REI Greatstar Review

"I looked at internal frame backpacks for a long time before I switched from my trusty external frame. I usually camp with my family (wife and 4 kids) so I carry a lot of gear and needed a pack that could handle a load. The greatstar has performed exceptionally well with loads up to 75-80+ lbs. All attachment points, seams, and zippers have held up well. It is a comfortable pack for me (I'm 6'4" 225 lbs)and appears to be easily adjusted for smaller individuals as well. I don't know what the balance would be like because it is such a large pack (6000+ cubic inches). It does compress down well with plenty of compression straps when i'm camping alone."

"Fabulous. Budget-driven, I needed a large capacity pack to accomodate my taste for luxury and fishing gear on fishing wilderness trips. This thing is easy to pack and balance, wears like a glove. One feature I particularly like is that the lumbar pad stays put. Many expensive packs I looked at slipped easily here. It's advertised as having a hydration capability; it does, but it's overrated. Use the space for more storage - it's just awkward to use. Top works really well for a fanny pack. Next feature that really floats my boat is that it compresses smaller loads really well - 35-40 pound loads can be easilly balanced, or load it up with 70 pounds - no problem! I've only used it one season so far, so can't comment on durability, but I beat it up pretty good bushwhacking this year, no signs of wear yet. I think brand name packs charge too much for the name....."

"Well the hiking buddies have the more expensive priced packs and I got this as a starter, well priced pack at REI. I keep thinking of reasons why to upgrade but frankly have no reason to do so. I am 6'3", 235 lbs and this pack fits me like a glove. I have taken two winter hikes in the smokies with this pack carring 40-60 lbs and this pack carries the wgt very easily. Appears to be an excellent pack for big guys. I could not have expected a better fitting more comfortable pack for the money. Cudo's to REI for putting this pack on the market."

"The Greatstar is the only internal frame pack I've ever owned, and I see no reason to upgrade. It fits like a glove and is rides very comfortably. Even though I'm bit of a tenderfoot, I am able to carry 50+ pounds in this pack on my for long periods with no discomfort. It can carry 6000+ cubic inches, but cinches down to carry overnighter loads just as well. I hike in the desert Southwest, where rocks and vegetation like to claw holes in gear, but my Greatstar has returned home undamaged every time. It's dangerously cavernous -- it affords so much room that I've become exhausted from hauling all the luxury items I've indiscriminately packed."

"The Greatstar does seem to be designed for larger individuals. However, I am 155 lbs and 5-10 and this backpack is the best purchase I have made besides my REI convert Mountain 2 tent. I bought a large size pack so I could have the versatility of carrying larger loads. This pack feels great.I have had to cinch down all straps to their max so it will fit properly,but thats why its awesome - it still fits great and lots of options with so much room. I thought it would feel bulky and unbalanced, but I have done some serious backcountry camping in the Smokey Mountains, Cumberland Island GA, on the AT in Virginia and Tennessee, includingthe ruggedhike to La Conte lodge , Three trips to Joshua Tree Ca, regular mammoth mountain trips and to Sequoia / Kings park and not once have a I felt thatI needed a better bag. Snow , rain, , 10 day backcountry, three day climbs and countless overnights, and this bag ROCK. All Praise REI"