Lakota 65

I absolutely loved this pack on my recent 6 day trek through the Himalayas on the Poon Hill circuit of the Annapurna Range in Nepal. I didn't exactly know what I was getting myself into when my girlfriend planned the trip, but the hikes were amazing and my pack became a part of me. I found the shoulder straps comfortable and liked how the weight of the pack was adjustable with the waist strap - great for long treks up and down the sides of mountains when I wanted to give my shoulders or my back a rest. The number of compartments on this pack is also an excellent feature, especially if one is a little OCD like myself. I have to have a space for everything in order to stay organized. On our trek, I was able to bring toiletries, an extra pair of shoes, towel, a converter, water purifier, two water bottles (which fit nicely in the side pockets), two long sleeved shirts, 3 short sleeved shirts, one flannel, one extra pair of convertible pants, one pair of board shorts, socks, rain jacket, small digital camera, small medical kit, batteries and a flashlight. Plus a poncho, which I kept conveniently in the hood of the pack for the sporadic afternoon monsoon rains that begin in June. Oh, and the hood was a good spot to keep salt for the occasional leech on the ankles. Overall, this 66 liter pack was the perfect size for our 6 day journey in the Himalayas. We even sent one to our trail guide, Ramesh from Sahara Nepal Treks and Expeditions because he admired it so much. Now we are planning our 14 day trek to Everest Base Camp during high season in the fall and I wouldn't leave the country without this pack! Did I mention that they allowed it as a carry on!?

After first weekend trip, I can say my new Lakota pack and I now are good friends. I'm 6'5" with about a 23" torso but the pack felt good despite being heavily loaded with water. I did some modest hiking over hilly, rocky Ozark terrain and the pack was stable. Loved the single, but flexible back frame.