REI Ridgeline 65 Pack - Women's - Special Buy

Comments about REI Ridgeline 65 Pack - Women's - Special Buy:

This is my first backpacking pack; so far, I've taken it on a week-long backpacking trip in the Smoky Mountains, and the pack performed very well. The shoulder and hip pads are very well padded and comfortable, and I was able to adjust the pack for very comfortable load carrying. All the pockets come in handy – the pockets on the hip belt work great for snacks, and the dual access of the main compartment (top loading as well as the lower J zipper) is very convenient. Eventually I might get a lighter pack, but for 3-4 backpacking trips per year, ranging from long weekend to 8 day trips, this is perfect. Be sure to get sized at REI before purchasing though – I'm 5'3 and this pack fits my torso perfectly, so I'm not sure how it would work for taller women.

Comments about REI Ridgeline 65 Pack - Women's - Special Buy:

This pack arrived yesterday and looks great - but the hip belt is too small. It appears to be a "one size" women's pack, so I didn't check the waist size. It only comes with a medium hip belt- 34" max.

Comments about REI Ridgeline 65 Pack - Women's - Special Buy:

I bought this pack a month ago and so far have taken it on one backpacking trip. Compared to my oldschool army surplus discount pack its wonderful! I have been looking to upgrade for awhile and am very happy with my purchase. I have plenty of room now, really liked the organization, weight distribution, zipper locations, and it was very comfortable. Wore it for several hours, over multiple miles, for a few days without a hiccup. Was a bit worried about my water bottles staying put but I clipped them on as a precaution and had no problem. Can't wait to use this on my upcoming trips! Would highly recommend for the value. Seems like it should hold up well.

Comments about REI Ridgeline 65 Pack - Women's - Special Buy:

I havn't gotten a chance to use this pack on long hikes but will this summer. I bought this pack because I want to go traveling in Ecuador for 3 months. It is lightweight, has lots of loops for attaching things. I really enjoy the J style zipper so that i can get things out of the side and bottom easily.

Comments about REI Ridgeline 65 Pack - Women's - Special Buy:

Was looking for a back pack my teenage daughter can drag over Europe this summer. Have to credit review below for pointing out the advantages of the J-zippered front panel. Only other backpack I could find with such a front panel opening was the Venus 70, which was about a pound heavier (feels more then that), 40% more expensive and seems to have many bells and whistles not needed for my purpose.

Pack arrived on time and seems sturdy enough. There are more side pockets then shown in the picture, a water bottle easily fits into one. A big front pocket will hold a sweater, several zippered pockets her small stuff, the valuables will be safe in the top lid pocket accessible only from the inside and the J-zippered front panel is really, really nice to access the inside without having to dig from the top. In this case, much better then any sleeping bag compartment. The zipper is smaller then the Venus', though, but the way the zipper is waterproofed was a nice surprise.

Hip belt and shoulder straps are comfy and sturdy, the back panel not exciting, but better then some I have seen at more expensive models. The top compression strap seems a bit flimsy and out of place, but might come in handy, do not know.

If you are a serious hiker and willing to spend more, you might want to look somewhere else as this is a good quality, but rather basic pack. For me however, this seems the perfect bag at a great price for the purpose it is intended. Should it survive which I am very confident it will, my daughter will also have a nice back pack for any low key hike she might undertake in the future.

Comments about REI Ridgeline 65 Pack - Women's - Special Buy:

I have used this backpack for multiple treks and traveling the world and have been continuously satisfied. The bottom zipper allows you access to the items you may want to use only occasionally but still reach quickly in a pinch. There are many small zipper compartments that make it simple to separate those essential items on a long trek. Also, the pack is amazingly durable. I have taken it all over Central America, Nepal, Europe, and the Middle East and it is just as strong as it was when I bought it!

In terms of comfort, I have tried other backpacks but after using this one I will never go back. For a ladies fit, I find the weight distribution to be just perfect. Considering the expense of the other leading brand-name bags that came recommended before I started my travels, with this product you are really getting a bang for your buck. Thanks REI!