Mountainsmith Alpine Series Vero 55 Backpack - Internal Frame

For my 15 year old son, 4-5 night backpacking trip

Pack is super expandable and contractible as you drop/use gear. Comfortable and tough at the same time. Detachable summit pack is awkward at best, but the pack itself is so large, just stuff one in the pack itself and pop it out when you are ready! Perfect pack for Alaska year-round, but you might look for one with a rain cover if you are in a wetter climate, or one with more back ventilation if you are in a hotter climate.

I have a large daypack that can be used for light overnight trips and a large pack that hauls everything. I was looking for a middle sized pack in the 3000 cu in range, lightweight and not a lot of bells and whistles. I was looking for a pack that was airplane "carryon size" with a little more capacity than my daypack as well. This pack fits that description. Likes This pack is highly adjustable, meaning probably a decent/good fit for most people. It does not have a lot of Xtra straps and buckles for things that add weight for things I don't carry. Suspension is very breathable. I like the "punched" holes in the foam to save a few ounces. Includes a rainfly. Top Loading with Front access. I like the vertical pockets on each side as well as vertical mesh pockets on each side. Dislikes Becuase of it's adjustability, you will likely be able to find a better fitting pack in your specific size. It's little heavier than the leightweight framed packs with a similar load range(30#), but this pack contains heavier weight material. I wish it had a separate sleeping bag compartment, but I can deal without it, especially since I use a hammock now. I have idea how the helmet holder?? is supposed to work. I don't see a way to keep it closed. Glad I don't carry a helmet.

I love the outdoors in all seasons. And although I have a small pack for day hiking, I needed to get something with more capacity. This pack is meant for ski mountaineering, however being from the east coast, I have not had the luxury of giving it that specific test yet (really looking forward to it). Took it on 2, three days hikes. During both events the pack started out weighing just over 50#. The other reviews that said this pack cant handle extended hikes, or loads over 30# are nuts. there are plenty of great attachments on the outside to hold things down with. The first trip it rained pretty hard for a few stints, and everything inside was dry. Overall, the pack is as comfortable as you can expect anything to be weighing fifty pounds, and throughout the hike as I shed pack weight, the ruck was fine comfort wise. Had plenty of room to hold my sleeping bag, spare clothes, camera bag, food, spare clothes. attached tarp, propane and tent to the outside. I was very pleased with the purchase. No complaints here at all.

Used in Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia on a multiday backpacking trip. Was carrying around fourty pounds of weight, and was covering about fifteen miles a day. Performed very well. Has multiple useful load straps that can be easily adjusted on the go to changing terrain, which kept the pack quite comfortable. A hot and muggy trip, I did not find the pack to be overly hot like others I have. It really shined in the technical situations where quarters were tight and balance was key. Highly reccomend it.