User Review: Mountainsmith Elite 7000

While scrambling off trail in the Canadian Rockies, I removed the pack to study a route off a very steep slope and downshelving slabs of rock. While my back was turned for a second the whole thing plunged off down a 50-60 degree slope toward a glacier fed creek. The pack was tumbling end over end at great speed, taking incredible punishment. I thought it was toast, but miraculously it stopped one metre from the creek on a patch of snow. The damage? What damage, just a cracked waist belt buckle! No stitches undone, no rips or tears of any kind. Just a little bit dirty. You know how to make 'em. After years of heavy use I still have the pack, repairs have been done several times since, but it still serves me well.