Mountainsmith internal frame

This is one large pack! If your bivy bag blows away (don't laugh this happened to a friend on Mt. Hood) you can crawl right into this pack. The suspension is very good, but heavy loads do tend to wear you down after time. The adjustments and snugging features do help to distribute the weight.

The front pocket is too tight when the pack is compressed to be much use, but later models have improved this condition. The top pocket is larger than some day packs. I can get all of my outerwear, parka, pants, gloves, hat, etc, my pack cover, and a 1.5 litre water bottle into this pocket and still close the pack just fine.

I have used this pack for four years now and it shows little wear. This is an excellent pack for extended trips and the only real complaint I have is too much stuff fits inside!