I use Badlands/Vortex backpacks all the time ... I've used them for day trips, hauling sheep off the mountain and general use - they are awesome! Hands down, they make one of the best packs on the market.

I went and checked this pack out and it seems like it will do everything I want it to, the drawback being the price, So hopefully santa will bring it to me and if not my birthday is right around the corner.

I have a Badlands pack like this, but perhaps earlier version. I like the pack except that the buckles, etc. are plastic, or similar, and really quite noisy. On a recent sheep hunt I took my knife to many of them. Now there are less straps, buckles, busy-ness, and commotion, and it works better. I have `done this' to several packs - making them simpler, better (and slightly lighter). However, I will admit, one pack I cut off some straps I later wish I still had.

Got it for christmas and after i read everything about it i definately appriciated it even more. It is out and out the best pack ive looked at definately top of the line. Then you see what their warranty is and its even more impressive, a lifetime no fault warranty , they say on their website that they dont care whether you bought it brand new or at a garage sale, if its broke they fix it no charge(you pay shipping) but it seems like they are behind their product 100%