Initial impressions, since I've only worn the pack for a couple of hours with 65lbs. Will give later conclusions after Denali in May. The pack needs to come with better instructions as to use of the various stowed straps, as well as the detachable top pouch. Yeah, OK, maybe if we were all guides we'd already know this stuff. C'mon, Mountain Hardwear, put something useful on your website. The shoulder straps are too narrow for a pack designed to carry big loads. Why don't pack manufacturers get smart and use a wide, stiff, thermosetting plastic layer that can be custom fitted with a heat gun or hair dryer to distribute weight over a larger shoulder area? These straps aren't even replaceable, as they are stitched into the pack. There is lots of room, and I like the fact that the water bottle pockets will accommodate liter bottles with plenty of insulation, but you'll need a buddy to reach 'em unless you take the pack off, or have double-jointed shoulders. Accessory cords, presumably for ice axes, hammers, pickets, etc., seem a bit more complicated than necessary; they have cute little beer bottle openers at the bottom. Really, beer bottle openers? And did I mention the pack needs operating instructions?

The capacity of this pack is enormous and will be great for Denali. There are lots of pockets and straps for storing and attaching gear. The plastic tubing on the zipper pulls are very helpful for using them with gloves on. However, the waist belt is very stiff and digs into my hips.

I used this back for a 20 day trip in the Wind River Range in Wyoming. It worked well. The pack fit comfortably (even though I wish I got a large, my torso size is right on the edge.) The hipbelt, even with out doing the fancy molding process, was comfortable. It was very easy to pack, being basically a barrel. It's actually fairly water resistant. After being in a puddle for a half hour in Kentucky on another trip the inside was still dry. No rips or holes even after dragging the beast up rocks. It held 80+ lbs. with relative ease. It also has just enough extra features that I used them all, but didn't want more. On the downside I had a few things brake. One of the buckles attaching the top of the pack to the back of the pack partially broke. One drawstring broke, all though that was partially my yanking on it. Also, one of the ice axe loops broke, though again, that was partially my. Really, my only design complaint was the Ice Loops that we actually metal bars the held the bottom of your ice axe, and a elastic top to secure the handle. The elastic kept slipping making your axe bump around and I would have to fix it every other brake. However, there is a standard ice axe loop that you may use. Overall I really loved this pack. My friends Gregory and Osprey packs failed where mine held up. (Only the NOLS Deuter pack really could compare.)