High Sierra Bobcat 65 Backpack - External Frame

This pack is a great all around pack and lightweight. The only thing I noticed was the shortage of attachment loops, but I was able to put those items inside that would normally be attached by carabiners. Other than that, this is a strong external frame pack. Time and trips will determine durability, but it is solid so far. It was a Christmas gift from my mother-in-law, and that alone makes it great!

This is a large capacity pack. The compartments are well placed and accessible. External frame is great, ventilation good. Lots of places to tie on the "extras."

I haven't used this yet so these are my initial observations. I love the additional pockets on this pack - great for organising your contents. There's a long, extra large pocket on the side with the water bottle holder that could be very useful. There are two main compartments separated by a fixed divider and I quite like this design. The external frame seems quite comfortable and first thing I did was adjust the harness from it's default position so the pack now sits lower on my back. Fabric separates the internal bladder pouch from the main compartment and I feel that it could have perhaps provided some insulation as well. I would also have appreciated some additional straps for securing items to the outside of the pack. Overall though, quality looks great and I am very happy with the pack.

I purchased this pack for an upcoming 2012 John Muir Trail thru hike. I like an external pack when I'm carrying a bear cannister and my old Mountain Smith is pretty well worn out. I bought this pack with the intention of modifying it but not to the degree that it required. The Chinese designed frame on this pack is horrendous.Except for the very bottom, the frame is ladder straight and hits both sides of your back just below the shoulder blades. There are no grommets where the top portion of the frame slides into the lower frame and this combined with the fact that all the clevis pins are twice the length they need to be, make this rig extreemly noisy and squeaky. The bag itself is well made and just by removing the rain cover, the audio pouch, and the useless bag stiffener I reduced the weight by 11oz. I threw the frame away and mounted the suspension and bag on a modified aluminum Jansport frame I had in my cache. It made a trail worthy rig @ 4lbs 6oz. Don't buy this for anything more than weekend hiking.

I have been searching for a backpack at a reasonable price and perfect for long hikes.