I bought this pack after my teammates demanded I get a more modern backpack. I just got back from a successful Rainer summit bid so I can comment somewhat on it. It definitely has a modern look and feel. It held all my gear. It is as claimed to be stripped down without unnecessary bells and whistles. I did not have any issues with adjustment straps slipping. It was a very nice value and it did the job well. My main issues were some of the straps kept coming off the pack. Particularly the chest strap and the crampon straps. I was constantly monitoring these on the mountain because if lost it could be a real pain. I finally lost a crampon strap when getting off the mountain. I think if these items could be improved that would be very nice. I guess now I have to see what the process is to get a strap back.

This is a good lightweight pack. It is very durable, light, simple and focused on alpine endeavors. The frame and lid is simple to remove for summit attempts. The lids pockets are well organized and the crampon patch is nice. I have three small complaints though. The belt and shoulder straps always feel like the loosen too easily, The velcro holders for ice axes are not attached securely so the fall out easy ( I am always worried I am going to lose them)and lastly the waist belt straps are too long. These are all minor and can be dealt with. The pros outway the cons significantly.

This pack is a phenominal buy! I like the versatility, weight saving, materials, and quality of this pack. I have used it on winter trips in the white mountains, rockies, and wilol be using it on mt rainier this year twice. When you adjust it just right it feels like a natural extension of your body. I'm a big guy @ 6'1 215lbs and this pack fit my broad shoulders well. I tend to carry no more than 35 pounds but i work out with a full 75 pounds on a treadmill with this pack and i love how it feels. All in all this is the best pack i have ever owned, and i have had some goodones! way to go Guys!

I've seen all the guides at Rainier with this pack, and initially liked the streamlined appearance. With an average of 87 less pockets than a competing pack, you don't feel like you're carrying around a loaded Christmas tree. I always look over a packs stitch work to burn strays, but the stitching on this pack is superb. The materials seem very resilient to wear, and the adjustability is great. I also like that the ice axe loops aren't overly large. Even down to the colors and First Ascent logo, I like everything about this pack.

I rented this pack for my Rainier summit climb in August '09, and it did not disappoint. I carried roughly 50 lbs on our climb to Muir, and the pack evenly distributed the weight to my legs, and not my back and shoulders. It was very comfortable, and the simple design was easy to use as too many compartments can get confusing--especially when trying to find a key piece of equipment at 13000 feet. The side compression straps were very tough as I strapped my mountaineering boots to the sides, and experienced no slipping. A very well designed and easy to operate pack. Highly recommend.

I Summited Mt Rainier with Dave Hahn in July. I brought my sentimental favorite expedition pack I had taken up Rainier 3 other times, Kilomanjaro and trekking through the Hymalayas for a month. It is super rugged with 5K cu in, but heavy. Dave showed me the Big Tahoma. I thought it was too light weight, but on his recommendation I rented one to try. I loved it. The light weight does not undermine the ruggedness. The shoulder strap suspension system is easy on the body even with 50 pounds or more. The top opens so easily I did not feel any real inconvenience of opening for breaks for water or parka. It is my new climbing friend.

I love the clean design and strong materials with light weight construction. This has been a good pack to climb Mt. Timpinogos in UT and half way up Mt. Rianier but the straps slip when dry or wet. I always felt like I was fighting the pack to keep straps tight. The pockets are lacking s there is no place to easily keep your water bottle with access while hiking and my picket would not fit in the side pockets once my pack was stuffed. Also, watch out for the black material on your clothes. My sweat caused it to bleed on my shirt then when hiking in the rain on rainier, it bleed on my coat. I really wanted this pack to work but have decided to return it for another.

It's a great pack that for me has lived up to the pre-release claims. I've had it a couple of weeks and logged about 50 miles with a 45 lb load on several trips in the white mountains - carry's very well for a lightweight pack. I really like the side straps which are (finally) long enough to wrap around a foam pad or tent - - most other packs have them only long enough to be compression straps. The strap adjustment system is also really good - - I have wide shoulders and a narrow waist and this is an fit area I'm really picky about. The other really outstanding thing -- and a lot of people thing this is a minor thing - - is the zippers on the top flap - - they are in the right place to be accessed while the pack is vertical, they don't get stuck, and the inside zipper pocket is good safe place for personal items. I'd recommend this.