Equinox Katahdin

I don't even know where to begin. I'm convinced that this is the best pack ever made! I used mine on an AT thru-hike and loved it so much I sleep with it at home.

To start of this thing has every thing you need and nothing you don't. I've used it in all seasons and all weather and it's performance is flawless. Its capacity is huge! It fits all my winter gear including my winter bag, down jacket, full length sleeping bag extra fuel all inside not lashed to the top. In the summer I once fit 8 large oranges and 2 large packs of bratwurst along with all my other gear and four days of food and fuel.

The fabric is way tougher than it looks. Mine has lasted at least 3,000 miles and has endured me spilling a whole quart of denatured alcohol on it which completely dissolved the silcon coating, OOPS, but that was 2000 miles ago. Also the customer service from Equinox is top notch!!!! The first one of these I owned was an older model and it ripped for some reason even though I was only carrying about 12 pounds and I called them they overnighted me a brand new one right to the trail no questions asked. This thing ROOCCKKKS!!!!!!!!!!!

The lightest, most comfortable pack I've found. Very large, padded hip belt and mesh back. Use for up to 35 lbs. I've taken this pack on week-long backpacking trips in Colorado and Alaska with no problems. If you are an ultra-lite backpacker then this is the pack to use.

I roll up my Therm-A-Rest pad around the inside of the pack for support which works great. I even slip a drinking blader inside the folds of the pad.

This is a great pack. Lightweight, well made with great balance and comfort. However I live in the desert and you have to consider the kind of vegetation all packs end up brushing against. Not a good pack for the desert. Sil ny catche cactus and rips with almost every tree and bush thornlight cordura works much better add a couple of ounces for longevity out here.

Love this pack! I have used it for the past five years and I have never had a problem with it.

There is a raincover that you can purchase for it but I like to stuff a heavy duty garbage bag in as a liner, then my coiled up sleeping pad that when spread open makes a very good internal frame. everything stuffs into this, it holds a lot. I twist the top of the GB, tuck the twist under the cinch top and I have a very light pack with everything inside watertight.

I used to use a good quality Osprey pack, but when I switched to the Katahdin I shaved over 5 pounds from my base weight.

The shoulder straps and padded hip belt are very comfortable. There are 2 water bottle carriers at the base of each side of the hip belt and two zippered pockets where the shoulder straps meet the pack.

I tend to be rough with the pack, sitting on it for breaks and leaning on it up against a tree, but this pack shows no sign of wear or tear. It carries my winter gear and will cinch down secure for lighter summer loads.

This is really a good solid choice for keeping things light!