I fall into the category of doing 2 to 3 bigger backpacking trips a year, but then try to get out for quick overnight trips about once a month. When I do those, many times its in weather that doesnt get below 50 degrees. So I wanted a fast, simple pack that could carry 15lbs total, including food and water for those occasions. As soon as this line up was introduced, I knew I had to get my hands on one. It is perfect. And to be honest, I can get way more out of it than I thought I was going too.
Now, that said, I have 3 mysteries that I would like to debunk: 1) the zipper phone pocket, even though they say it will fit a newer phone, DOES NOT! However, that does not make it useless. It's good for securing keys, ID, or emergency gels or hydration, etc., and your phone can slip into the pocket behind it. People, if you think any fastpack chest zipper pocket will hold a phone you are wrong. Get past it, and you realize it should not be a decisioning factor. 2) Many claim the hip belt is a waist. They are wrong also. Sure, they are stretch mesh so not to used for anything that could get wet, but they are MUCH larger than one would imagine, and I do find it helpful distributing the weight of the pack, although it be ever so slightly, it does help. 3) The back pad acts as a frame, as long as the proper weight guidelines are followed. I did not miss my framed pack on my first adventure. Very very surprised by this. Well done.
Otherwise, the pack is EXACTLY as advertised and works perfectly in a warm weather, overnight or two, situation where you don't need a 45L or larger. I think I'm going to push the boundaries of this pack in the near future with a 20lb set up and see if I can get this into shoulder season. If so, it could change the game.
