JanSport Tatoosh

I've had the Jansport Tatoosh for about two or three years now. I bought it as a weekend pack, but for me personally it doesn't work well for that (mostly due to the fact that I'm an overpacker). The construction of the pack is great. It's lightweight and very durable. It's so comfortable I refuse to get rid of it. I've found its best use is overnighters and light trekking, but best for carrying rock climbing gear.

The outside pocket has four straps which work well for separating two climbing ropes. The side pockets are large enough for nalgenes. The hydration pocket is a perk, but I rarely use it. There are plenty of daisy chains for carabiners, bolts, belay devices, or anything else you need to biner on. That leaves the top compartment and the main compartment which are more than sufficient for tarps, chairs, harnesses, shoes, etc.

My only complaint is that the main compartment is top access only. This limits its extended trip length capabilities, but that's the only complaint I have. Overall ... It was the best $70 I've ever spent for a great pack. If you need a large pack with lots of pockets you may want to keep your eyes open, but if you need a mid-size, durable, comfortable, long-lasting pack, then the Jansport Tatoosh is for you.

I just got back from a five day trip and I must say that I really like this pack, however it should have been bigger for five days, but it seems like a great pack for a weekend trip. I would also say that it is a great pack for Summit pushes, winter usage (if you have a sled for the other gear), and a great backcountry skiing pack. It would be great for these things because it has a big shovel pocket, adjustabule ice axe loops, and another nice feature is that the main compartment has two cinching systems for the top and then a spindrift collar so there's no worry about letting snow or rain in. It has plenty of daisy chains and two X-bungee systems for attaching stuff. These can also be made to fit with accesory pockets from Jansport, which would be a great add on. This pack also has a hydration sleeve that is suitable for a 2 or 2.5 liter bladder, I use a Platypus 2+ bottle that fits great. If you are looking for a backcountry skiing pack or maybe just a second weekend pack, then you should definetely take a look at this one, even though they are getting hard to find.