by Singe » Thu 27 Nov, 2008 11:40 am
I have the previous version of this pack, which I believe has a different harness. I've used it for plenty of one to two night walks and a couple of longer ones without any complaints - but pack/harness fit is a fairly individual thing. I suspect the harness would be uncomfortable with larger loads than what I've used it for - but I'd probably be reaching the limit of what I could safely/comfortably carry anyway. At the end of the day it's a cheap pack, so don't expect it to perform to the same standard as packs with a genuine RRP of $400+ (never pay more than half price at Kathmandu).
Personally I'd lean toward a single-compartment pack like the Vanguard; I'm not sure I like the look of those weatherproof YKK zips with no storm flaps - if/when the rubber perishes, the pack will leak like a sieve! I bought the twin compartment pack for convenience, but have found I always pack from the top anyway...
Also the gluon system is a bit of a gimmic; the attachments on the pack are just four D rings on the compression straps, and the actual add-on bags are overpriced rubbish IMO. It's easy enough to add the attachments to your choice of daypack, and add D rings to any pack with four compression straps and bob's yer father's brother!
“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man.” -Heraclitus