Arc'teryx RT 35

Arc´teryx 35 rt. If you are looking for a tough backpack with enough space for a weekend look no further. This is the best 35 lt pack I have ever used in more than 30 years of expeditions and outdoor experience. The roll top is very easy to use and makes the main compartment safely weatherproof. Even when heavy the backpack looks compact and elegant making things easier on any terrain. I highly recommend it.

I have to say, when I bought this backpack I was very happy with it. Not to say that I am really unhappy with the pack, but it does have an annoying piece to it. The overall water resistantness is super, really well done for that. Although I love the rolltop, as mentioned in one of the other reviews, it compromises the compression straps. Another problem was that I also would have liked a little more room since I normally do full day hikes, that packpack would have been better as an RT45 (thats why there is the next level up, the RT45!).

But the thing that I really have a problem with (the only thing I really have a problem with) is when I hike, or climb...I hit the back of my head on the rolltop. This isn't just once or twice, but everytime I decide to look at the sky I hit my head, or look at my friend who's ahead of me climbing a mountain. This one problem has aggravated me enough that I am seriously considering buying a new pack! So bit of advice, when buying a pack, remember to check to see if you hit your head while looking up :)

I liked the Roll Top concept until I actually had to live with it. The backpack is somewhat waterproof although in an alpine environment waterproofness isn't the most important feature. The problem with the roll top design is that it compromises the compression system of the pack. I find the Z-compression straps entirely useless and long for the compression system on the Granite Gear packs (I own and use the Cirrus 7000).

The side pockets could be larger to support 1 L Nalgenes (with the OR bottle parkas attatched), and 3500 cubes is "just" enough for a day-climbing pack if you are carrying 1 1/2 rope, lunch, water, and climbing gear. The kangaroo patch for crampons and files is a great idea and I use it all the time but I would prefer tool tubes instead of velcro for securing my ice axes to the pack.

The product is durable though... totally bulletproof through three ice climbing seasons... but for 3.5 lbs it better be!

I want to say 5 but I would have liked more space. I took this pack out for two weeks of canoe tripping down the Missinaibi River. I was leading a trip and thus needed space for myself and minimal gear. The pack rests beautiful on my back for the portages. The waterproofing was great for the river and lots gets wet shooting rapids. I now use it biking, hiking, and skiing and its size is great and suspension is great. Plus, in snow it keeps everything dry. Strongly recommend. Don't climb so don't know.

I had purchased this pack as weekend pack, but have since been carrying it everyday for the past year. I like the roll top design. Not only is it weatherproof, but is easy to access and not as "top heavy" as other packs. I keep it loaded with 50+ pounds of gear, and it has been very comfortable. The side accessory pockets are a bit too small however, and out of reach for any real use.