Hi-Tec Tioga 65

This backpack sucks. My chest strap came off, and its almost impossible to get back on.

I climbed Mt. Ritter with this backpack and was miserable the whole time. It seemed like every half hour I had to stop to adjust the straps. I never got it to fit right. If someone were to cut the straps off and weigh them it would be like 4 pounds.

Is a sturdy pack, but don't waste the money, buy a better one.

I was sorely disappointed in this backpack.

About a mile into my hike without and strenuous activity, I shifted my pack and the waist buckle on this pack snapped and broke. I have never had that happen before.

As you can imagine, my weight shifted from my hips to my shoulders. After that the cheap chest strap pulled off of the shoulder strap.

The shoulder strap is anchored by a "C" shaped tube of plastic which slid onto a piece of fabric. You can pull it off without much effort. So, you will not be able to cinch your chest strap too tightly. If your waist belt buckle breaks, then you are screwed like I was. It is difficult to cinch the chest strap and keep pressure off it when your waist belt is broken.

Take my advice, avoid this pack like the plague if you are really backpacking.

I really like the pack. It can hold more than I can carry. I had about 25-30 lbs in it on a three day venture. It was very comfortable to use. The best I've had. Most of the weight was on my hips and my shoulders never got sore.

I've used the fanny pack and it's great. I also used the rain fly, very nice. I would like a couple more small pockets.

The only problem I've had is with the chest strap. It's helpful but can't take too much stress. It came off one of the shoulder straps not a big deal since its not vital.

It has lots of room. I highly recommend it.

I'm Eric, the owner and primary trainer of Training Buddies. I use a variety of packs in my business. I take individuals and groups and show them the art of camping and backpacking. This pack is just the right size for those weekend type of hikes. I would trust this pack in most terrains except the thick jungle. Too many straps to get tangled and snagged.

Otherwise, cold weather, rainy, general forest and plains back packing can be performed quite easily with this pack. It is light weight at only 5 pounds and can carry enough food and equipment to last an individual four to five days to a week or longer, depending on the experience and training of the individual.

This backpack looks very impressive with its bright orange fabric and a ton of gray loops that make you feel like you could attach all kinds of things to them. I liked how the top cover comes off and turns into a fanny-pack. Also the two side zipper pockets are nice for quick accesses. Just over those pockets are netted pockets that hold water bottles quite nicely.

I could not get this pack adjusted right for nothing. The consequence was sore shoulders and a hurting back. I told it back to Big 5 and traded it. On to the next review...

Lots of zippers, pockets and straps. Large compartments and a place for a hydration bladder. I have not used it yet, but I bought one for me and one for my son to use in Boy Scouts.

Built in rain fly, detachable fanny pack. Nice straps, well padded and breathable. Room for the tent, pad and tent on the outside with plenty of room on the inside for all your gear.