Lowe Alpine TFX Wilderness Backpack - Internal Frame, 65+15

I have little experience with packs, so please keep that in mind when reading this review. However, I'm absolutely satisfied with this pack. It's absolutely adjustable, and the pack actually hangs a bit off of your back so there's tons of ventilation to keep you cool. I'm a woman, but 5'10" with an athletic build. I was worried about getting a woman's pack and having it be too small but also about getting a man's pack and having it be too bulky. The 65+15 was a good compromise - I think anything bigger would be a bit much when fully loaded. And the many ways in which all the straps and torso length can be adjusted make it easy to fit it to me. The multiple points of entry are a must for me. My last pack was only accessible from the top and I hated it. Having the front entry makes my life so much easier; however, my boyfriend doesn't like it as it takes up the entire front of the pack (zipper goes all the way up and down). So I guess it depends on how much access you want. All of the side pockets are great, especially the designated rain-cover pocket. Means it'll always be there when you need it. My only complaint is in regards to the lack of the brain being a fanny pack. Yes, some people hate fanny packs. But I think having a detachable bag is a great idea when traveling. The brain is still great, with several compartments for stashing things you need easy access to. Just wish it turned into a fanny pack. The blue color is great and the fabric thick enough (while still being lightweight) that I know I'll have this for years. Overall, when I end up needing a new pack... I'll definitely buy a Lowe Alpine and will also check out this line as well.

This carries the load so much better than my old external frame pack. I don't know why I waited so long to make the switch (external frame packs since the 70's).

I'm fairly new to backpacking, but did a lot of research before purchasing this pack. Took it on a weekend trip to the Olympic Mountain Range in Washington the weekend after I bought it and it worked great! It is slightly heavier than other packs I tried, but it's functionality more than makes up for that. I was easily able to pack what I needed for the weekend and even had room for the ridiculously large bear canisters you are required to carry in the Olympics. I carried about 50 lbs in the pack and found it to be quite comfortable and very stable. Possibly the best feature was the rain cover. It rained for an entire day of our trip, yet all my gear remained bone dry. For the money, I challenge anyone to find a better pack. I would have been happy with it even if I had paid double what I did. Lowe Alpine makes a great product! Hope this helps!

I used it to carry on all my camping gear from Miami to San Francisco. Very good for travel.

This is a very well made and easily adjustable pack. I am a large frame. I can carry 30-40 lbs without a problem with this pack. No hot spots, and is very stable. If I had to pick a con it would be weight, but it is a better heavier fabric so the trade off is the longer life span I would expect.It is a very durable cordura type fabric. I looked at other packs such as North Face and was not impressed. I look forward to the week long trek next week to really test it out.