Granite Gear Torso Nimbus Core Pack

I bought this pack, hoping to replace an older, panel loading Granite Gear pack that I absolutely adored (Nimbus Latitude). There was little in the way of information, but I thought I would take the risk and see if I liked it. I did not, so I returned it.

First, the pack is not that big. I would estimate 3200 cubes, at max. If you want to carry a bear canister, and precious little else, then this is the pack for you. I don't carry a bear canister, but after putting my compressed down sleeping bag, pad, a rolled up jacket, and food in the main compartment, there was no more room left. I could have jammed more stuff inside, but the panel that covers the compartment is only so big. If that panel was wider, it would have been better.

The main compartment has another flaw, in my opinion, there is no true bottom to it. The pack is basically the two side pockets with a flap that goes between them.

Also, the compression straps are attached really strange. They are mounted opposite of each other. You have to pull both sides to the right to tighten them down, instead of the more logical arrangement of pulling them towards each other. Also one of the bottom buckles is attached to a 1 inch strap and you need to feed the other side underneath the stretch pocket to get to it. This is nearly a herculean effort when the bag is packed to capacity, which it will be, because it's so small.

Despite it's flaws, it seemed well made. I was a big fan of padding and overall comfort of the pack. I was really disappointed overall, I really wanted to love the pack, but I ended up hating it and returning it.