Serratus Alpine Guide 85

An excellent value no-frills pack with bomber construction (best stitching I've seen in a pack) top-rate materials (U.S. made high tenacity nylon rip-stop, 1000 dernier cordura bottom, evasote compression molded foam)- a very stable carry due to fixed suspension, but, the flip-side, not much adjustability- the large fit me well, but maybe I just got lucky- if you live near an MEC store you probably should check one out for fit before ordering (although MEC has a liberal exchange policy, so you can always order, try it on, and send it back if it doesn't work out for you). The pack is very much mountaineering-oriented--very close fit, relatively lightweight, a thin hip belt to facilitate mobility--so it trades off some comfort and load-transfer for stability and mobility- if you want to haul heavy loads on trail you shoudl check out their other pack, the Ibex series, which also has interchangable hip-belt and harness for a more custom fit. But if the alpine guide fits, it's a great pack, a stable reassuring carry up to about 45lbs and built to last forever and a day.