Porter

Bought the 85L as needed something big for alpine hiking in winter (you need a lot of gear). Been eyeing it for a while, but always in doubt about material strong enough and fit. Had a combination of climb and skiing in Azerbaijan so could not find other backpacks big enough and went for it. Have not regretted that decision. Could fit most gear inside (including my ski boots as I don’t like to wear them for long hikes, but of course need them for skiing), and skis fit perfectly on the sides. Many nice straps etc. After setting up camp even this big 85L porter easily turns into a day pack. This adaptability is something I really like with these roll bags. Overall an amazing bag and very happy for it.

Only improvement feedback: Would really be nice with some outer pocket/storage for water bottle/thermo. Often would have wanted a little zip but couldn’t be bothered with opening everything.

Also maybe add a bit extra layer of material at very bottom as I am not sure if this material will last 5 years of being put down on rocks with heavy load inside backpack.

This said probably still best large backpack on the market.

Nice but it really could use the load lifter straps even though the frame is shorter. In testing my 50lb load, it really made a difference pulling the top of the pack in

Overall rating: 3.5

5 stars for being the only ultralight pack with significant internal capacity.

I got this pack for extended (8+ day) canoe camping trips because it is the only pack I could find with 70+L INTERNAL capacity. It is impossible to keep rain or water that accumulates in the boat out of in external pockets.

5 stars for cutting 5 pounds off the weight of my previous portage pack AND fitting more comfortably. The sized torso made a big difference. Hopefully sized waistbelts will come in the future (mine is barely small enough).

2 stars for being top-heavy when fully loaded. It's just too narrow to concentrate weight lower down, and the lack of stabilizer straps doesn't help.

2 stars for being too tall when fully loaded to carry a boat over my head. The pack hits the bottom of the boat. This and the top-heaviness could easily be solved by making the pack wider. There is a lot of room to make the pack wider without extending beyond even my narrow hips.

My go-to packraft bag. This is my trek miles into the forest searching out untouched waterways pack and it’s gonna hold everything. Bought the accessory pocket for the front which is worth it to add pouch to hold paddles and the extra loops are great for clipping my helmet and k-pump to the bag while hiking. Was able to stuff a kokopelli XPD (2023 model) into this bag along with all my extra gear and room to spare. I felt like the 55L is probably good for day trips but having the extra space makes this pack a perfect fit for up to a weekend pack rafting escape. Obviously a more compressible packraft will allow greater flexibility but working with what I have for now. Plan on using this for longer trekking trips as well…until I buy another HMG pack dedicated for just that. Holds up to the abuse that’s for sure.