Comments about Black Diamond Epic 45 Pack:

I have been using this pack on mountaineering trips mostly. These include overnight trips on snow and up steep snow an ice.

The pack carries very well with a weight of up to 35 pounds. I am 5' 7" , have a 30" waist and fit a medium barely. I have not added more weight then 35 pounds yet. There is lots of room on the outside of the pack to hang up to two ice axes, trekking poles, tent/snowshoes, and comes with a useful attachment for external fastening of crampons.

I would definitely recommend this to a friend. Most people probably look at this pack because of the suspension that follows your body movements. It takes some getting used to, but is very nice. The biggest problem for me is that top pocket area of the pack is fixed and can't be adjusted over a super full pack. Also when I want to look up the pocket prevents me from being able to look up all the way, especially when wearing a helmet