Amazon Basics Internal Frame Backpack

I'm only 5'-4". Perhaps this bag is too big for me, but I mainly bought it for "emergency preparedness" and then have ended up using it as I venture into the world of backpack camping. In my opinion, the only thing missing are pockets along the waist buckle. Other packs have that option and it would be a nice place to store a phone, lip balm, or snack.A few things: I LOVE all the pockets/straps/features, however, some of them are hard to find because of the black on black color. Some contrast stitching would make it a lot easier to find things. There is a rainfly, but it might take you awhile to find it and there IS a bladder pouch and hose slot (it's on the right side if you are wearing your pack). I love the two mesh pockets at the bottom which I am just flexible enough to reach around and grab a water bottle. The side zippered pockets are great for a first aid kit, etc.I like that you can separate the bottom compartment for shoes/fuel OR you can unzip it to just create a single large space, and if you have voluminous clothing, the 5L extension at the top is very nice as are the two "brain" pockets (at the very top of the pack) that zipper from opposite sides to ensure you can put keys and anything you don't want to get wet on the inside and nothing will fall out if you want to put things in the more easily accessible outside brain pocket.There are 3 sets of straps for securing the pack to your body. The set attached to the waist buckle. Then there is a set at the typical place all backpacks have them, by your obliques. Then there is the third, higher up straps near your shoulders that help keep the pack tight to your back. I could use a longer set of these because the pack is never fully against my back which I guess is because of my height. As long as I don't "overpack" (more than 20% of my body weight) it isn't an issue, although if anything makes me buy another pack it will be this AND the desire for waist pockets.Finally, there is a place to strap poles, sleeping pad, etc.Overall, well-made, lots of features, reasonable price.

This bag is great for the price point especially compared to other bags on the market at 5 to 6 times the cost of this one. I took this with me on my honeymoon to Europe and it worked great. I was able to fit everything that I needed in this bag and the internal frame made it comfortable to carry when we were moving from city to city on the train. I didn’t even use all of the storage space in the bag as some of it does have a very specific use but if you were camping this bag would be great. Saw some reviews that the buckles broke easy, I didn’t have this issue with the bag at all but if I do I am just planning on buying some metal clips and replacing all of them on the bag to make sure they don’t break!

I've used this for a few years now and while I haven't experienced some of the issues others have, I realize this is not a 'pro' level backpack either. It is entry level, and should be judged on that. I've used it for weekend backpacking trips, and general camping. I'm not going to put 50 pounds in it and complain that it wont hold, because it's not designed for that. If you're carrying 50 pounds or more, you should look into expedition rated bags, or hunter backpacks, not economy 'store brand' merchandise. And comparing it to the same is like comparing apples and bananas. I've found this bag to easily carry what I needed for short backpacking trips. A hammock, Tarp, UQ, TQ, change of clothes, food water and stove. I do not believe it's a full 75L pack, as I moved to this from a 65+10 and I swear I lost room. The front pocket is shallow, maybe 1 1/2" deep and most of what I've stored there has been miscellaneous flat gear. Paper, map, etc. I've also found the side pockets to be a little lacking, though they look large, it's deceiving. They will barley hold 2 regular cans of food, stacked, in them (not that I would carry that, just an example of volume). I ended up using 1 pocket for my stove/pot kit (Stanley type) and the other for 'storage' (Stakes, misc, etc). So, what about the good? It has a large spacious main compartment with a zipper separation between the top and bottom sections. There is a space for a camel back with a Velcro strap to hold it and a hole to route your hose through. The "Brain" on the bag, has an external pocket and an internal pocket. I keep my night clothes in the inside pocket and the things I need to reach quickly in the outside one. There are 2 mesh pockets on the bottom, that work well for water bottles or similar. It has a integrated rain cover that it sewn into a pocket on the bottom (No more losing that cover!) and has adjustable compression straps all over the bag to snug everything up. The torso length is adjustable, as is the hip belt, sternum strap and shoulder straps (top and bottom). Although I didn't experience any slippage of my straps others did. This can be overcome by placing new buckles on the straps, if you are so inclined... Overall, it's a good starter backpack. Don't expect much, but you didn't spend much either. Read all the reviews, Good & Bad and decide for yourself.