REI Mars Pack - 84 Liters - '07 Special Buy

Comments about REI Mars Pack - '07 Special Buy:

A very comfortable shoulder strap/backpanel/waistbelt system and very adjustable. Super easy to pack and to get things out of your pack without taking everything out. strong stitching and zippers. The internal reservoir sleeve is big enough for a 3 liter reservoir maybe two 2 liters. This pack has been perfect for me i've had for a year now.

Comments about REI Mars Pack - '07 Special Buy:

New to backpacking. This is my first pack so I do not have much to compare it with. I have been on 4 week long trips in the past two years with this pack. Each time I have way over packed, 50+ lbs. (one trip over 70 lbs. don't ask..) The front panel access makes loading, and reloading easy. What doen't fit inside, is too easily straped onto the outside. Allways the heaviest pack in the group. But even grossly overloaded, this pack has been extremely comfortable. The only problem I have had, has been with the chest strap riding up into my neck, though I think I have finally figured out all of the fit adjustments on this last trip, it was not as big of a problem. Love it!

Comments about REI Mars Pack - '07 Special Buy:

This pack is magnificent. I got this pack about a year and a half ago and to say the least it's awesome. Bought it for a 25 mile hike, then just kept going. Since then it's gone on over 165 miles worth of hiking and it's going on another 70 miler this summer. Front access panel is awesome for easy access to your things, and the top pockets also make for easy storage of personal gear. Can get very wet without getting your gear wet (went to Philmont Ranch for a 70 miler, rained/hailed almost every day), and it's comfort goes beyond expectation. The straps are easily adjustable while you're hiking, so no need to stop, and rarely do I have the shoulder straps causing a lot of friction. Also, if there isn't enough space inside the pack, just strap it on outside. The bottom straps work great for flyrods, and if you need more just bring some rope and tie it through the loops on the front of the pack, but with 5,100 cubic inches of space you will have plenty of room to spare. And now that the price has dropped, there's even more of an excuse to beg your parents/spouse into letting you get this pack. The only problem with it is that if the straps get a little too loose, it can redden your hips up a little, nothin any pack won't do after 25 miles, so be sure to adjust the straps correctly. Oh, and by the way, I'm 15, so it's great for any age and any fit waistline.

Comments about REI Mars Pack - '07 Special Buy:

The Mars 85 was perfect for my comfort driven mind set for hiking. I purchased the large size because I am 6'2", 215 lbs. It fits perfect and holds everything and more for a 3 day to a week long trip.

I just recently used my pack on a 3 day hiking adventure through the smokies. I had zero problems with packing all my food, clothing, water, sleeping bag and sleeping pad. The loops were great for hooking my sandals onto and other things.

This is a great pack for those of us who love the outdoors but need to feel comfortable by being able to carry what you want and some extra. Awesome backpack, will never need to buy another forever it seems!

Comments about REI Mars Pack - '07 Special Buy:

This is the best pack I have ever owned or worn. Granted, I have never worn a $500+ pack, but I have really no reason to look elsewhere as the Mars has everything I need. I can pack for 5-10 days. Love the deep mesh water pockets on each side of the hip belts. Also, at a skosh over 5 lbs, it is pretty light. Feels sturdy as well. I have taken it on several 50 milers in the Grand Canyon, Uintah Mountains, and Sierra Mtns. It is no worse for the wear.

The only improvement I would make would be to make it lighter, but only if it could be done without sacrificing durability.

For a tad over $100 bucks, there is no better pack to buy.

Comments about REI Mars Pack - '07 Special Buy:

The weak seam is the on that holds the lumbar pad to the frame. The stitching is sometimes badly done and comes out, thus I've had to exchange a few until I found one that was done right.

Otherwise this pack, as well as its earlier model year predecessor, is the only one that fit me right.

The manoeuverability is completely unparalleled.

Comments about REI Mars Pack - '07 Special Buy:

This pack is great. It holds a ton of gear and if it wont fit, there are several options for attaching stuff to the outside. Because of this you need to use some self-control when packing, it adds up fast.

I've used this pack twice. A 24 miler along the Buffalo River Trail and a 3 nigher in the Lost Creek Wilderness. The pack is 2 for 2. We did get a ton of rain in Arkansas and while not waterproof this pack did well considering the conditions. I would recommend that you use stuff sacks or a rain fly if heading into very wet weather.

When you consider performance and price this is a good option that wont disappoint.

Comments about REI Mars Pack - '07 Special Buy:

I only went to one backpacking trip with my new backpack. It was a very long hike up the hill for about 3 hrs. The backpack felt very comfortable, but the next morning when I hiked back, I could feel straps rub into my shoulder bones. I hope the straps will break in.
Otherwise it's a very cool backpack, with lots of pockets. It fits in a lot of stuff.

Comments about REI Mars Pack - '07 Special Buy:

Bought this for a week long backpack through Yosemite. The best part is the extreme accessibility of your gear. You can get to pretty much anything in the pack right away through the top, sides, or bottom due to the multiple main pocket access points.

It was slightly confusing at first to pack it properly, but once you pack it once you get the hang of how to balance it properly and it's pretty comfortable to wear.

The shoulder straps could be a little softer, but that's really the only bad thing I can think of. Overall, it's a fantastic pack that holds a lot, stands up to significant abuse and heavy rain, and is highly functional.

Comments about REI Mars Pack - '07 Special Buy:

This pack served me well recently on a four day hike through Yosemite canyon. The size of the pack allows internal storage of all of your gear - I carried 38 lbs - which was great for minimizing snagging on brush, limbs, rocks, etc., plus if it rains your gear is INSIDE your pack - Highly Recommended!