Review on Mountainsmith Pinion Hiking Backpack - 25 Liters by Steve Atchley

I think this is a great budget set. I made it to the highest point in the United States (Mount Whitney) in mid-December. I took it on a 110 mile trek in 17 days in the Gila desert. And he joined me for 6 weeks last summer when I was backpacking and rafting rivers in Texas, Arkansas and New Mexico. It is made from high quality materials and so far there have been no rips, tears, holes or similar damage to the packaging. It still looks like new! It handles heavy loads incredibly well, the largest load to date is around 50 pounds. (Mount Whitney). I ended up removing the back support and instead using closed cell foam padding inside the backpack to support it. It worked really well and I took that 30 pounds with me when I went out with a guide this summer. Great package for the price and I don't think you will be disappointed. Just a few words! Not suitable for under 32 drop. I'm 34 and really need to compress the waist straps for it to fit. The waist straps are also about 3 feet long, so you'll need to cut them off. And finally, the backpack has no separation from your back, so you will sweat. Finally, the water bottle pockets are a little flimsy and the only part of the backpack that has been ripped. (above not included because I don't consider them essential to the package). I can't vouch for its weather resistance as I usually line the inside of my pack with a heavy duty trash compaction bag.