Granite Gear Women's Nimbus Meridian Ki Backpack

I absolutely love this pack. I am a small woman, and many other brands of pack that I have tried just hurt my body. I decided to give this pack a try and am so glad I did. It moves with your body, is comfortable with loads at least 50 pounds (I haven't tried with much more) and has withstood the abuse of a season (6 mos)of backcountry trail work. The materials held up nicely to being rolled down hills, and squished under logs...things normal people don't do to packs! It can be loaded from the top, or from the front zipper, making organizing a breeze. I like that the lid is removable, and that the lid zipper is facing away from the wearer, making it much easier for a buddy to reach in and grab the map or snack for you. Because it is UL, care has to be taken to distribute the weight correctly in the pack so that the frame can do it's job, but that just takes a bit of experimenting. I have strapped tools onto it, or stripped it down and used it as a daypack, and can comfortably pack for a 3-9 day excursion with it.

I must also say that Granite Gear's customer service is FABULOUS. The pack I bought was from a batch that had a squeaky frame sheet. I e-mailed their customer service about this, and they sent me a new (squeak free) frame free of charge, and withing a week. LOVE IT.