User Review: The North Face Prophet 65

The North Face Prophet 65
Above: The current Prophet 65, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed September 27, 2004 by Pete

Rating:
Design: top loader
Size: 6500 cc
Number of Pockets: 1 top bag
Max. Load Carried: 50 lbs
Height of Owner: five foot seven inches
Price Paid: $160 or so

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.