Camp Trails Denali

I have owned this pack for nine years. I have taken it on one to two weeklong +backpack trips on the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail (three times), ANWR, the Canadian Arctic, the Laurel Highlands Trail, Baker Trail, and a number of other trails for one-two nighters.

I typically carry a week's load of 60-70 pounds. The only problem I have had is I had a pin snap (holding the bag to the frame, near the hipbelt). Fixed in five minutes. No rips, or tears, or seams letting loose. It's reasonably comfortable if you adjust it to keep the weight on your hipbones. It's cheap and dependable. Too bad you can't buy it anymore!!

For an external frame this is a relatively comfortable pack. The water bottle pocket is an excellent feature. The adjustment system is very simple to operate and I had no trouble adjusting the pack to fit me.

I did have one bad experience with the pack though. I was winter camping with a 70-pound load. I had just walked across a stream on a fallen tree. I jumped off the log and and when I landed the right shoulder strap broke in two places. I don't know if it was due to the excessive load or a manufacturing defect.

This pack has served me well. I really like the simple adjustment system of the frame. It has a very acessible water bottle pocket, and well thought out main pockets. The one big down side to this pack is the hip belt is really rough on hip bones after a day or two hard walking. However this clears up after several outings. All said and done, it's a great value.