BLACKHAWK3

Overall a REALLY good product.Pro's:-airflow channels WORK-hydration capatible up to 100oz-comes with it's own lashing straps-holds a TON of stuff-compression straps help keep things tidy-tough as nails (1000D cordura)-no molle so you don't look like you're going into combatCon's:-ladder locks on the shoulder straps seem to slip a little. maybe a couple of cam buckles would do the trick.Things to note:-this thing is way bigger than it looks. it isn't exactly a ruck but it ain't a day pack either, you know?-hydration sleeve works BEST with a BLACKHAWK bladder. others will work...but they don't fit as well. blackhawk bladders are available pretty cheap at cheaperthandirt.-there aren't a lot of little pockets so if you're looking for a place to put your crayons, your lip balm, your pokemon cards, your make-up and your concealed carry piece this isn't your bag. i like getting the cheap-o dry bags from wally world and separating out my important stuff into those and putting them in the bag.

I have purchased a bunch of backpacks for my son for a book back.He has had them all rip due to the weight of the books he has to carry (the weight of these books are heavier than his boy scout hiking backpack). I actually thought about a hiking pack (he did not like that idea for high school). I have purchased the pricey ones too with a year guarantee and they have broken after the warranty. This backpack seems to be pretty solid so far. I also got a patch and glued it on to give it an extra cool factor. He is happy with it.

Bought this in black, for backpacking etc - Got it shipped and delivered in 2 days! Extremely satisfied.I've not started my backpacking yet, but about to move to China, and take it from there.. I have used it EVERY day for almost three months though! To and from work, workouts and smaller trips. Of course it's gone through (a lot of) rain, and I still have to see something penetrate. It took me a while to fathom that this thing is like a black hole - EVERYTHING goes into it! Even when you think it's full, and after two days you gotta' put something extra in it, you realize it's no problem - There's ROOM. It's stunning, and all the straps are really great to have. I'm a guy at 1,69m - and I was a bit worried reading reviews saying it might be a problem height-wise - but I'm here to tell you that's BS to my relief. Play around with the straps! Hell, play around with the pack. If I would end up not having space for something, if something would be too big, I got carabiners to hook it on. I still haven't used the spare straps, nor have I even taken them out - but someday, I will. As for backpacking goes, I'd say this is an excellent choice. It's even anonymous going in black, if it still looks too cool - just put a poncho over it. The padded backpanel is really nice too. In four words; I love this pack.Con: The waist-belt has these things to hold together the strap with the belt (one on each side), I didn't realize this before one of them went missing as they wasn't being held together in any way other than being 'slipped on'. It's just a minor thing, but it might be better to have some sort of -- I dont know - attachable feature between these two, hell, a string would do.Also, as I live in Norway, I wish I ordered it through .eu instead of .com as the shipping ended up costing as much as the bag..... haha. I still think it's worth it!

Good zippers and clips. The seams are very strong. VERY ADJUSTABLE, my 12yr old uses the family pack for school sometimes, and in 10 seconds it is setup for me. Great warranty. I fold the waist strap down and tie-wrap it, so that it provides additional back support if not needed. I have one for everyone in the family +1, packed for BOB, which still makes it useful for camping. Does need drain holes! (not that I would ever fall over crossing a creek). Good back pad (vented) and good load bearing with comfort. (If a 40lb pack can be). Glad I got it.

I got this pack in black and am highly impressed with the quality. I do quite a bit of international travel and tend to tear up cheap packs in a year or two, i feel like this will last me for years to come. Very comfortable and easy to adjust. Its not really equipped with much in the way of dividers or little pockets that many of the general packs have but with a sleeve its fine for my lap top, tablet and my general carry on and daily needs. Very happy with this purchase !Update June 2016 ! After 3 years of use in travel and at the range the bag is holding up perfectly.

Im angry at my self for not buying one years ago! The main thing to keep in mind is simplicity. 3 compartments main, rear and rear slotted. This bag carries far more that it looks like it does! The compression straps are set perfectly to keep the bulk this pack can bear in check. Ive owned A.L.I.C.E. packs and the new 3 day packs this is far superior as far as carrying capacity. There arent any small organization pockets for pens and gadgets, but you can buy inserts for that. Awesome stitiching and zippers. Get one or feel bad when they get discontinued later!