User Review: Arc'teryx Bora 80

Arc'teryx Bora 80
Above: The current Bora 80, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed August 19, 2000 by Crazy Rabbit

Rating:
Design: Internal
Size: Large
Max. Load Carried: 45 lbs
Height of Owner: 6' 5"
Price Paid: 320 Cdn

After years of getting by with an external frame Jansport I broke down and, after much research, purchased the Bora 80 for some hiking on the AT. I had some reservations about an internal frame pack but those fell away after the first day on the trail. The Bora 80 suspension was more than up to the task of handling the load (45lbs) that I was carrying and, as I'm sure you will read in other reviews, the molded hip belt and comfortable shoulder straps eliminated a lot of upper body fatigue. The construction is very high quality from seams to zippers. I really liked the front pouch to store quick access items and the detachable top pouch can be used as a fanny pack.

Things I didn't like: Side pockets were to small and shallow to use for Nalgene water bottles.

Note: If you do decide on this pack you need to check with MEC Co-Op before you buy in the states. At the time I bought I saved about $100 US by purcasing from MEC! Allow for about 10-15 days shipping.