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Member Reviews for MEC MEC Ibex 80 Backpack
MEC MEC Ibex 80 Backpack
This fully featured pack is excellent for multi-day backpacking and or mountaineering. Interchangeable shoulder straps and waistbelts allow you to customize the fit. The backpad plate can be slid up and down the stays, allowing precise adjustment to your back. The pad then locks firmly into place with a large hook-and-loop patch for stability.
Average Member Rating:
(94 Reviews) 94
Rating Snapshot (94 reviews)
5 stars
46
4 stars
41
3 stars
3
2 stars
2
1 star
2
54 out of 57(95%)reviewers would recommend this product to a friend.
Member Reviews for MEC Ibex 80 Backpack
Review 1 for MEC Ibex 80 Backpack
Overall Rating:
Effectiveness:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:TorontoAndrew
Location: Toronto
Age: 25-34
Gender: male
Gear Style: Performance Driven
FEATURED REVIEW
MEC MEMBER
Excellent Value
Date:February 7, 2010
If you're looking for a good, solid expedition bag but don't have the budget to spend hundreds of dollars, in my humble opinion, look no further. This bag lacks some of the bells and whistles that some of the more expensive bags might have, but usability and ruggedness are exceptional (minus the water bottle holder on the outside). I couldn't be happier with mine, and my girlfriends getting the same bag this summer.
If you want a solid bag for minimal cost, get the IBEX 80.
Pros: Rugged, Simple, Good Value, Reliable
Cons: waterbottle holder sucks
1 of 1 found this review helpful.
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Review 2 for MEC Ibex 80 Backpack
Overall Rating:
Effectiveness:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:SeaGull1209
Location: Hamilton, Ont.
Age: 35-44
Gender: male
Gear Style: Performance Driven
MEC MEMBER
The Best
Date:April 30, 2013
Yes like all the review say it is the best bag for the cost i get everthing in it plus more u can allso hang so much on the out side too i never look back now. Thank u MEC.
Pros: Rugged, Lightweight, Simple, Good Value, Reliable
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Review 3 for MEC Ibex 80 Backpack
Overall Rating:
Effectiveness:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:hammer47
Location: fort sask, ab
Age: 25-34
Gender: male
Gear Style: Comfort Driven
MEC MEMBER
great purchase
Date:February 22, 2013
i bought this bag about 4 months ago, it has seen approximately 14 flights since that time, through the WORST baggage handlers you have ever seen while PACKED full with 60 lbs worth of gear. And ocasionally tools as well.
When full it sits perfectly on my back, to the point that you do not even feel the weight that you are carrying.
I am very impressed with the durability of the pack for the low cost, a definite great purchase
Pros: Rugged, Lightweight, Simple, Good Value, Reliable
1 of 1 found this review helpful.
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Review 4 for MEC Ibex 80 Backpack
Overall Rating:
Effectiveness:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:TwoCanSam
Location: British Columbia
Pretty darn happy
Date:February 19, 2013
I've humped this pack around more than twenty countries, mostly developing.
Can't say enough great things about this pack. For the backpacker it's great because it is inexpensive so if it is stolen it's not a huge deal and for the purpose it serves it is perfect.
It's been tossed, stomped, slept on, driven over overstuffed, unpacked, repacked and repeated more times than I can remember and only the most insignificant downfalls have been noted, mainly the sternum strap is now gone and the elastic chord on the back (which I never did figure out a use for) has disappeared.
This thing was basically my apartment for over six months of serious backpacking over multiple years and I would not hesitate to load it up and go out again with it tomorrow, if I didn't just get back.
Thanks MEC for a great product,
Pros: Rugged, Lightweight, Simple, Good Value, Reliable, Green
Cons: not currently packed for adventure
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Review 5 for MEC Ibex 80 Backpack
Overall Rating:
Effectiveness:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:Anonymous
Location: Toronto, ON
Age: 25-34
Gender: male
Gear Style: Performance Driven
MEC MEMBER
Durable and long-lasting pack!
Date:December 31, 2012
I purchased this backpack six years ago and am proud to say that it has served me faithfully on over 10 trips since then that have included multi-day camping / hiking in varying weather conditions (gale-force winds, torrential rains, etc). Your back will be thankful for the support offered by the various straps (belt and cross-chest) and you'll be surprised by how much you can actually fit in (enough clothes, accessories and sleeping bag for a 6-day hike in varying conditions). There are over 10 different compartments (some zippered and nested within others) which allows easy separation of clothing / hiding valuables when needed. Also, when travelling, I've seen other bags get damaged when coming out of the luggage carousel at the airport but somehow this bag has withstood such perils.
Overall, a solidly made bag that has the basics perfected without unnecessary bells and whistles.
Pros: Rugged, Good Value, Reliable
1 of 1 found this review helpful.
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Review 6 for MEC Ibex 80 Backpack
Overall Rating:
Effectiveness:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:TheGreatOutdoors
Location: Calgary,AB
Age: 45-55
Gender: male
Gear Style: Performance Driven
Indestructable Pack
Date:December 15, 2012
I've had many backpacks over the last 35 years and most packs lasted only a season or two. I was tired of having to look for replacements every year or so. Well I decided to do a little research and having read several reviews of the Ibex80 I had to give it a try. I've had my Ibex80 for about 5 years now and well over 100 trips later I can honestly say this pack can take a beating. I have had this pack thru every type of weather and terrain possible and I had not one thing go wrong with it. The fabric can take the cold, the rain, the rock and dirt and the straps have not failed me despite having it loading to the max. It may not be the lightest, it may not be the prettiest or it may not have every bell and whistle you can get but I can assure all backpackers out there that if they want dependability, durability, and affordability this pack will not disappoint you. If you are planning to get your teenagers a backpack get the Ibex65 I did and my kids love them. Go and Enjoy Earth's Greatest Gift "The Great Outdoors".
Pros: Rugged, Simple, Good Value, Reliable, nothing compares
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Review 7 for MEC Ibex 80 Backpack
Overall Rating:
Effectiveness:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:ILikeTheOutside
Location: Dawson Creek, BC
Age: 25-34
Gender: male
Gear Style: Comfort Driven
MEC MEMBER
Amazing bag/Really good value
Date:November 20, 2012
First of all this bag is really durable and quite adequate for backpacking/festival traveling. I'm a pretty big guy at 6'0" 250lbs so ordering online I was a little skeptical on how big/nice it would fit on me. Ii'm not sure on the size difference between standard,short,long But I got the long and it fits AMAZING. Padding in all the right spots and makes it quite enjoyable to wear for long periods of time. So if your looking for value and quality you won't be dissapointed
Pros: Rugged, Lightweight, Simple, Good Value, Reliable, fits us big guys good
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Review 8 for MEC Ibex 80 Backpack
Overall Rating:
Effectiveness:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:Gba111
Location: Victoria, BC
Age: 25-34
Gender: male
MEC MEMBER
Value; Durable; Strong
Date:October 26, 2012
Very effective bag. Can access kit stowed anywhere inside without emptying the whole bag, due to a heavy-duty zipper running the length of the main compartment. There are numerous adjustments you have the option of making for fitting to your body. Hip belts are well padded. Bag is quite weather resistant on its own.
One comment from salesperson with regard to a shortfall: "It has no swivel for the hips". I literally haven't noticed this as being a problem. I don't think I would have been happy paying the extra money for such a feature.
Tons of storage space, with options to cinch down when not needed. Bag itself is not excessively heavy for its size. Fits right. Many storage options. It's got several pouch areas, not just one enormous space that everything gets lost in.
Pros: Rugged, Good Value, Reliable
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Review 9 for MEC Ibex 80 Backpack
Overall Rating:
Effectiveness:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:MrBean
Location: Toronto
MEC MEMBER
Great Choice for Travelling
Date:September 6, 2012
Product:
We purchased the IBEX 80 Long and IBEX 65 Short along with two medium Airline totes for our two and a half week vacation into Europe. I stand at 5'11" and my wife stands at 5'5".
We purchased the IBEX 80 Long and IBEX 65 Short along with two medium Airline totes for our two and a half week vacation into Europe. I stand at 5'11" and my wife stands at 5'5".
Reason for choice:
Originally I was going to get a Travel Pack (w/ detachable mini backpack) but considering the time we would be walking to and from various transportation routes, I found the IBEX's on sale, and when fully packed, the weight seems distributed closer to the body as compared to what the Travel Pack, where it seems like it can only go perpendicular to your spine.
Originally I was going to get a Travel Pack (w/ detachable mini backpack) but considering the time we would be walking to and from various transportation routes, I found the IBEX's on sale, and when fully packed, the weight seems distributed closer to the body as compared to what the Travel Pack, where it seems like it can only go perpendicular to your spine.
Side-note:
FYI: the "Source WLP Hydration System" will not fit the water pouch.
FYI: the "Source WLP Hydration System" will not fit the water pouch.
Accessory purchase:
We had purchased the slim fanny pack that fits under your pants to hold passports, currency and cards.
We had purchased the slim fanny pack that fits under your pants to hold passports, currency and cards.
Airline tote, was purchased for baggage check-ins. Remember to remove shoulder straps and pack these into the IBEX. There is a clear pocket on the exterior for inserting a card with your contact details if lost.
Personal:
In my bag I carried about 14Kg, including two pairs of shoes, dress pants, jeans, shorts, various shirts, undergarments, toiletries, airline tote, day-use backpack (empty), three 500ml water bottles, laundry, gifts and so-on. I did not have to expand the bag to accommodate this. Shoes, toiletries, airline tote and empty backpack fit easily in the bottom lid.
In my bag I carried about 14Kg, including two pairs of shoes, dress pants, jeans, shorts, various shirts, undergarments, toiletries, airline tote, day-use backpack (empty), three 500ml water bottles, laundry, gifts and so-on. I did not have to expand the bag to accommodate this. Shoes, toiletries, airline tote and empty backpack fit easily in the bottom lid.
Experience:
We had two flights, one cruise, three trains and ten public transportation uses where we would be walking to and fro fully packed. On occasion this would be up and down stairs, through cobblestone streets and dense crowds of people, and I would always note to myself how lucky we were to have chosen this pack while watching people attempt to lug or pull suitcases through the same scenarios. All the supports (waist, shoulder, chest tie) are very comfortable when properly adjusted and you don't have that feeling of being pulled back or lurching forward. You will probably have back sweat, but I don't see how this would be avoidable, even with a vented/wicked fabric. little pockets on the waist strap are handy for non currency items (bus tickets, notepads, change, etc). Zipper on the side leading to the main compartment is very handy.
We had two flights, one cruise, three trains and ten public transportation uses where we would be walking to and fro fully packed. On occasion this would be up and down stairs, through cobblestone streets and dense crowds of people, and I would always note to myself how lucky we were to have chosen this pack while watching people attempt to lug or pull suitcases through the same scenarios. All the supports (waist, shoulder, chest tie) are very comfortable when properly adjusted and you don't have that feeling of being pulled back or lurching forward. You will probably have back sweat, but I don't see how this would be avoidable, even with a vented/wicked fabric. little pockets on the waist strap are handy for non currency items (bus tickets, notepads, change, etc). Zipper on the side leading to the main compartment is very handy.
Durability
No problems with any of the zippers, pull ties, stitching, or aluminum stays after the trip.
No problems with any of the zippers, pull ties, stitching, or aluminum stays after the trip.
Airline tote is well made, and I always thought the handle would rip but it held up strong.
Sidenotes:
Fully packed, the IBEX 80 will fit on the upper-shelf of Eurostar trains.
Fully packed, the IBEX 80 will fit on the upper-shelf of Eurostar trains.
We checked these bags with breakables wrapped in clothes, all came back fine from the airline rugby team.
Play around with it fully packed the night before you leave and figure out what everything does. The chest strap never popped on me (bought 2012). Do not tighten the chest strap to the point where the tensor is stretched flat.
Re-packing from empty before leaving to another destination is critical to keeping the pack manageable.
As for the water bottle holder, use the side pockets. not a big deal anyways.
Pros: Rugged, Good Value, Reliable
Cons: water bottle holder is only good for maps
2 of 2 found this review helpful.
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Review 10 for MEC Ibex 80 Backpack
Overall Rating:
Effectiveness:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:Killer
Location: Toronto ont
Age: 25-34
Gender: male
Gear Style: Performance Driven
Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer
Get fitted!!
Date:August 31, 2012
Great bang for your buck!
Big and rugged, I have no fear of this bag tearing or failing in anyway. The main compartment seems a bit narrow but i still managed to bring way more stuff then was needed.
Getting fitted is very important! I went on a Saturday and made a quick purchase due to how busy the store was. On my third day in I noticed a tag that said short witch explained why I couldn't adjust it to fit properly.
Get fitted!!! I had to bring mine back and found the bag is discontinued and I'll never get one in my size:(
Get them while you can, it's a great pack!!!!!
Big and rugged, I have no fear of this bag tearing or failing in anyway. The main compartment seems a bit narrow but i still managed to bring way more stuff then was needed.
Getting fitted is very important! I went on a Saturday and made a quick purchase due to how busy the store was. On my third day in I noticed a tag that said short witch explained why I couldn't adjust it to fit properly.
Get fitted!!! I had to bring mine back and found the bag is discontinued and I'll never get one in my size:(
Get them while you can, it's a great pack!!!!!
Pros: Rugged, Simple, Good Value, Reliable
Cons: some say it's too heavy but i'm no wuss:)
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Review 11 for MEC Ibex 80 Backpack
Overall Rating:
Effectiveness:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:wildfireguy
Location: Hinton, AB
Age: 45-55
Gender: male
MEC MEMBER
Great pack for the money
Date:August 10, 2012
I bought this pack for a 3-day solo hike in the mountains. I had about 50 pounds of camping, fishing and camera gear and because there was nothing for a trail I ended up taking it up and down some fairly steep slopes, over deadfall and ducking a lot of branches.
The pack performed awesomely. It really allowed me to adjust and get the weight on my hips and the shoulder straps and chest straps kept it in place. I had room for all my gear and then some. Being hydration ready was a big plus as the temp was over 25 degrees.
There are a few things I didn't like:
First the mesh pockets won't hold a 1-litre water bottle when the pack is full. It does hold a can of bear spray and i found this pocket a good place for that although the safety tab got lost somewhere along the way.
The pockets on the hip belt are tiny. I had a multi-tool and lighter in one and in the other I put my GPS, but couldn't close the zipper so it stuck out a bit.
Finally the pocket that holds the bladder. I looked at a few bladders, but most were bigger than the pocket. Maybe they would have fit, but I ended up using a 2-1/2 litre bladder from a Coleman pack I had and that fit really nicely.
Overall though, the pack was really good, especially for the price.
Pros: Rugged, Good Value, good adjustments
Cons: Small pockets
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Review 12 for MEC Ibex 80 Backpack
Overall Rating:
Effectiveness:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:Anonymous
Location: Canberra, Australia
Age: 45-55
Gender: male
Gear Style: Comfort Driven
Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer
MEC MEMBER
Nice ;-D
Date:May 27, 2012
Gave this pack it's first good, solid workout recently during an overnighter through the Aussie bush. It's a fantastic pack and excellent value for money. I lugged all the gear I needed and had room to spare. I found the pocket numbers and locations suited the long, hard walk into the campsite and the overnight bivvie-out really well. Everything comes to hand easily and there is bags of space for all those essentials and comforts. The split main storage worked really well with the sleeping bag and bivvie bag. The harnessing was very comfortable and secure (once I figured out the velcro adjustments. The pack also broke down and reassembled quickly and easily for the debris clean out and wash. All in all I am stoked with this pack and will probably get my kids one each for their overnighters.
Pros: Rugged, Simple, Good Value, Reliable
Cons: adjusting the velcro
1 of 1 found this review helpful.
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Review 13 for MEC Ibex 80 Backpack
Overall Rating:
Effectiveness:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:Goldfish
Location: Calgary, AB
Age: 25-34
Gender: male
Gear Style: Performance Driven
Describe Yourself: Casual Adventurer
MEC MEMBER
Good band for the buck
Date:May 26, 2012
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
This is not the lightest pack, but is very good value for the money.
Downsides: Sternum strap pulled off the shoulder slider thingy while skiing down a glacier. Wasn't impressed.. Lower and upper snap in buckles are ridged, and is not convenient when trying to fasten something under the straps. The buckles would be way better loose. Water bottle pouches are useless. Your bottles will push out as mine did. Good enough to hold your hat or small gloves though.
Upsides: I really liked the access into the bag. Lots of compartments so you don't really even need any sacks to separate stuff. The pouches on the belt strap are nice. Well made (other then above cons) and durable. Ii liked the shock cord spider web as well. Lots of options for tying your gear on.
Pros: Rugged, Good Value
Cons: Heavy, bad buckles and sternum strap
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Review 14 for MEC Ibex 80 Backpack
Overall Rating:
Effectiveness:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:Anonymous
Location: Vancouver Island
Age: 25-34
Gender: male
Gear Style: Performance Driven
Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer
MEC MEMBER
Great Pack for the $$
Date:February 24, 2012
This is a very nice pack for the money. A little heavy but the material is very strong... this will last many many years I think. I needed a big pack to carry gear for the kids and this one does it nicely. I love the large side pockets - perfect for tarp, cordage, sweater, rain gear etc. I was concerned about the welded buckles on the lid but I've cinched them down hard many times and have had no issues yet. Top pocket is massive and great for maps. Just keep things in waterproof containers because things did get a bit damp in very heavy rain.
Also... thanks to MEC! I bought the standard size and used it in the field for a week only to find I should of bought the long (get fitted!!). Even after a week of use, MEC swapped it out no questions asked.
Pros: Rugged, Simple, Good Value, Reliable
Cons: Heavy
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Review 15 for MEC Ibex 80 Backpack
Overall Rating:
Effectiveness:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:Lambo
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Age: 25-34
Gender: male
Gear Style: Performance Driven
Describe Yourself: Casual Adventurer
MEC MEMBER
Not the lightest pack, but still great!
Date:February 5, 2012
Heavier pack but very comfortable.
I've taken this pack into the Algonquin interior on a few canoe trips and it has worked out great each time.
Plenty of pockets for organization and a nice large main area as well.
Pros: Rugged, Good Value, Reliable, Comfortable
Cons: Heavy
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Review 16 for MEC Ibex 80 Backpack
Overall Rating:
Effectiveness:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:KingLear
Location: Quetico
Age: under 18
Gender: male
MEC MEMBER
great multiday pack
Date:January 2, 2012
lots of features and pockets so you can organize gear well. lighter than other big name bags of this size which is surprising. had a lot of problems with the suspension at first. adjusting the pads and shoulder straps as well as bending the aluminum stays is essential. once this was done i could carry indefinitely. the water bottle pockets are horizontal where they should be vertical and larger. i feel like the side access zipper should be of a higher caliber... for the heavy gear this pack is designed for, it seems rather skimpy.
Pros: Lightweight, Good Value
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Review 17 for MEC Ibex 80 Backpack
Overall Rating:
Effectiveness:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:Spanky73
Location: Niagara Falls
Age: 35-44
Gender: male
Gear Style: Performance Driven
Describe Yourself: Outdoor Pro
MEC MEMBER
Best Bang for the Buck!!!
Date:December 11, 2011
Just got back from a six week hiking trip, This pack is awesome..
Lots of attachment points,
Conveniant Storage down the front, Sleeping pad, or quick needed Items.
Hidden zipper and Mesh pockets all over.
Top load with smooth walls, easy for stuff sacks to slide in.
2 roomy side pockets for Rain Gear or Food.
In the six weeks only stopped three times to replenish my stock. So that should tell ya there is lots of room for personal gear and food, fuel storage, stove, pot set, everything I needed.
Lots of attachment points,
Conveniant Storage down the front, Sleeping pad, or quick needed Items.
Hidden zipper and Mesh pockets all over.
Top load with smooth walls, easy for stuff sacks to slide in.
2 roomy side pockets for Rain Gear or Food.
In the six weeks only stopped three times to replenish my stock. So that should tell ya there is lots of room for personal gear and food, fuel storage, stove, pot set, everything I needed.
Pros: Rugged, Lightweight, Simple, Good Value, Reliable, makesure you get it sized before you go, many different sizes, replacement buckles only had one brake!
Cons: honestly there is none!!
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Review 18 for MEC Ibex 80 Backpack
Overall Rating:
Effectiveness:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:Anonymous
Location: Toronto, ON
Big pack, low price
Date:November 7, 2011
Tons of storage space and a variety of well placed pockets and straps. I lived out of this for 3 weeks in Europe, and it held up really well with heavy loads and rough treatment. Easy access to whatever you packed, and excellent expandability. Only complaint: if you use the expansion-top, sometimes the top cover doesn't sit still.
Pros: Rugged, Good Value, Reliable
Cons: Heavy
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Review 19 for MEC Ibex 80 Backpack
Overall Rating:
Effectiveness:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:rhchjr
Location: Tamworth, Australia
Age: 25-34
Gender: female
Gear Style: Minimalist
Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer
Excellent Value
Date:November 6, 2011
I was travelling throughout north America on a three month trip and was only two weeks into it when my old backpack died. Luckily, I was in Toronto and found MEC and this pack. It is excellent quality and value for price.
My only complaint is that the waist straps are near impossible to tighten the clip is done up. You actually need to undo the clip, then tighten the straps, then do up the clip again and hope that you tightened it the right amount.
Other than that, I love it. For the majority of my trip I had the pack stuffed to almost bursting and at one point toward the end I had 75 pounds of gear in it and it was still comfortable to carry. Also it is rugged enough to be able to stand being tossed around by Greyhound bus drivers without any damage.
Pros: Rugged, Simple, Good Value, Reliable
1 of 1 found this review helpful.
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Review 20 for MEC Ibex 80 Backpack
Overall Rating:
Effectiveness:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:Miggs
Location: Tornto,ON
Age: 18-24
Gender: male
Gear Style: Comfort Driven
Describe Yourself: Casual Adventurer
MEC MEMBER
Date:October 29, 2011
I went to Europe for 2 months using this bag and it was amazing, no problems what so ever. Materials are very resistant and it adjusted perfectly to my back.
The only two things that I didn't like about this bag are:
1) The zippers are not big enough to put on a lock, so you if you wanna keep it safe you need to buy one of those chicken nets that wraps up the entire bag (it adds a few extra pounds to it).
2) The upper chest strap is not comfortable at all.
1) The zippers are not big enough to put on a lock, so you if you wanna keep it safe you need to buy one of those chicken nets that wraps up the entire bag (it adds a few extra pounds to it).
2) The upper chest strap is not comfortable at all.
Pros: Lightweight, Simple, Good Value, Reliable
Cons: uncomftable straps
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