"I bought this backpack on sale for $139. It's the large size, with 5300ci capacity.
What I love about this pack:
front zips completely open so it can be loaded like a suitcase! This backpack has the best access of any backcountry backpack I've ever seen!
Detachable top/fanny pack.
Big zippered front pocket.
Pockets on the side within reach for snacks and drinks are very convenient when you don't want to stop to dig out snacks!
Padding is pretty darn comfortable.
Hydration compatible.
What I don't love about this pack:
doesn't compress enough, so full loads sag to the bottom, and smaller loads fall to the bottom. YOu can compress it with extra straps, but the pack should already have those!
Construction is good enough, but should be much higher quality and the material should be higher quality. Put it side by side with a Gregory or Osprey and you can just feel the difference!
Not enough lashing points, no daisy chain, very little opportunity to strap extra stuff to the outside.
Expansion collar is very small.
Hood doesn't move up because the shoulder strap adjustments go thru it.
Sleeping bag compartment divider is just a poor design.
Hydration pack goes in the hood - it should be in the main body!
Overall, this pack has a lot of great ideas, but it needs a lot of improvements in design and material. Even with all my complaints, it is still a pretty cool pack, and the ease of access just can't be beat! I plan to return mine and I hope they improve it next year."
"A lot of the stuff Ted says he didn't like has been fixed in my new Mars. It compresses really nicely for me (not an ultralighter or I wouldn't have bought this) - has compression straps on the bottom through the bottle holders. It has a hydration pocket inside. The hip belt is as comfortable as any I tried. I was planning to buy a Gregory Baltoro or an Osprey Aether but got this instead because I thought it was more comfortable and had better features. This is a great bag on the trail - it holds a lot, it's easy to get to everything, and it's really comfortable."
"This pack was not my initial choice when I walked into the store but I have been pleased with it since I left. I have taken it out on several trips now and just love it.
Having the dual access is fantastic. When I get to camp I can unzip the front panel and get access to anything I want without having to dig through my other gear. I pack it through the top and still place my used items up there for easy access. The large front pocket holds my soft shell and a fleece jacket ready for action.
The suspension is easy to adjust and has been very comfortable. I had it loaded with about 60lbs. on a trip into Joshua Tree for three days. I had to carry alot of water as there are no sources. It carried well and was as comfortable as anything I have ever used. Its construction seems very solid, I have had no problems with it yet.
The only drawback I have is it only has a couple of pockets to store your small items. I just use a couple of small stuff sacks to organize now.
Overall I think this is a great pack and would recommend it to someone looking for a large sized quality pack at a great price."
