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The North Face Stamina 70

rated 3.5 of 5 stars

The Stamina 70 has been discontinued. If you're looking for something new, check out the best expedition packs for 2024.

photo: The North Face Stamina 70 expedition pack (70l+)

I bought this pack used on eBay for $100. That was three years ago, and the pack was already a couple years old. Overall, I've been fairly happy with it.

The nylon fabric is fairly durable, the grab-loop and shoulder straps are nuke-proof, and the burly hip belt sports ample padding. The detachable daypack is pretty comfortable and provides easy access to light-weight items while on the trail. This pack is hydration compatible and easily holds a three liter reservoir.

On the downside, some of the pack's features seem a bit superfluous. The outside pockets lose almost all of their volume when the main compartment is packed tight. The water bottle holster is so small that it is almost impossible to place a Nalgene in it without taking off the pack. For the life of me, I can't figure out what you're supposed to do with the gear loops on the hip belt. My biggest gripe is that I expect quite a bit more comfort and adjustability out of a 6 lb pack that retails at nearly $300.

If you can find this pack used, it's not a bad purchase and will last for a long time. I would never pay retail for it.

Design: Top loading with sleeping bag compartment
Size: 70 liters (about 4500 cubic inches w/daypack)
Number of Pockets: 1 main compartment, detachable daypack, and lid
Max. Load Carried: 50 lbs
Height of Owner: 5'6"
Price Paid: $100 on eBay

Hiking and backpacking was the hobby I never did 'til 2 years ago when I went with a friend to the Whites for a few days. When buying gear my criteria made me buy a pack that became a bit expendable the following year as my passion started to grow and more trips were planned, so I thought I solved my problem with the Stamina. It turned out that the Lg. size I bought could not be made to fit my frame (250 lbs.) so after 5 days I was hurting. I still believe this could really be a great pack for those who like to organize their stuff in a bunch of different places. It has a detachable daypack good for light items, expandable side pockets on either side good for maps, etc., top compression compartment, and a few more. I really wanted to use this pack a lot more, so I had it refitted and that's when I found out that it really couldn't fit me. Moral? If it fits, wear it, but make sure for certain that it does fit. I still think it might be a good pack.

Design: Top loading/sleeping bag on bottom
Size: About 4800
Number of Pockets: 8 at last count
Max. Load Carried: 50 lbs.
Height of Owner: 6' 2"
Price Paid: $279

It wasn't my idea to purchase this bag. It was just brought up that there's a North Face bag up for sale. I wasn't supposed to get this bag since I was thinking that NF bags have this lightweight bags with the fabric being easily ripped. But when I saw that it's the old rugged fabric that NF used I decided to buy it.

It was excellent with my body type and the shoulder and hip straps feels excellent. I coudn't feel pain from walking 6 hours both uphill and down hill. The weight distribution of the pack is made better with the thick back pads the stamina has.

The bag has plenty of straps to help you help you modify and adjust the weight and stability of your bag. The top load has enough zips to help you carry around important stuff.

The only down side of the bag is that it only has 1 side pocket, and that the bad itself is heavy compared to other bags.

Design: Top Load and side zip
Size: 70 L
Number of Pockets: Top
Max. Load Carried: 80 pounds
Height of Owner: 5'8
Price Paid: $100 USD

I live in Phoenix, AZ, and do a lot of desert camping. I've used the pack for about a year, and it can take just about anything you can throw at it. The X-Frame suspension with carbon fiber stays is very solid, and distributes the wieght evenly and comfortably. The Aerofoam backpanel provides support and keeps you cool, even on days when it's 90+ degrees. The detachable daypack is a must have for someone that doesn't want to carry a seperate daypack for multi-day trips. I can fit my hydration bladder, 10 essentials (First aid kit, lighter, whistle,...), GPS, camera, shell, and snacks. Some people think it's too small, but you just have to learn how to pack.

The price is a bit much, but once you use it you will realize that it's worth it. It comes with a lifetime warranty so if something happens you'll be covered. I recomend this pack for people of all ages.

Design: Top loading
Size: 4800
Number of Pockets: 8
Max. Load Carried: 40 lbs
Height of Owner: 6 ft
Price Paid: $279

This is a great pack. Very comfortable and very versatile. The "X" frame is amazing! When you get it dialed in right you almost don't feel like you have a pack on...okay, well maybe not that good.

It moves with your hips as you walk and bend. Side and top entry is very convenient as well as the two top compartments. It's easily adjustable to fit a good range of torsos but I would try it on before buying. The detachable day pack I could do without but some might like it. My only complaint about this pack is the weight. A bit heavy but you have to give something up for comfort.

Design: Top loading internal
Size: Medium
Number of Pockets: 6
Max. Load Carried: 45 lbs
Height of Owner: 5'5"
Price Paid: $179

The best pack I've ever used. I carried around 30Kg on my back for three days but still I had a very comfortable trek in tropical jungle. I regretted selling this pack when I used my Outrider 60. This pack performs far better than the Outrider 60. It has so many uses compared to the Outrider 60, like its map and document compartment, discman compartment. Plus the removable daypack has plenty of uses, unlike the hyrdration pack of Outrider 60 that has a specific use.

Design: top, side, sleeping bag compartment, internal x frame
Size: 70 liters
Number of Pockets: 5
Max. Load Carried: 30kg
Height of Owner: 5'5
Price Paid: $125

Very comfortable pack! Great features like top and side loading, white internal color to see your gear better, a pouch for a hydration bladder, a small detachable daypack, waist belt and shoulder straps are very comfortable!

There's a small arch on the back of the pack to let you tilt your head back, top lid has two compartments, and there's also a pack fly hidden in apocket on the back of the pack!I Do not regret this buy!!!

Design: Top and side loading with sleeping bag comp.
Size: 70 liters
Max. Load Carried: 45plbs
Height of Owner: 6 feet
Price Paid: $225 Can. Sale

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Price Historic Range: $139.48-$279.00
Reviewers Paid: $100.00-$279.00