Expedition Packs (4,500+ cu in)

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

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

Arc'teryx Altra 75

Lived out of it for a year. Comfortable and extremely durable. Access is excellent. I lived out of this pack for a year in Morocco, South Africa, Turkey, and Indonesia.  In that time I did long distance hiking (carrying lots of food, water, tent gear) in the Drakensberg Range, the Lycian Way in Turkey, and simple backpacking around Bali and Morocco.  My wife had to get a new backpack after that trip.  I just looked at my Altra and it shows very little wear and is perfectly functional. Amazingly,… Full review

The North Face Snow Leopard Pack

That is so funny. I have the same pack. I used it and my Gregory from the mid 1980s. I too loved the Snow Leopard. Mine was also bright blue with yellow straps. I dropped it off at the North Face shop today because the weatherproofing was flaking off on the inside of the pack. I am not sure what they will do. It is a strong comfortable pack with easy access to all parts.It has been all over the mountains of California and southern Arizona with a trip to New Mexico, Colorado, and Kenya. It never… Full review

Dana Design Terraplane

I got my Terraplane in the mid '90s. The SEAL version not a make on it after many miles in places such as Iraq, Afghanistan. I have an 85lbs Siberian Husky that decided the right hip belt buckle and strap tasted good. Who knows where I can get it repaired? Great pack. I have had it for 23 years with no problems. Full review

Kelty Red Cloud 90

A heavy hitter. This is my main pack for short or long trips into the wilderness and you will find this pack on my back up until this year. The weight is 5lbs, but was never a problem. Great for hunting, multi-day to multi-week long trips. Comfortable with plenty of detail. This was my fourth or so pack and I was very pleased with this pack. The weight is 5lbs, but was not felt when hiking around on the Appalachian Trail. This pack easily suits the needs of week or multi-week long trips. The pockets… Full review