TETON 65L, 75L, 85L Explorer Internal Frame Backpack for Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Rain Cover Included

Great product! Huge space, a lot of compartments and very comfortable on the back.

This bag is excellent quality for the price I paid. It is eminently practical with the many pockets and pouches. Large enough for multiday excisions and it's made of very durable materials. I expect this back to offer me many years of service on my adventures.

I've only taken it on one trip thus far but I can say that it's performed well. Time will tell but the workmanship seems top notch and the attention to detail is good. In fact, all the features of this bag can be a bit overwhelming at first but everything seems so well thought out. It seems infinitely adjustable for various sized folk and I can imagine that it's performance is greatly dependent upon getting this fit right so spend some time on this. Once set up correctly, the pack floats on your hips and the shoulder straps simply keep it in place rather than taking all the weight. I packed way too much stuff on our first trip and I was amazed at how well the pack took the load.I also purchased the Teton LEEF Adult -18c sleeping bag and unfortunately it seems too big to fit into the bottom compartment which, according to their marketing, is supposed to hold a TETON sleeping bag. Perhaps the -7c version will fit? Sadly, I wasn't able to take advantage of this particular feature. It would have been nice if they had paired various products together in their marketing to show what works with what.One of the things that I liked about this version (compared to the smaller one) was that the side pockets are only attached along their sides allowing you to pass something (like a set of tent poles, a saw or an axe?) in behind them.Many bags that I looked at try to add pockets by including zippers on the side of the bag that allow access to compartments inside (perhaps for a more streamlined look?)... or worse, pockets that are not pleated but simply sewn into the exterior of the bag. The result is a pocket that you can't use when the pack is really full. This bag has pleated pockets on the exterior with good quality zippers and flaps to keep some rain out. I found them really useful for keeping gear that I needed quick access to while hiking and setting up camp.So far, I have to say that this bag is everything they claimed it would be and I'm very happy with it.

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.

I have been looking at packs for a few weeks and decided to purchase the Teton Explorer 4000(Gray) because of the features, good reviews and bargain price. It arrived today and I'm not disappointed! The shipping box was in sad shape, dunnage was minimal and the packing tape was messed up but the pack was unmolested inside a plastic bag. That was the worse part.I don't concur with some of the negatives described in other reviews here. The zippers do not stick, they open and close just fine. I don't know how one can declare the sleeping bag compartment too small... compared to what? This is a 4000ci bag and advertised as such... it is what it is. I did fit my Sleep Cell 30 degree mummy bag in there no problem. I could even squeeze in a few extra items. I can fit two of my 50 degree summer bags in also... together. Yes, if you have a giant, fluffy, 5 lb, -20 degree winter bag, it probably won't fit here. This is a med sized, 4000ci backpack designed to carry backpacking style sleeping bags, not ones designed to drive to the cabin or car camp. I hope this clears things up if you're hesitant due to other reviewers dubbing it "too small"... it fits most common bags just fine for a 4000ci pack. Besides, having to compress your bag and squeeze it in compacts your load and saves weight - stuff sack not needed. This is the best way to pack a 4000ci backpack! Use waterproof bags to protect sensitive items where needed.The material seems to be of good, sturdy quality. The straps and buckles are very sturdy also and I see no difference after comparing them to the straps and buckles on Kelty, Jansport or Northface bags I examined in stores. If they do break, Walmart sells buckles and straps for pennies - made by Outdoor Products. I will carry extra with me when I use it.This bag has plenty of straps, loops (daisy chains) and pockets to carry everything you need. It even has a cinch strap above the side with the two pockets. It has a rubber backing to protect the bag and will cinch down your tent poles, walking stick or whatever you can fish down between the two pockets and bag - remember these pockets are pass-through which allows you to slip items behind them. The pack is very comfortable and rests on your hips very well. I did try it out packed full for an hour. When I removed the back stays to bend them for a better fit the rubber boots came off the lower ends and I had to spend a few minutes fishing them out. To prevent this from happening next time I duct taped them in place.The lifetime warranty on the tag says: "... original owner only and excludes normal wear and tear (e.g., zippers that wear out after extended use) or misuse. If, after inspection, a product is determined by us to be defective in workmanship or materials, we will repair or replace it at our option, at no cost to the original owner."The trifold tag also includes full description of features, how to fit it properly, and how to load it with your gear... really good info.I will give an update after I use it in the field.Update 6 Sep 2010:Packed it with 40 lbs and hiked 12 miles in St. Mary's Wilderness,VA. Stayed 2 nights in these remote mountains and it performed fine. Passing Hikers commented that I "looked ready for anything with such a great pack". I guess all the attachment points, straps, pockets and bottle holders impressed them. I tossed and dragged it on the ground and ran it into trees and rocks. It also made a great camp chair and pillow - the back pads are soft and supportive. There were no malfunctions - no complaints.Update 21 Jan 2011:I purchased a larger, 20 degree Field and Stream MT20 mummy bag (for backpacking) suitable for colder weather and guess what?... it also fits in the sleeping bag compartment of this 4000ci backpack! A few extra seconds of compressing does the job. I kind of like the fact that the load is made smaller by having to squeeze it in there a bit. This keeps your load more compact and easier to carry... a plus to me. This is a great 4000ci pack!