This performed above my expectations. Huge improvement over military ALICE pack I've used for years. The capacity combined with the narrow width made a perfect fit in my Rock 22 tent. I'm looking forward to using this pack again on my next trip!
- Adam M.
I want you to know how happy and satisfied I am with your products, your customer service, and everything about your company.
After a long hiatus from backpacking, I was thrilled when my sons expressed an interest and were old enough to go with me. One thing that was clear, though, was that some of my ancient gear would need to be retired.
Over the last couple years, I have purchased a Crescent Lake 20 sleeping bag, an Extreme 3 tent, and a Cascade 5200 backpack. All have outperformed much more expensive gear from other "bigger" companies that I have used or that other trailmates were using.
On my most recent trip to the Sangre de Cristo in New Mexico, we chose a beautiful campsite near treeline that we later learned was the windiest place on earth! The Extreme 3 handled it beautifully, and the pole design was much more sturdy against the wind than most tents (which tend to "lie down" flat in a strong wind.)
My new Cascade 5200 backpack is the most comfortable backpack I've ever carried, and it only took me a few minutes of fitting to get it just right. When I was having trouble finding a retailer for this product, I called your office and received friendly help above and beyond what I expected.
You are clearly doing it right--keep the great products coming, and you have a loyal customer in me. (A loyal customer with two rapidly growing backpackers in the family, so you can be assured that more gear purchases are in my future.)
- Craig W.
Just got back from a nice weekend out in the Cohutta in N. GA w/ this bag. For the price I doubt you'll find a cushier bag, it has all the features except maybe a whistle built into the sternum strap buckle.
The bag is very large, and the pockets let you keep all of your gear separated out so you can get to what you need when you need it. The bag is a bit wide with the side pockets full, but very manageable. The suspension adjustments may not be great if you are over 6'1", so see if you can try one on at REI or another outfitter before buying if you are a tall one.
I carried about 45lbs (I overpacked some food, water, and rigging items etc since we had some kids and first timers with us). For this weight the bag was very well padded, and comfortable.
The only nit I have is that the hip belt had to be pulled on now and then to keep it tight so the weight sat where I wanted it. It carried very well and the mesh pads on the back were very breathable and my back wasn't hot under the bag.
ALPS has the two bungies on the front to secure trekking poles, etc and a single loop at the bottom. I found that to secure two poles well, I had to cross my lower load control straps to cover the poles, but once done they were not moving at all.
Also, I was able to put EVERYTHING inside my bag. This was a first and I loved it. Even my therma-rest was inside the bag.
Best of luck, for the money you get a great piece of gear.
- Robert L
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I picked up this pack for a steal, and first impressions are great. I've not had a chance to hike with it yet, and I'll update the review once it hits the trail.
For the price, and considering it comes with a rain cover, I'm not sure Ive seen a better weeklong bag.
The design allows for a lot of storage. The main compartment has a drawstring separator about two-thirds of the way down. In the picture for the blue pack, it lines up where the bottom blue section is. Conveniently, the zipper opens to access the bottom section. As the description says, there is a small bottom pocket where the rain cover is stored. There's enough room there to stash your rain shell as well. The top drawstring closure has extra room so that you can over-stuff the pack, then compress it down.
The convertible lumbar-pack/top pouch is a neat idea, though I'm not entirely sure how useful. For a day hike I prefer something hydration-compatible, and the space is on the small side. I suppose you could stash a water bottle and some clif bars for a quick trek away from the campsite, but for the extra weight between the padding and the very sturdy waist belt, I don't know that its a great addition. If, however, you're looking for a lumbar pack in addition to a very large hauler, this would meet the need.
The side pockets are huge. There is enough room for food, water filter, and anything else you want quick access to. They open very wide and have heavy duty zippers, so stuffing them full is easy. There is also a pocket on the front which has enough space for your headlamp, compass, map, and any other small necessities you don't want to be without.
In addition to four straps connecting the top pocket, there is a fifth that connects from the middle of the back of the pack to the middle of the front of the pack. Having five compression straps really lets you crank the back down. The straps and buckles all feel very sturdy, and I was not concerned when yanking on them. The design also lets you use the bottom straps to hold your sleeping pad and tent poles if you need the extra space.
The tie-ons are very sturdy and could hold just about anything if laced with some paracord.
The waist belt and shoulder straps are comfortable, well padded, and fit comfortably. I've got a JanSport 5000cu as well and the waist belt seems too big (I've got a 34" waist). This one is much more comfortable and tightens down easily. The mesh side-pockets are small, but would fit a thin water bottle, small shovel/trowel, or anything else you need quick access to.
The bag is on the heavy side at nearly six pounds, but the amount of space is really astonishing. It is comfortable when weighted and fits well. I'm excited to pack it full and head to the wilderness for a week.
- D. Philips
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