Un-tested in the field as yet, but I have a couple of comments 'out of the box'.
Half way down inside the bag are hidden pouches for the snowboard carry straps (accessible from the outside only). These hinder smooth filling and emptying of the bag from the top as they catch on anything you pass by them.
Inside a pack should be 'clean' of obstructions in my view, and it wouldn't take much to have put a pannel all the way down the inside of the bag to hide even more of the straps.
Overall the bag is sturdily built (as with most Dakine products), the ali stays are removable. It's not a light bag from the start, and to be honest, it's such a sturdy bag that I doubt the stays make much of a difference as to how it handles on your back.
I was surprised by the width of the shoulder straps.
It does seem a pity that it does not come with the hydration bladder as well.
All in all I'm happy with the purchase, but Dakine could do better!