This is my second Rio Grande backpack. It is simple but my last one survived for more than 10 years traveling around the world. This new one has some product upgrades: internal aluminum frame that can be removed and a rain cover. The waterproof internal material also seems to be better than my old one. The 45L size is perfect when traveling by plane. Even when full it still fits in the above compartment of small planes like E90 aircrafts.

This backpack was designed to ride high on the back. There's no adjustment for the kidney straps and they wrap around the stomach rather than towards the hips. Very uncomfortable.

I wanted to like this pack, but it just didn't work for me. Let me preface this review by stating that I'm an Eagle Scout with a fair number of hiking and backpacking miles under my belt, so I know how to properly set up a pack. The torso length on this pack is far too short for me, and I'm only 5' 7, so I have no idea what size person this is intended to fit. When the shoulder straps were tightened properly, the hip belt road up all the way to my belly button, no where near my hip bones. Also, the load adjuster straps are attached at the same location as the shoulder straps themselves, making them completely useless.I really did want to like this pack, I love the British DPM camo, and the compartments of the pack itself were nice and well laid out. But unless you have the torso length of a child, this will not fit properly. A real shame!