User Review: High Sierra Explorer 55

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.