How to Choose a Backpack

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With integrated winter-gear carrying systems and a variety of removable components, this guide-caliber alpine pack lets you shave up to 2 lbs. off it for ultralight excursions and summit attempts.
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View the The North Face Summit Series Product LineView all The North Face Backpacking PacksBest Use | Mountaineering |
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Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Gear Capacity (L) | 52 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 3173 cubic inches |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Fits Waist/Hips | 30 - 42 inches |
Material(s) | Shell A: 420-denier Cordura nylon; shell B: UHMWPE blended with 500-denier nylon |
Frame Material | Aluminum |
Number of Stays | 2 |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Pack Access | Top |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 5 + main compartment |
Gender | Unisex |
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Took this pack up Rainer, and brought it back to REI right after. Here's why: -It's not actually a 52 L pack, it is much smaller (or designed in a way that limits space). I was warned about this when buying it, and should have listened. -Straps on the upper lid do not stay secure. A number of times as I was coming down the mountain I had to stop and re-tighten them as the lid was hanging halfway down the pack. -Straps are extremely uncomfortable. -Little annoyances like the fact that the side waterbottle pouches are to small to fit bottles securely in. The one pro; this thing looks awesome. Strap this baby on and you'll look like a beast, but after the first mile, you'll regret it.
This is the first review I'm ever doing and for good reason. This bag has gone through everything with me these past 4 months and is still in 100% working condition. This bag has indured kayaking journeys 20+ kilometers in a hurricane, hiking 30+ kilometers in thick brush, backpacking 100+ kilometers through Eurasia, all while being packed with close to 40 pounds of gear. This is the only product I have ever used that I would recommend buying. If reliability is what your looking for DO NOT HESITATE, it's worth the price! Your better off buying this one product, than four of any other like it! Can't beat a lifetime warranty.
Bought this pack for use on mountains (Hiking, expeditions, for ice and normal conditions) Cobra backpack is the updated version of the Summit series prophet backpacks. Light weight, many new features and a big crampons pocket. I really like this pack and using it for all my outdoors activities. Very durable and water resistant material, however note that this backpack doesn't come with a rain cover, so if you will be using under heavy rain conditions you might want to get a rain cover to keep your gear dry.
If you're reading this, I feel sorry for you because that means you probably haven't bought it yet! Not only that, but you're a skeptic. Remember when Russel Crowe went straight beast mode on those gladiators in that movie... Darn I forgot what it was called... But everyone was like "oh, that's too much for me to handle :( it's too awesome"? That's this bag, it's objectively awesome, sh-sh-shockingly, stop looking for something wrong with it cuz not even Waldo could find something. This bag eats mountains for breakfast, lunch and tea time! #realcookiemonster This bag is so cool when I wear it I go from a solid 6 to an easy 7-7.5. Forget getting a Tinder if you're in a dating rut. Get this peacock of a bag, wear it downtown or to your local State college and pick out what girl (or guys) you want to be the next Mr or Mrs.
I bought the 60 L version in the early spring and since then used it for more than 200 miles of sections hiking the southern AT. Overall, the pack was simple, comfortable, and stylish. - The two straps that hold the lid to the top of the back panel above the shoulder straps come installed backwards such that there is no grip and the lid slides around as the other reviewer noticed. Simply turn the straps over inside the buckle and the problem is fixed. I usually never use the lid anyway since the pack has a great top flap that makes loading and unloading easier. The compression straps are spot-on for making the pack less voluminous but for keeping its shape and style. - Fit is comfortable. I have used only a maximum of 35 pounds with several days of food and had no problems with adjustment or comfort. The waist belt is significantly improved (much thicker and wider for better load distribution) over the older Prophet versions. The waist belt holds fast without slipping, as do the shoulder straps. - Style is incomparable. The side pockets are not suited for water bottles by design. It is a simple and solid mountain pack rather than a cluttered and overly (dys)-functional pack. Some of us prefer just prefer this, even with everyday trekking. - This is one pack to do it all in all seasons and to endure for many seasons. Some of us also prefer to have one pack instead of half a dozen. The fabric is heavier but more durable for rock and off-trail travel. The aluminum stays provide structure and therefore comfort. There is no mesh to snag and tear, and no elastic to sag and rip. - The weight is just right at 3 pounds without the lid, not too much for light loads and more than enough to hold heavy loads. - This is the best pack of more than a dozen I have owned or tried and returned over the past decade.
I backcountry in Joshua Tree and the "soil" is nothing but decomposed granite pebbles. I have watched backpacks turn to shreds in a single weekend. Not The North Face Cobra 52! This thing is practically indestructible. I have used it every weekend since I bought it and it still looks brand new. It doesn't hurt that everyone thinks it's the coolest looking pack too. I love it !!!
My wife and I spend our off time away from work Climbing, Hiking, paddling and skiing. I love the Cobra! What a great pack. From ice climbing to grabbing some gear and making an approach to Smith Rock to climb it does it all.
Just landing at Bogota Colombia, after my 1st plane with this new, I only can tell you guys that is comftable and great space for a 10 days travel like this.
Just look at the picture, man. Its awesome!
Great camping and Backcountry pack