Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

For $20, this is a surprisingly nice little pack. However, it can be made a lot more user-friendly by simply trimming off some of the relatively useless straps. First, this pack doesn't really need compression straps unless you intend to use it for running. It's not big enough to hold enough gear that it would shift around during use, and getting rid of these straps makes it easier to access the compartments, especially the two small ones on either side of the elastic loop area. Just trim the four compression strap lengths as close as possible to where they attach to the bag. Next, unlace the elastic cord from its eyelets and trim off the center bottom strap and loop it went through. This little strap actually prevents the elastic cord from holding a rolled jacket or other article, as it limits the size item you can hold under the cord. Finally, the water bottle pockets have cinch cords with straps much longer than necessary for the size bottle the pockets will accommodate. Put your intended bottles in the pockets, cinch 'em up, and trim the excess strap to about 1" past the buckle. I guarantee if you do these mods you'll find this pack much cleaner in appearance and much less confusing to use. All these straps probably do serve to make the pack look more "pro" and expensive, but they ultimately interfere with its use. The included shoulder straps are very functional and well-made. Using the backpack-style straps gives you a really functional way of carrying enough water and gear for a day hike without needing a backpack, and without the sagging and flopping often associated with lumbar (fanny) packs. Glad I bought this.