Mountainsmith Achilles Backpack

A primarily mountain use sack with commendable features including a full length high quality detachable compressed foam mat. Numerous anchor points and adjustable/compression straps.

This product is most suited for winter use. It has the ski and ice axes attachment points. It has good cinching straps for compressing the contents. The suspension is basic and would not support heavy loads. The single compartment has its drawbacks. The black color makes it hard to see what is inside.

I go on a 7 day backpacking trip every year in Yosemite. My wife got me this bag, and I love the back support. It contours perfectly. I wish it had more compartements inside so that I didn't have to strap everything to the outside of the pack. But that's the only thing I dislike. Last year my back was killing me the whole trip, so at least I know that I wont be dealing with that this year. It's worth not haveing the all the extra goodies as long as I can save my back.

Purchased this pack about a year ago and finally took it on an extended camping vacation in Michigan. The lack of internal structure, bad ventilation and lack of outer pockets made it so-so on and four day backpacking trip. It was pretty roomy and there were some nice loops to hang gear off of but not terribly comfortable on 5 mile plus hikes. I did use this on a trip to Crete (Greece not Illinois) and it is an ideal way to get your stuff from place to place--as opposed to lugging a suitcase or duffel. But for extended hikes with a weighty load and that sort of thing I would recommend a pack with more structure and comfort. Hope this helps

Great Pack! I have used it on 2 backpacking trips so far and I love this pack. It trasfers the load to your hips wonderfully. I would highly recomend this pack.