High Peak Kathmandu 70 + 10 Internal Frame Pack

I was in need of replacing my old, worn, outdated pack and my daughter forwarded me a link for this one. I'm a kook for diligent comparison shopping and I did lots of it. I also place a lot of value on reviews and I read them all, here and elsewhere. In the end I bought this pack and just got back from its first trial run... in three feet of snow, on snowhoes, an arduous ascent and descent and loaded with all of the finest goods and gear one could want. Wow. I should have made this move long ago. When you travel on foot, your pack can be yur best friend or your worst enemy. I have a new best friend. Frankly, I was shocked at the quality when it arrived (quickly I might add). Whoever designed this pack has carried a few before. It has everything I want. Light weight... lots of room... convenient access to compartments and it looks great. I'm a little confused with the "hydration" feature(s), since it appears the mini-pack/strap thing on the back is designed for a bladder, yet the scupper for the bite tube is built into the main compartment. Not a big deal at all though. I prefer the bottle pockets on the sides anyway. There is a clip for the hydration tube on the shoulder strap in any event and wherever one would put the bladder, it would be easily accessible. I want to address the few, partly negative reviews I condidered. The water bottle pockets re not "too tight".... they're adjustable. Make them as tight or loose as you want and they can hold containers firm or loose. Side pockets. Hmmmm.... whoever said they were needed and not there didn't look close enough. There are two very cleverly designed bellows pockets that hold a lot of stuff. They are pleated and darn near invisible until you discover them. Thin shoulder straps. I suppose if you really want to carry all the weight on your shoulders, they might get uncomfortable. Any strap would in y opinion. The belly strap on this pack is easily adjusted on the fly and that's where I put the weight. On my hips. The shoulder strap is just there to keep the whole rig from falling off backward. That's all I remember being negative comments. I can offer none. I love the whole pack, but I really love the top compartment with the rubberized zipper. The built in rain cover in blaze orange is also brilliant. You will not find a better pack for the money. As one reviewer mentioned, be sure and check for value codes. I googled them and saved ten bucks. I alsmost feel bad now. I love it that much.

I've recently purchased this pack and have already taken it on several trips into the White Mountains. I was able to fit plenty of my gear into the pack, as well as strap gear to the exterior. There are many useful straps, pockets, and is very well built. I had never heard of this particular company before but the reviews on this pack encouraged me to give it a try. Very well worth the money! Also, make sure to search the internet for "Overstock promo codes" before making your purchase. There are codes available that will give you an additional discount. I recieved an additional 10% off which made it even a better purchase.

I have compared several packs and this bag is most definitely a good product for the money. HOWEVER, if you plan on carrying 35+ pound loads for 6+ miles in a day, you will experience severe pain from the straps digging into your shoulders and chest. Even when the pack is properly positioned on your hips, the shoulder straps are designed poorly and manufactured too thinly.The pack itself looks good, is made of high quality, low weight fabrics, and is pretty well designed. There are plenty of straps and loops to hook on your Thermarest, tent, or sleeping back, and there is plenty of overall storage space.I purchased Timbuktu shoulder strap covers to add some padding to my straps, and you will too if carrying heavy loads.