How to Choose a Backpack

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With a beefy suspension and plenty of features to handle an arsenal of alpine gear, this versatile pack excels at all-season climbing and winter activities alike.
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View all REI Co-op Backpacking PacksBest Use | Climbing Mountaineering Snowsports |
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Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Gear Capacity (L) | 50 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 3,051 cubic inches |
Weight | 4 lbs. 2 oz. |
Material(s) | Nylon |
Frame Material | HDPE / aluminum |
Number of Stays | 1 |
Pack Access | Top / side |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 5 + main compartment |
Gender | Unisex |
Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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I have been using this pack for several months now and I am happy with the purchase. However, I agree with other reviewers that the top pocket design is poor (the pocket flops around and falls down to both the front and back of the pack). I have come up with a solution - I put 4 grommets in the pack (two in the top pocket and two in the pack) and connected them with a elastic bungee cord with a spring cord keeper. The bungee cord keeps the pocket from falling and flopping around and I can adjust its length in the event I overload the pack and need to raise the pocket to accommodate the load.
This pack is outstanding. I purchased mine back in 2011 and have used it for multiple backpacking and climbing excursions, in multiple different types of terrain. Recently, I took it snowshoeing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and it held up fantastic. Not only was there room for an extra jacket, food, shoes, et cetera inside the pack, there were also perfect points on the outside of the pack to attach your poles, snowshoes, rope, and whatever else you have to carry. The hydration port is also a neat feature, and the head and belt pouches make everything conveniently within reach. The thing thing that people may want to consider before buying this pack, is what you'll use it for. The only con (and not really a con, technically) of the pack is that if it's not fully loaded, the straps holding the head pouch on can come loose. Just make sure if you're going to use this pack, you pack it full. One great feature is how easy the buckles are to operate, even in the snow with gloves on. A great pack for any climbing/hiking use, especially in snow!
I bought this pack for my 24 hour pack for search and rescue missions. The suspension system combined with the internal frame made it ride very comfortably. I also like the bright color, fitting for my use as a Search and Rescue member. The major problem with this pack is the top. It kept getting loose and would start to slide down the pack while on mission. After the first time out I took the pack off and found the top had slid almost all the way down the pack. I then readjusted everything and tied the straps down to keep them from slipping. The pouch still managed to work its way half way down the pack. I really wanted this pack to work for me, but I am going to have to take it back.
This pack is almost...Almost a great pack. All the features work great for climbing at least 5.9 while wearing it. Except one major flaw. The top will not stay on the pack. It will open. You can double back the poor made buckles in question... They will open. Your gear will tumble out... This pack let a secondary water bottle fall out while climbing an overhang, a 1.5L aluminum water missile. I have tried various things to keep the top secure, but I am not taking a sewing machine out to fix a basic function of the pack and replace the buckles. I am not talking about the clip buckles, but the buckles that cinch the top down right next to your head allowing easy removal of the top as a whole...this easy removal buckle has a hook instead of a full loop securing the top.
I used this new backpack on my climb of Mt St Helens on 4-18-14.the Backpack was excellent on the climb. I climbed this mountain last week it was awesome. If you want my story it is online.All of my gear fit inside easy as this pack is real lightweight but can expand if needed. I climbed with 29 pounds of weight.
Went on 4 day hiking/climbing trip. Bob in Folsom was very helpful. Pack is light and stays close to body. Very accessible when loaded. Plenty of features to stow everything needed. Compared to my larger internal frame pack this made everything easier.
Superb pack. Carries 50lbs no problem. Enough for a 3 day assault with all my climbing gear, rack, ropes, crampons---REI couldn't have made a better climbing/weekend pack. As usual, REI makes something amazing and then stops. Wish they would bring this pack back---absolutely nothing to change.
I bought this bag for my 11 year old son because he is short for his ge but the bag fits him perfectly and he said it was very comfortable
Love this pack. I am 5'11" with a 20" torso, and the large size fits me perfectly. The big back pocket easily holds shovel and probe. The ski carry attachments are really easy to use. I wrapped a little duct tape around the buckles that secure the top lid, now they work perfectly. I recommend the purple duct tape. If you tighten the compression straps it makes a great day pack. I used it to ski overnight to a hut, and I got everything inside of it (barely).
I've had this pack for 7 years now, using it for backpacking, mountaineering, alpine climbing, sport climbing, and overnight ski tours. It's not perfect (the lid/brain takes finesse to stay in place as others have noted), but it is incredibly durable and versatile. I've repaired several things on this pack, and it is getting close to retirement, but I can't find a pack to replace it with that has all of the features of this pack.