Living and Working in New Zealand but from the states. All the Kiwis I know have recommended macpac and it was no letdown. It is a bomb proof pack but it is fairly heavy. It can be packed full and still be EXTREMELY comfortable thanks to the harness system and padding. Enjoy this pack! I'm normally an lightwieght Osprey man but this is a welcome addition to my gear. Bomb proof!

I bought the men's version of this product for myself and a lighter product for my boy's first Boy Scout hike. Although his stated it was designed for his smaller waist, we couldn't tighten it nearly enough and he was carrying all the weight on his shoulders. I had to give up my pack to him for the trip out, now he wants to keep it. His pack is nice and fits me OK, but I want my pack back! Even with the increased weight it feels lighter than other packs due to the way it shifts the weight to the hips where it belongs. Great pack.

I'm a trail worker, and I've used this pack to carry all types of odd and heavy loads from chain saws to rock drills to bridge tools. I also use it on my weekend backpacking trips through the High Sierras. This pack is very, very comfortable and solid. The zippers and canvas material are heavy duty, and the pack itself is well designed. It won't shift around and throw you off balance. Because of my job and hiking lifestyle, I've used several different brands of packs extensively, and this is absolutely the only one I would recommend for great comfort and function.