Expedition Packs

Recent Expedition Pack (4,500+ cu in) Reviews

Tashev Kentaurus 80+15

Good quality, pretty light. But some strange quirks. To be clear: this is a pre-2019 pack. As far I can see, the difference of the current displayed version is 200 grams lighter, has two axe loops instead of one, two extra eyes on front, a different setup of the side compression straps, and a different way of tucking away the front compression straps. It is made in Bulgaria and currently costs 112 euros. This is a multipart review. First, I will discuss the pack as is. But I will also go into what… Full review

U.S. Military ILBE Pack

Comparison of the USMC ILBE vs Eberlestock v90 Battleship backpacks with the focus on winter camping usage. For Winter Camping and Expeditions you need a really HUGE backpack. I own both the Eberlestock v90 Battleship and a USMC ILBE pack. I shall compare and contrast these with emphasis on winter camping. Both packs have online reviews on military use, hunting, and expeditions. Both packs have good reviews on TRAILSPACE. Battleship frontBattleship side Battleship Camo The Eberlestock v90 Battleship… Full review

Mountainsmith Circuit 5400

I’ve been using the Circuit 5400 for two years now in all four seasons. It is reliable, comfortable, and has a couple of unique features that I have grown to love. Fit: The pack fits as I would expect a pack to fit. The straps allow the user to adjust hip, shoulders, and torso like most standard packs. The weight can be distributed quite evenly. I’m not sure if the circuit is unisex or not. It is not labeled as such, but my daughter has used it on several overnight hikes and did not have any… Full review

Osprey Aether 85

When it comes to packs, you want something comfortable. It needs to be well made, rugged, and have useful features. I’ve owned the Osprey Aether 85 for some time now and wouldn’t change it for anything else. Intro: When it comes to packs, you want something comfortable. It needs to be well made, rugged, and have useful features. I’ve owned the Osprey Aether 85 for some time now and wouldn’t change it for anything else. Here is my break down review of the pack: Comfort: -       I find… Full review

Granite Gear Nimbus Trace Access 85

No home run... …but it could have been.  After receiving my new NTA 85 size Short today I was at first impressed with seeing its well done aspects, so after checking the torso adjustment recommended and finding it on the 16" setting (which is my measurement), I loaded it with 30 lbs to check the feel. That's when my disappointment set in. Several huge design flaws became very evident and makes this a pack that just doesn't work for anyone, PERIOD. I know this is going to hurt sales of this pack,… Full review

U.S. Military ILBE Pack

By far the best pack at even double its price. It's an Arc'teryx Bora in disguise and Cadillac in comfort. This mama will carry a HEAVY load in comfort and last for lifetimes; that's plural. I bought the first one three years ago in "very good condition" from ammocanman on eBay for $135 shipped and liked it so much that when I recently saw a new one from a smaller vendor on eBay for $100 I jumped on it and gave the first to my 36-year-old son. FYI; they cost the military $700+ per unit. What a bargain… Full review

Granite Gear Nimbus Trace Access 85

Farewell, Granite Gear. You won't be missed nor will the turds you call packs. They're by far the worst. As soon as I received the Nimbus Trace Access 85 Short I checked the torso adjust and it came at 16", which is my size. Loaded 30+ pounds correctly and cinched the side compression straps to stabilize the light load close to my back. Long story short; after several hours on, off, adjust, on and walking around the house it was impossible to keep; as it's the most dysfunctional backpack I've ever… Full review

Dana Design Yellowstone

An excellent pack, simply designed and rugged in construction. It had one lifetime before reaching me and, despite my best efforts, is only now starting to show wear 30+ years after manufacture. Much like an old car—every part can be repaired, replaced, or modified as necessary. I obtained my Dana Design Yellowstone pack as a gift from a blind man who used it for close to two decades in his visually-gifted youth. It has served me well on over a dozen weekend to week-long trips across one decade. Full review

Gregory Shasta

A super load hauler!! I have had my Gregory Shasta since the mid '90s. Yes, it is 6+lbs, but the load balancing system and the well padded hip belt make this an absolute go-to for heavy loads. As much as I would like to conserve weight, I would have to think twice before making the cuts in weight starting at this pack. I have carried well over 50 lbs with the pack and it moves and adjusts the load seamlessly as you take big steps up or down the mountain. Would I like to get into lighter backpacking? Full review