High Sierra Explorer 55

Bought this for my girlfriend as a beginners backpack (was really cheap new at ebags.com). Has lots of features you find on more expensive bags: compression straps, sleeping bag compartment, convenient water bottle holsters, hole for Camelbak tube, and probably most impressive of all, comes with a rain cover by default! My Osprey Aether was much pricier and didn't even come with a rain cover (sold separately).  

Constructed of quality materials although a little on the heavy side (2-3lbs heavier while empty than my Aether, if that's a concern for you).

My girlfriend is 5'0" and slender and seems to adjust well down to her size, which tends to be a problem with most gear for girls of her size, with more adjustments for us to explore (like a torso adjuster which changes where the shoulder straps are anchored on the pack.

In summary, not a fancy pack, but has everything you'd need for a week-long backpacking trip.  65 Liter model is ~$10 more and fits taller folks.  Heavier than some pricier models but such a good deal.

My son asked for a backpack and backpacking trip for his 10th birthday last Nov. In searching for a pack that would adjust down to fit him properly, and adjust up to allow some growing room (a tall order I assure you) I came across this pack on REI outlet. It seemed to fit the bill so I took a chance and ordered it.

I have never been so surprised with how well a product that I had bought from specs alone has worked. My son usually carries 25 lbs of gear on a backpacking trip. He finds his pack so comfortable that he doesn't even complain on the trail. He likes everything about it.

The pack is not overburdened with pockets, but has enough. Also, once adjusted the pack stays in place. And the good thing is the capacity will work for trips of up to a week and as little as one night. And it will adjust to fit all the way to adulthood. And as well made as it is, it may just last that long.

The drawbacks on the pack that I see are that it is kinda heavy (due to being made well, but still over 5lbs) and the sleeping bag compartment does make it where you lose some capacity, but you can remove the divider to open it to a single compartment.

All in all, I would recommend this pack to any one of any age.

The pack is pretty nice overall, with the pull out rain cover a nice little addition.

The main complaint I have with it is that unless you have it packed as full as it will go, the top pouch will wobble around and fall off center. The straps also tend to work their ways loose as you continue to hike, so you very frequently have to pull them tight again. And there are no external pockets other than the front flap pocket.

It does have a lot to offer though, with a ton of lashings, daisy chains, an electronics pouch, and gear loops. For the money though, not a bad pack at all.

This is a pretty awesome pack. It has all the room and support required to carry 30-40 lbs. of gear up and down the hill. The adjustable shoulder harness is an advantage but you have to ensure it's correctly adjusted before you set out. I liked the sleeping bag compartment and the attached rain fly protected my gear in a light thundershower in the Sierras. It's hydration compatible too. The only real disadvantage is the weight - 5 lbs - but that's OK if you're not looking to go ultralight.