The North Face Prophet 65

Summary

This pack is light and roomy, but compared to older versions this pack is lacking. I cannot recommend this pack unless TNF brings back the adjustable torso length shoulder straps.

I have the medium sized prophet from 2012. I have used it a few times including trips to the summit of Mount Adams, Cashmere Mountain, and Mount Rainier.

It accommodates all my gear quite well. I like the abundant compression straps. It has three on each side.

At first the pack was very uncomfortable. But I was able to adjust it and make it work. Still I'm disappointed that the straps are sewn directly to the pack instead of being part of an adjustable suspension package like on previous models. I feel like this compromise really hinders the pack from transferring weight from the shoulders to the hips, especially with a heavy load.

I think that some competitors make a better pack for the weight. Better as in more features. I don't have any complaints about the quality of construction it seems to be sturdy enough.

Bottom line if I were to do it over I would have bought an Osprey pack and the main reason is the lack of a torso adjustment and the functional compromise this creates in the way the pack cannot handle weight transfer from shoulders to hips as well as previous systems TNF has implemented.

I own the 2010 version of the Prophet 65. I have overloaded it with 50-lb loads, and it still remained comfortable and felt "tight."

However, on the very first day that I took the pack out, the buckle attached to the compression strap that pulls over the top of the pack snapped when I pulled it taut (I really didn't pull very hard). The North Face is sending me a new buckle. One star off for a weak buckle (possibly a manufacturing defect).

Overall, I wouldn't mind a little extra weight on the pack in order to have dependable buckles; I now carry 1 lb of gorilla tape with me just in case I have to patch this thing up, and would rather feel like I can depend on the fasteners in the pack.

I purchased this pack two years ago, and at the time it represented one of the true lightweight packs with a frame system suitable to carrying 40 lb loads. Overall, I find the suspension more than adequate, the padding to be adequate, and the top bag convenient (though not truly an ultralight feature). This pack is a top loader, so plan your day carefully.

Cons
My biggest single gripe about the pack is the lack of any sort of convenient place to store water bottles. Given that it compresses the load, getting a hydration bladder in and out of the small sleeve is an operation you would only want to do once a day, assuming you trust your fate to bladders. The strapping and cinches on the pack were way too long, so I saved an ounce or two by cutting them down, and restitching them. Some may find the shoulder padding inadequate, especially with larger loads.

Pros
The pack contours nicely to your back, and is not wide enough to hinder arm movement. It's really a climbers' pack, and as so, it has places to hang just about any piece of gear. The suspension system can take it, just be sure your shoulders can. The adjustment straps work well.

Opinion
There have been more recent packs that are a lb or so lighter, but those are really 30 lb class "frame sheet" packs. This pack has the capacity and frame system to hold two weeks (40 lbs for most people) of carefully selected gear. Before thinking you can get by with a flexible frame sheet pack, consider if you must carry two quarts of water along the trail, and if you really want to use that "something of a compromise" hammock or tarp for two to three weeks on end. If you're a light, but not ultralight, camper (and most people on the trail seem to be), then this pack will help you manage your must haves and little luxuries without adding extra lbs to your back.

Overall, I would do some more shopping around (given it's been two years in the marketplace), but might just find I'd buy it again. I haven't found another ultralight pack with as rugged a suspension system as this one. It has served me well, carried 45 lb loads, been dragged around, tossed into cargo holds, and served as a bear pack up in the trees. Still looks just broken in.

Only have a 20 lb load on your overnighter? Just remove the frame and leave the top bag at home, then you have that three lb pack you've always wanted.

If they had let me test it prior to buying, I would have gladly paid twice as much for it. Super comfy suspension, roomy, elegant, light, and efficient. Can't ask for more from a backpack. I own Kelty, Karrimor, Vaude, Deuter,and Osprey packs. This is my first North Face pack and I love it. I've used it for my last six trips, no problems.

Best I've ever owned. I found it very comfortable and roomy. Spare and light. Too bad they don't have a 90 liter model.

Great. Wears exceptionally well. I would have rather had darker colors though.