not going on a trip that involves hiking. I love the fact that it works as a carry-on but holds a ton of stuff, so I don't have to check a bag. No luggage fee and no waiting around in baggage claim! And my hands are free in the airport.

Comments about REI Venus Pack - Women's - '07 Special Buy:

I love this bag. I am a college student and I bought this bag for traveling in Italy for 3 weeks and it did great. I had no problem with the zippers. I got this bag because of the front panel and it was worth the price. I am never getting a top loading again. My bag weight around 40 pounds and it didn't feel like it. I only had one problem with it. If the side pockets are full you can not get a water bottle in the holders.

I also used this bag as a ropes bag in Red River Gorge in KY and it stood up to the weight. It was so easy to hike with! If the bag is set up right the weight will be in the right places and your shoulders will not hurt at all.