TETON Sports Explorer Internal Frame Backpack; High-Performance Backpack for Backpacking, Hiking, Camping

I used the pack once for a short overnight pack trip. It holds lots and carried quiet well. I’m 5’10 and it fit me nicely between the M and L setting for the torso. I had it loaded to 35 pounds and it felt very comfortable. I would recommend this pack to anyone not wanting to break the bank.

This turned out to be very comfortable. The adjustablity of the torso size allows you to adjust the pack so weight distribution is better. Where you will feel the difference compared to cheaper packs is that, when adjusted correctly, it keeps the weight from riding solely on and crushing your shoulders. I like the smaller, but still big enough to be usefull pockets on outside that make it easier to keep items organized without everything jumbled/jamned in a single large pocket. It makes locating things like a first aid kit, duct tape, head lamp, etc. easier, without rooting around in the large pocket and having to take out half your stuff to find anything. Further, this pack allows me to carry a camp stool comfortably in a vertical position where it is easily accessed. It also, has small compartments in the waist band that allows easy access to snacks/napkins/folded paper towels. (cold weather always makes my nose run - which becomes highly annoying on the trail. These compartments allow you to easily solve this problem by keeping supplies accessible without stopping.) Durability is good - should last for years. Overall I really like this pack and for the price is a good deal. The only con is the non-adjustable ice axe loops. Which unless you are planning to hike in artic ice conditions are not useful. (maybe carry a wood axe instead?) They would be better if they were adjustable loops that could be utilized for strapping on other types of gear. Update: the ice axe loops actually work to help hold my trekking poles. So I guess I eliminated my only con.

My other backpack did NOT travel well for a five week trip to South America. The top closing flap did not extend, it made things difficult when my bag was extremely full. I think this bag will be exactly what I need.

This is the second one of these I have bought. The first was delivered with a damaged hipbelt and returned. This one was also delivered with a damaged hipbelt. It seems like this one is a newer model. It claims to have solved the common complaint that the water bottle pockets are hard to access by making them angled. It has not. And they are not. All other changes are actually for the worse. The lid is now removable. But if you remove it there is nothing but a drawstring to keep your gear safe and secure. And, lid on or off, it leaves two very long straps hanging between your back and the pack. Speaking of the lid, it is now smaller with a shorter zip. That means a couple of items I like to keep in it for easy access no longer fit. The padding on the back, hipbelt and straps seems thinner and less durable. The buckles also feel less robust. And the water bottle pockets and the pocket on the front went from a standard mesh to what feels like womens stockings. The torso length adjustment feels wonky and is not straight or centered. And it didn't come with the straps to secure something to the lid. But I don't know if these last two are across the board or I just got a bad one. Teton backpacks are overhyped. A few youtubers sang their praises back when you could pick one up for under $70USD. At the time of wrting this review it is over £130. That's over double the $70 those youtubers paid. What's more, I just bought a 65 liter Osprey Rook for £130. Let that sink in. This piece of crap is the same price as an Osprey! And they let me pay for the Osprey in 5 monthly instalments of £26. And unless the Osprey is delivered literally burnt to ashes I will be returning the Teton and I will never buy another Teton Sports product as long as I live.

Used this backpack for several canoe trips over the past year without any complaints. Although it isn't waterproof, I got around this problem by a combination of using the included rain covering and using dry bags for some items. Enough space for several day long trips, and was reasonably comfortable during the portages. Have not used it yet for longer hiking trips (e.g. backpacking)