I purchased this bag last winter and tested it on a really short trip with sucess. Last week I spent 4 days/3 nights in the high country in the Smokies. Pack performed reasonably well. My waist and hips are about the same size so transfer of weight to the hips has always been a problem. I found the 34# load to be reasonably comfortable. I am converting the waist buckle to a cam lock buckle which is the same thing I did with my external frame back. I am a BIG guy and the straps are barely long enough for me. I purchased this pack to reduce the total weight that I carry and for that it is great. The pack is NOT waterproof but lightweight garbage bags solve that issue. Bottom line - a good pack, light weight, simple, no frills.