REI Lookout Pack - 40 Liters - '09 Special Buy

Comments about REI Lookout Pack - '08 Overstock:

I picked this pack up while it was offered at full price and used it all Fall semester. I've been very pleased with this pack. It's been great for hauling 30lbs of books/gear around and it doesn't seem to be wearing out anytime soon. The bottom of the back seemed thin upon initial examination, but the material has held up well to rubbing book corners thus far. The pack is very light weight, and when it's all cinched down, it's extremely comfortable. Besides using it for school, I've also taken it out on a snow-shoeing trip and the pack worked wonderfully, and kept the contents dry. I doubt it could stand up to heavy rain without a cover, but it should suffice for a light drizzle. My complaints about the bag are nuances. I'm not a huge fan of the stiff zippers (but at least they're not coming undone from a bulging load) and I think the bag is awkward to sling over your shoulder when moving between classes. Removing the internal frame is a pain, but can help make the pack more casual/comfortable feeling for short trips. The numerous straps are a little untidy but make the pack very adjustable. The bag is great for using on planes, traveling, hiking, biking, and hauling crud around. Speaking of hauling, there's a boat-load of room inside, and a respectable number of compartments and stow areas. I really like the camera pouch on the top of the bag. I'll probably be using this pack for the next several years.

Comments about REI Lookout Pack - '08 Overstock:

I live out of this backpack on the weekends. It has just enough pockets for organization and is roomy enough for several weeks on the road. Even stuffed full it is still carry-on size and the ability to cinch it down keeps it from getting too bulky. Its a bit large for me fit-wise (I'm a 5'5" woman) but isn't uncomfortable.

Comments about REI Lookout Pack - '08 Overstock:

Seemed good at first-- but after three months of use the material began to fray very badly in five different places, and the shoulder strap began to detach.
Also, the shape of the pack is very inefficient, making it hard to utilize.
Exchanged it for 2010 model of same pack-- much improved material-- lighter and stronger. There was an obvious design flaw with this version, corrected for in current model (pack shape issue is still there though)

Comments about REI Lookout Pack - '08 Overstock:

Purchsed the pack in an REI store- liked the style, and the capacity was what I was looking for. However, the pack began falling apart after only two months of use. Seams were not well sewn. Not up to REI's usual quality.

Comments about REI Lookout Pack - '08 Overstock:

I used this bag for the first time on a recent hiking trip in Nicaragua. The bag itself is great but the side pouches are junk. They are thin and weak. I used them to carry my water bottles and they kept getting holes ripped in them. I patched them up several times. I have always been pleased with REI prodcuts but I left this one in Nicaragua.

Comments about REI Lookout Pack - '08 Overstock:

This is a good backpack for maximum two days of adventure.

Very spacious inside and nicely weighted. The outer compartment, then enough to keep on hand as needed. Manterial good and strong. I have this backpack for almost 1 years and shows no signs of wear.

This backpack could improve:

The pockets on the belt more extensive

Fasteners side would make them more broad to put the tent, because of the use to put down my sleeping mat

Comments about REI Lookout Pack - '08 Overstock:

I have had this backpack for two years now and have used it nearly everyday in all seasons (Wisconsin Seasons!). I have been a camp counselor for two years and have wore this pack heavily. After two years of continuous use there is little to no wear. I have stuffed this pack full of sharp-edged books, camping gear, clothes, my laptop, and much much more. This pack has been abused for two years daily and has nothing to show for it: Great Job once again REI!

Comments about REI Lookout Pack - '08 Overstock:

I got this pack on clearance a year ago. It has met my needs perfectly. I have used this pack as a carry on while flying. I have used it on day hikes and on weekend overnight back packing trips. The pack fits great with good back support. I like that it has load lifter straps. There are plenty of loops and straps to attach extra gear. When i use if for weekend backpacking trips I pack my sleeping bag inside with extra socks and underwear, cooking gear and food, as well as the other ten essentials. Then I strap my tent to the bottom of the pack and my sleeping pad to the front of the pack. Its a great pack if your don't need a lot of gear. This pack is a great pack for a great deal.

Comments about REI Lookout Pack - '08 Overstock:

So I purchased this bag on a whim, but in the end I returned it. It was "just okay" in my opinion. The good is that there is plenty of pockets, adequate room and good organization. However the fabric is a weird stiff nylon material that, to me, felt like a pool tarp. Also, within ONE USE on an hour long hike I noticed that the seams seemed a bit strained. Honestly I think the biggest draw to this bag for me was the price, so I decided to return it. I will say, however, that I am a 5'3'' female that is petite, but has an abnormally long torso for my heightt (18.5'') and this fit me well.

Comments about REI Lookout Pack - '08 Overstock:

We bought it in a REI outlet sale, paid close to $40 for this - an excellent value
We use it as a daypack during our mostly international travels, it can carry a lot, it is waterproof and I love the pockets it has. My favorite pocket is in the main compartment, it's hidden and thus can be used to safely keep cash/passport.

I have also used this backpack on day hikes (Si, Mailbox) and it is very efficient