I gave it 5 stars as I love this pack. As a naturalist and docent, I need a pack that is comfortable for a variety of hikes and outings. Scout hikes, nature interpretive hikes, or just a hour or two walk on the trails by the house. It needed to not only perform well, but hold a bit more that I would alone (extra first aid, food and water for others). It does that and more.
Love the mag feature to hold the hose, mouthpiece is holding up well and the bladder system works very well. More pockets than I know what to do with... Materials seem top notch and the Osprey guarantee hopefully will never be tested.
The only gripe I have, and it is minor is the ability to fill the bladder. Due to the stiff back of the system, getting it under the fridges water outlet is impossible so I need to fill a container or pitcher and fill the bladder. This is not an issue anywhere else (sink, pump, etc) and only on my fridge, Camelback bladder is flexible so it works there.
I go between this pack and my Camelback Fourteener that has less pockets, but the bladder system, mesh back panel (cooler) and straps that seem to breathe a bit better (Camelbacks are thicker/more foam). In addition I had to sew in a tag to "hang" the Camelback bladder from as it collapses in the pack if not fully loaded. However I do prefer the Camelbak strap around the waist (wider) as well as the cinch system.
Cant go wrong with either so I have them both... the Osprey however wins most of the outings.
