Stats: 85 cubic inches/9 oz./Holds 48 oz./2 pockets plus main compartment

Colors: Blue knight, Neptune & Magnesium (green and grey), Amber & Magnesium (orange and grey)

Cost: $19.93 - $40.00

Review:

I bought this pack for one purpose only: to use during a 20-mile walk I was participating in.  I knew I had to stay hydrated and I also knew I didn’t want to carry anything but the essentials (my IPod being at the top of the list of course).  I loved this pack for a couple of reasons.  It has two little pockets that are at the front near the clasp that are perfect for an IPod and a cell phone (one on either side).  The main compartment (located in the back) is a decent size and holds plenty of dehydrated food, bandaids and sunscreen. 

Now lets talk about the water bottles.  First I’ll say that I’ve not once found a plastic water bottle that is perfect.  So I shouldn’t expect much from them.  And these water bottles fell in line with my expectations.  They did their job and I was able to drink from the spout easily.  I especially liked that there was an elastic cord that held the bottles in place. 

Another thing to note is the location of the bottles.  I really liked how the bottles and the compartment were in the middle of my back.   I was able to walk freely without my arms scraping against the sides of the pack.  That is a big deal when trying to avoid chafing.  The position of the bottles was a downside, however, when trying to actually drink from them as I had to turn the pack around to get to them.  But it was a minor inconvenience and a necessary one.

One final note: the pack was very heavy by the time I got everything loaded.  It fit a lot of stuff, but it sure weighed a ton.  I ended up keeping my bottles half full so that it was more manageable.

Pros:

• Placement of water bottles: in the middle of the back
• Large main compartment
• Elastic cord to keep bottles in place
• small pockets for IPod, phone or keys

Cons:

• Have to reach around back to get the water bottles
• Quite heavy when fully loaded

Website:  www.rei.com

Rating: 4.5 Stars