User Review: Arc'teryx Bora 95

Arc'teryx Bora 95
Above: The current Bora 95, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed August 2, 1997 by Zazou

Rating:
Design: internal
Size: 6000, plus
Number of Pockets: main plus 2
Max. Load Carried: 85 pounds (ouch)
Height of Owner: 6'
Price Paid: 275 (one time deal)

I lifted this thing off the floor fully loaded, minus the bear canister I would add at the trail head. OH SWEET MOTHER OF GOD!," I thought! Eighty-five pounds was by far and away the most I had ever packed. Nine days worth of food, trail clothes and gear were now stuffed into this work of art.

Before I had hauled between 40 and 50 lbs on 3 to 4 day trips, but now preparing for 9 in Montana (the BOB Marshall Wilderness) was by far and away the most I had ever dared pack!

The result?

First, I never, ever want to carry that much stuff again!

The pack? The Bora 95 was a master at load control, rode very well and was even comfortable. My legs were very pissed off, but the part of the pack was played beautifully by the Bora! The only exception would be the size of the hip belt. I have a 32" waist, which is the smallest size for the large hip belt. As a result I had a time keeping it tight during large ranges of motion. It never came loose, just didn't saty quite snug. I spoke to the people at Arc'Teryx and we both agreed that a load of that size and weight along with my border line sizing requires the use of the medium hip belt, which they are going to send me free of charge.

I only had 3 small, very small, beefs with the pack.

1) I would like to see a little better design on the lid pocket. Maybe 2 zippers and 2 side straps (like the Osprey's and Lowe CrossBow). The single compartment is kind of floppy when not stuffed and shaped kinda funny.

2) Because of the outer rope pocket, the internal pack bag has an odd shape when full. It's kind of narrow (Again it could be more like the Osprey's whose pack bag designs are pure brilliance, though the Osprey suspension is lacking. which is why I gave up my Osprey Xenith).

And 3) The verticomp strap is too narrow. It is only half inch nylon webbing, rather than 1 inch. I worry that trying to compress the load too tightly may blow a seem.

But, all said, this pack rode like a dream at this weight. It can carry more comfortably than I enjoy. This 80 plus pound load did not make my legs at all happy during 12 mile days...the pack did its job very well, my body just told to "go to hell!!" The Bora is recommended highly!!

For a detailed review on features there is one left by myself in the older reviews area.