I have only ever owned traditional school backpacks and small rucksacks, never something that was this big and versatile. First thing to note is the size. This is not a small pack, measuring 22″ x 17″ x 11″. This is the biggest pack I have owned thus far. A volume of 3038 cubic inches; 50 liters and made of a rough canvas material making it extremely strong. There is a pocket for a water bag making this backpack hydration compatible. There is a slot at the top of the pocket that leads to a velcro strap in which a water bag hose can fit through
After that, is the main pocket of the bag that can carry an overabundance of items. I recently drove to Chicago for a 7 day trip and managed to fit all my clothes, provisions and necessities into the main pocket of this bag. ( 7 underwear, 7 pairs of socks, 2 jeans, 3 shorts, 7 shirts, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, phone charger, Gopro and accessories, a small notebook and a small book to read). There is a mesh lining that extends the height of the main pocket and can be closed by a zipper. The opposite side on the pocket are straps that can secure down loose items.
The secondary pocket is equal in height and width of the main pocket, however smaller in volume. It does have multiple sleeve layers that reach ¾ of the way down the pocket that make for great storage for medium sized items. Additionally it had a plastic clip at the top of the pocket, small pouches for pencils and pens, and two velcro bungee straps.
The back pocket extends the entire length and width of the secondary pocket but with a smaller volume and can be accessed by a side zipper.
The side pockets are decently sized to fit a small book or a small first aid kit measuring 9”x3”x6”.
The lower back pocket is 5”x14”x4” and has two mesh linings for smaller items. All the pockets within this bag have drainage holes.
The exterior of this bag looks complicated with several straps, MOLLE webbing all over the back and side of the pack, velcro at every handle and plastic hoop and buckles on the front straps. Although it may look cluttered, it leaves plenty of room for accessories, climbing clips and adjustability. I hooked several small (S-Clips) or larger (S-Clips) on the back to store hanging items that I might need without opening the pack.
Additionally I use the front straps for my clip-on (flashlight) and my knife. I actually bought a mag pouch to put my sunglasses or knife into that is MOLLE compatible. The shoulder straps measure 3” in width and 3⁄4” thick and will fit any medium to large person. The shoulder straps do have MOLLE webbing, a strap on each side for clipping items and a sternum strap.
This backpack does have hip belt straps! These straps are smaller and do not have a frame in them, but still manage to support weight fairly well, better than no hip straps and are also removable. There are cushions for the back, where the lower back cushion is the biggest, in addition to a hard backplate for support. Three handles surround the backpack, two on the side and one on the top. On either side of the top strap are velcro flaps that protect a small slot leading into the main pocket.
One of my favorite features of this backpack are the compression straps. I have made great use of these straps, compacting the large backpack into a more manageable size and bringing in the center of gravity. Overall, I think the cost to quality to this backpack around where it should be. For the price I believe I got a very good quality backpack that will easily last me a few years. I am very pleased with this backpack, I have many things planned for this backpack and can’t wait to put it to good use.
