Tried the pack out for the first time this weekend on a 5 mile hike. Hike was not difficult at all but did require some steep hill climbing. Bag carried all the gear I wanted including spare shirt and vest, water, first aid and digital SLR camera. So it had a bit of weight in it. I was disappointed with how the pack sits on the body. The waist strap was too high to transfer the weight to the hips leaving the shoulders to carry more weight. I am only 5' 6" so my torso is not long - this strap would likely be hugging the rib cage of a tall person. This was not a comfortable pack despite trying several different strap settings to try and get the load comfortable. I do like the bag and the space inside it. I did not like the waist strap - it doesn't look like it belongs on this bag as it is nylon webbing vs all the other straps being leather so it spoils the aesthetics but it was really awkward to release to remove the pack to retrieve items. The shoulders straps could be better padded to carry the load this pack a can take. It was only the first hike so I will wait until I have done some more hiking before passing final judgement.
Purchased as a gift..Excellent product. Ended up ordering another for a gift.I am a first time customer ordering on line! I would recomend it to anyone it is effortless...Happy Holidays to everone in L.L. Bean Land.
I'm very pleased with the material & craftsmanship of this Rucksack. Having the brass buckle straps adjustment make it fit me like a glove. I have a dog sledder in the family that does overnight camping and he said he would use it himself.
I'm a pretty bad bag junkie and never seem to be happy with one. Well that's changed now, this bag is exactly what I wanted, rugged but not tactical looking, (too many wanna-be commandos these days, Id rather stay low profile) classic but not outdated. Functional, sturdy, carries lots of stuff. Will be my 2-3 day trip bag from here on out. Well done LL Bean!
