Marmot Montisplane

I just recently purchased this backpack after reading about it in the Backpacker magazine gear guide for 2007. I bought it with the intention of using it in my thru-hike of the A.T. next year. So far, I must admit that upon receiving it and trying it out, it seems to be an excellent pack. The frame fit great against my back and shoulders.

I stuffed it full to about 40 pounds and hiked a nearby trail with it to just try it out. It seemed to work fine and snug. I like the comfort of the frame and the shoulder straps a lot better than my old North Face pack. I'll give the Montisplane a four-star until I really get a chance to test it out. One highlight that I like about it is the trampoline bottom.

I did, however, notice a major flaw while trying the pack out. It was nearly impossible to reach my water bottle. I either had to take the whole pack off to reach it or have someone grab it for me.