Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

To say that I am loath of this backpack would be a gross understatement. With its big manly zippers and unending supply of pockets and storage options, I wanted to like it. In the end, however, after a dozen or so buckle strap pops, random strap slips, sown parts coming loose, and $500 worth of survival gear lost, I didn’t know whether to cry or be angry. And this was only with TWO outings in this gear. I will, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, wear this particular backpack again! I strongly discourage you from purchasing this gear until the issues I mentioned above have been fixed. When I first received this backpack I was thrilled at the big manly zippers and the millions of pockets and storage options it offered. I’m a pocket guy, and this backpack did not disappoint. I could fit an extra change of clothes, a gallon of water, shovel, survival tent and supplies, a few days rations, climbing gear, hunting accessories and more. What’s more, is that it offers plenty of options on it to add or subtract gear by simply clipping it onto one of the outside strap hoops. It looks well made. Looks, however, is as far as that goes. On my first outing I had a shoulder strap slide out of the adjustment buckle on the very first time I slung the pack over my shoulder. Little did I know this was a foreshadowing of things to come. After inspecting the strap I realized it was slippery enough that this could happen easily unless you changed the way the straps came by default. After making the necessary changes I set out and had my waist strap literally break at the buckle portion. …keep in mind I hadn’t even walked a mile in it at this point and I did not even have the buckle that tight! I ditched the waist straps and just went with the shoulders and chest strap. After that first trip you would think I had learned my lesson. In addition to the other issues mentioned I had had additional straps pop at seemingly random times… On my second outing everything had gone fine until we started heading back down the mountain…at which point I realized my medpac portion was entirely missing. It appeared that the two plastic buckles that held it onto the pack had also popped…and there went around $500 of my gear including a high end survival flashlight and new VHF radio and ALL my emergency/survival gear. I always double check all my straps as routine before heading out...so I know it was not due to forgetfulness. What in the world!!!!? There is a HUGE problem with these buckles and straps. I have never experienced it with these snap buckle types before. This was only the second time wearing this pack, so for these buckles to come loose with so little effort as I have seen is unprecedented. If you get a pack like mine YOU WILL LOSE YOUR STUFF! Or just as badly, end up with a backpack you have to carry out with your hands instead of your back. Buyer beware.