Bought this bag around May/June of 2016 for backpacking in Yellowstone. Was initially very impressed until about 2 weeks into my trip. One of the side pockets ripped when I was putting my water bottle in it. Within 2 more days the small tear had grown down the entire pocket. The pocket was now a flap into the main compartment and no longer was able to keep things separate. I tried getting a hold of customer service with no luck. It's a shame because I really like the bag. All in all it's a good bag, I just really wish I could have gotten a hold of customer service to resolve the problem.

I bought this as a starter overnight backpacking pack for someone, so I will update this review once I've had a chance to use/gift it.
My only comparable modern backpack experience is with high-end Gregory packs and a family member with a new REI pack. This looks almost as well thought out and constructed as those. It has noticeably less padded and sophisticated suspension, but that may not affect comfort and use. It's comfortable and adjustable in all the usual backpack places. The torso height adjustment maxes out at 18", so if you are over 5'10", it might not fit well (see below and in photos).

2016-11-30: I haven't used this yet other than putting about 40lbs in it and walking around the house.

-- Features from the top down --
All straps on this pack are 3/4" webbing and have elastic 'keepers' except the shoulder strap webbing is 1" and waist belt is 1.5"
'brain' (top pouch) tie-in straps are about 36" long and are removable.
'brain' has a bottom mesh pocket and separate outer normal pocket.
main compartment bag has a drawstring and cord lock and an 'extension' with another drawstring/cord lock
main compartment has 2 quick clips inside (to hold hydration bladder?)
main compartment has a water bladder pouch (only about 8" tall)
framesheet is completely removable from a zippered compartment
framesheet is plastic with holes, and two vertical solid aluminum stays. No anti-barreling cross bar
there is a large outer front pocket, separate from the main compartment
the outer front pocket zips away from the main compartment allowing you to panel load the main compartment.
the front has two daisy chains on the outer pocket
the vertical-zipper outside-accessible pocket is on the left
the ice axe/trekking pole upper retainers are elastic cord with a cord lock for adjustability and a quick-release
the main and bottom compartment are separated by a zippered flap, but there are small gaps at each end of the zipper. This is more separated than the typical 'flap and straps' method, but potentially less strong since it relies on the zipper strength.
mesh water bottle pockets on each side
ice axe loops are above to bottom compartment zipper so they don't block it.
bottom compartment straps only cover the 'door' and do not extend around the bottom of the pack (cannot carry anything onthe bottom of the pack)
there is a small reflective strap/loop about 1.5" long on the front of the bottom. You could clip something to it
bottom is a heavier nylon material than the rest of the pack, but not a 'smooth' impervious kind
the rain cover is accessed on the rear of the pack (by your butt) in a zippered compartment. It is removable, held on by a strap and slider.

shoulder straps are decently padded an comfortable; they have permanent D-rings attached.
sternum strap is easily height adjustable, has an elastic portion, and the buckle is also a whistle
waist belt is decently padded, but is a single adjustment type (no mechanical advantage like newer Gregory or Osprey packs)
waist belt has zippered pockets on each side. The pockets are close to the kidney area, even on a smaller waist, but still accessible. On a large waist, i would not count on being able to use them easily, but you could add pockets to the webbing part of the belt.

I bought this pack to prepare for a trip to Philmont June 2016. I was kind of weary that it would last long enough for me to take to Philmont but so far so good. I used it on a couple weekend trips before we left and it held up great! At Philmont it was incredibly functional and the luggage opening in the middle makes it so much easier to have access to all the stuff in my pack without having to pull everything out. Also, all the pockets are great especially the 2 side pockets that blouse out to fit bigger items in them. The rain cover that's included is not very sturdy and fits snug. If you plan on hanging things off the pack with caribiners the rain pack cover may not fit over the entire pack. Another thing I liked is above and below the 2 side pockets there are straps that buckle on and off. I used these to hang camp shoes and to strap my camp pillow. During the 2 week trip I busted one of these straps; guess I tightened my pillow onto it a little too much. The other thing that made it very comfortable is that the hip strap and sturdy, has thick padding, and has plenty of width. All in all I still give it 5 stars because it's still a great pack for the price plus it's not super heavy.

I bought this bag to introduce me into backpacking for a low cost. At this point I have used it for about 10 days total of backpacking/camping.

This is a decent backpack by my standards. I like the pockets on the lid, and it has a bunch straps on the outside to attach items to. The zippers are of decent quality and havent snagged or given any problems yet. The pack material is strong and hasn't torn after dropping the bag on the forrest floor a few times. The main straps are as adjustable as any quality backpack on the market.

My only complaints are the hip straps and harness. I have a size 32 waist and I have to tighten all the way for a good fit. At this point straps have given a little and i have to tie in a knot to avoid it loosening.

Overall this is a good pack for beginners looking for a low cost.

Awesome! I used this product for a two week backpacking trip in the mountains of Oregon. One of the buckles on the front bottom straps broke when attaching a sleeping pad at beginning of trip so I had to fix with duct tape. Aside from this, bag exceeded my expectations. It held A LOT of stuff, which made it easy to carry too much stuff! All straps came in handy and being able to cinch it closer to my body helped reduce fatigue. I wish I was able to remove the top part completely. The sleeping bag compartment worked perfect and I loved the idea that I could open the whole pack into one big compartment. The front and side pouches made it easy to keep stuff organized and the metal rod frame kept the bag correct for the best support. The waist belt pocket was perfect for a little snack or my phone. The suitcase type zipper made it extremely easy to find things compared to other bags that were only top loaders. The whistle on buckle is very loud and useful as well. Do not recommend for anyone with waist size 30 and smaller. For those with a bigger waist, I HIGHLY recommend! Awesome and great for the price compared to other products!!!