First off, the pack is excellent in terms of workmanship and functionality. It fits my large torso quite comfortably, and the suspended mesh back is perfect for summer activities. I've not yet had a chance to use the rain cover, but its inclusion is a pretty solid feature. I can even fit my rain jacket in the pouch for the rain cover, so my wet-weather gear is ready to go in one spot without having to open the main pocket and risk getting the interior contents wet. So, what's the catch? The side pockets wont fit a 32 oz. Nalgene bottle! I'm honestly not really sure why Alps made this design choice, but now I can't use my default water bottles with the side pockets of this pack. In all fairness, the pack is designed to be used with a bladder, and there are several nice features that will make life great for folks who use these water bags, but just dont expect your Nalgene bottles to fit in the side pockets. Despite this, I still highly recommend the pack if this quirk isn't a deal-breaker. Everything else about the pack seems fantastic!

I purchased this for my son to use on all his BSA scout outings. It is a high quality pack that is lightweight and has a cool suspension system which will be great for the warm summer months. His first use was a 3 day trip to Washington DC, where he packed a water bottle, snacks, sunglasses, first aid kit, tri-leg stool and a jacket. Perfect size for the day without a lot of bulk. The side straps were perfect for holding his Alps tri-legged stool on one side and a bottle on the other. The front expanding pouch was perfect for his frisbee.