Teton 65L Explorer Internal Frame Backpack for Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Rain Cover Included, Graphite

This turned out to be very comfortable. The adjustablity of the torso size allows you to adjust the pack so weight distribution is better. Where you will feel the difference compared to cheaper packs is that, when adjusted correctly, it keeps the weight from riding solely on and crushing your shoulders.I like the smaller, but still big enough to be usefull pockets on outside that make it easier to keep items organized without everything jumbled/jamned in a single large pocket.It makes locating things like a first aid kit, duct tape, head lamp, etc. easier, without rooting around in the large pocket and having to take out half your stuff to find anything.Further, this pack allows me to carry a camp stool comfortably in a vertical position where it is easily accessed. It also, has small compartments in the waist band that allows easy access to snacks/napkins/folded paper towels. (cold weather always makes my nose run - which becomes highly annoying on the trail. These compartments allow you to easily solve this problem by keeping supplies accessible without stopping.)Durability is good - should last for years.Overall I really like this pack and for the price is a good deal.The only con is the non-adjustable ice axe loops. Which unless you are planning to hike in artic ice conditions are not useful. (maybe carry a wood axe instead?) They would be better if they were adjustable loops that could be utilized for strapping on other types of gear.Update: the ice axe loops actually work to help hold my trekking poles. So I guess I eliminated my only con.

This is a great backpack for starters and possibly even intermediate hikers and backpackers. The size is perfect. It fits well. It’s great price to boot. It seems to be well-made and the storage pockets have plenty of space. The built-in rain fly on the bottom is a nice touch not having to buy something extra. I do recommend this for your scout or your beginner hiker.

Wow! I have to admit that I was a little skeptical when I saw the price ($55 for the green/black model when I bought it), but I knew that I did NOT want to spend a ton of money for something I'll use at most a couple times a year. I need something that's tough enough, large enough, versatile enough, and practical enough to use backpacking or for overnight trips. For the few times I've used this pack so far, it has absolutely fit the bill. When full, it sits comfortably, even after hauling about 35 lbs around in it for 5-6 hours. It doesn't have loads of room inside, but I count that as a good thing, otherwise I know I'd be tempted to overpack. It should have just the right amount of space for 4-5 days, if I pack smart.The material, padding, and zippers all seem tough and not likely to fail on me when I need them. There are enough pockets, loops, and the like to be versatile. I especially like the lid, which has a double pouch: one is accessible from the bottom of the lid (when open), and the other from the top. It's big enough for those things you need to grab in a hurry on a hike: raingear, trail lunch, headlamp, first aid kit, and the like. The side pockets are very roomy. I was even able to fit a medium-sized plastic bowl and mug in the large side pocket pocket. The bottom compartment is perfect for a sleeping bag--it worked pretty well with my bag just rolled up, but with my bag in a compression sack, I can fit everything I need for sleeping in that bottom compartment. If you want to use the tool loops for trekking poles, you'll need something to attach them to the bag higher up. I made some webbing out of shock cord ($5 total for the cord and a toggle) between the two daisy chain sets of loops on the front. I haven't used this configuration outdoors yet, but I'm hoping it will do the trick not only for my poles, but also for anything else I may want to stick in there.The side pockets have a pass-through space behind them--for tent poles or anything else long--, but it's not very useful if you need to access those items on the trail, especially if the pockets are full. I'm sure it would be fine if you stuck your tent poles in there, then loaded up the pockets, and didn't need to touch the poles until you got to camp again, but it's a real pain to get things in and out of there with the pockets full.But that's a very minor thing. Are there better packs out there? Sure. Is the difference worth $150-$250? I can't imagine it is! So, overall, I'm extremely pleased with this bag. There are lots of YouTube reviews of this pack, and the consensus is that it's a tough and very useful pack, and you absolutely can't beat the price. I completely agree!

First 12 mile hike review....So for this pack in this price point I don't think a better one exists. It has solid stitching, good padding, plenty of adjustments, and more pockets then any other company seems to offer. The only bad part that was driving me nuts was the squeaking noise when walking. I for the life of me can't quite figure out where it is coming from. If you can get past that sounds I'd highly recommend this pack.