I am now the proud owner of a large, '08-model North Face Crestone 75. I'd looked at a lot of options from a lot of vendors, including Mountainsmith, Osprey, and Vaude, along with the possibility of just getting a new ALICE frame and ordering a Tactical Tailor MALICE. But I think that this is the one that is going to work for me. I'm going to spending the rest of the weekend inventoring my current BoB, and repacking this guy.

Downside is that isn't very modular and the buckles are a little funny. Upside is that looks innocent, and after half an hour (on several occasions) of wandering the store with 50 pounds in it and a light jacket, I still wasn't sweating down my back.

looks good. northface wont let you down too often. and "innocent" is a good look if you are using it for what its meant for.

send a pic after your done fittin up.

i have an arcteryx bora 95...

My friend ClarkTX has the same backpack. It rocks. I'm jealous of both of you now.

-Blast

Which size did you get? It looks like the backpack has a separate compartment for the sleeping bag. Is that right?

I went with the large- 18.5" torso, I am a little marginal on the medium.

It has dividers that you can have in place or not. With it in place, there is a barrier just above the lower access. I've got a tarp, hammock and wool blanket in there right now- nothing that will be bothered by compression.

It's a good time of year to buy gear in general. All the manufacturers are blowing out last year's stuff and introducing the new shinies.

I've had the 2007 model (Aviator Blue/Asphalt Grey) for about a year and a half and have really been happy with it.



I generally hang a couple of Granite Gear Pack Pockets on the sides to boost the capacity up to just over 6,000 in^3, but I really like the interior layout of the pack. Of all the different packs that I tried, this one seemed to provide the best support and balance with a heavy load, and didn't scream "military" while doing it.

Jim

I wish they had the bungie on the outside still, but the design of the padding is so much improved. Loaded it up and did a little three mile hike today (beautiful weather, WAY too nice for mid-February) for load testing. Still need to fine tune the distribution and how the suspension is set, but my back wasn't any sweatier that it would have been with a knapsack with my EDC and some shopping in it.