Side by Side Comparison of: High Sierra

This pack is not perfect, but it's value is ridiculous and that's why I'm giving it 5 stars. This is a long, in-depth review for a $35 pack that I've used for ~8 months for mountain biking, running, and hiking, but I'll be covering pretty much everything. Also, I am 6', 230lb guy with a 48" chest, so I'm definitely a bigger user. Before I owned this pack, I bought another one (similar style) from High Sierra about 7-8 years ago and it is still usable, it's my other loaner now and in great working condition, even after years of mostly mountain biking and hiking. I have also used this pack for about 8 months and it's proven to me to be extremely durable. I primarily got this pack to be a trasher/loaner pack I can bring to Spartan Races and not worry about it getting destroyed (which it hasn't been!)I'll start with a TL;DR Recommendation, This bag is for:Someone who is getting into hiking, biking, or trail running and doesn't want to spend a lot while still getting a VERY usable product that will last. You can keep it as a back-up and loaner to give on buddies who join you. Or, someone who wants a beater bag to bring to a Spartan Race/Other OCR without ruining a $100+ pack.This bag is not for:Someone who absolutely knows they want a high-performance product with features like, mesh/vents, front pockets, hip pockets, perfect fit (especially for runners), trekking pole attachments, etc. For that, I'd direct you to Ultimate Direction and Nathan.CompartmentsThe hydration bladder routes through the right shoulder and has a full zipper pouch that allows you to "seal off" the shoulder and protect the bite valve, this is a nifty feature, but it only works for smaller sized bite valves, it will not fit a Platypus bite valve. The Hydration bladder pouch can fit up to a 3 Liter bladder (I use the Platypus Big Zip 3 L) which I think is ridiculously awesome. There is also a little plastic carabiner to hold the bladder. All the zippers on this bag are not the highest quality, so zipping up this pocket is a pain, but you zip it up once and you're good. The big main compartment has no pockets, which is alright, but causes a lot of things to fall down and pile up at the bottom of the back, which can be slightly uncomfortable, but if you pack it up smartly, cinch it down and put it on, I found nothing will move around. I can carry a wallet, med kit, food, headlamp, hat, 1L nalgene, and big winter gloves in the big compartment (This is with ~2L in the bladder as well). In the smaller compartment, there are a few smaller pockets and a little carabiner for car keys or a light. There is a pocket that is perfect for a phone (I can fit 2 iphone 6's in here). The other two I use for a tiny bug spray bottle and a pocket knife. The smaller compartment also has a headphone cable slot. There is also a medium-sized pouch between the compartments with mesh on the walls, but it is open and the only way to close it is with the cinch straps on each side, I don't trust this pouch to hold much, so I usually use it to hold trash I find on the trail like water bottles and plastic bags.FitThe bag fit is not the best, it's passable, though. For hiking and mountain biking it's great, it's a little annoying for running, because there is no real elastic on the straps, so you must either tighten it down to prevent movement or let it be looser and give yourself some more mobility. The shoulder straps do get uncomfortable after a long hike. The sternum strap has a bit of elastic on it which is good and is on rails so you can slide it up and down. If you pull on the sternum strap too hard, it will pop off the rails and you have to fiddle with it to put it back on. The hip straps are a personal preference, sometimes I use them when running, but, again, you must decide between restricting the packs movement or allowing yourself more mobility. As you drink water you will have to readjust the pack to be snug, this happens with all hydration packs, though.Hydration BladderIt comes with a 2L Bladder that is, I even still have mine from 8 years ago, and the only problem is the bite valve has failed and it leaks everywhere. The bladder is OK at best, it's easy to clean and functions, the only major problems are the bite valve feels cheap and can leak a bit and there is a bit of a plasticy taste, that will go away over time. The Hose-Bladder connection is also not a quick-connect which can make cleaning harder, but it's not a problem for me, I usually just leave the hose on anyway.I would recommend replacing the bladder with a $20 one from Platypus or Camelbak.

I am a geologist and I hike a lot. This is my third camelbak backpack and it is hands down my favorite. It is a nice small size but with a good sized camelbak pouch. There is a very useful strap that goes around your chest which Is very useful. The only improvement i would want is that I wish it had open side pouches on the sides to hold extra water bottles and other things.The inside zipper pouches are a good size. They aren't too small. You can extend the open pouch in the middle of the bag to make it larger or smaller. Overall, I like it very much.

I'm mountain bike about 2-3 times a week, and this is perfect for short trips (5-10 miles). Anything longer and you might want to consider a slightly larger bladder.On a typical ride, I carry 2 29" tubes, a first aid kit, emergency poncho, emergency whistle, a multi tool, protein bars, 2 CO2 canisters and valve, and a few other various items with room to spare. I can even still fit my helmet in the front, latching, section with everything else in it. The larger compartment reaches to the bottom of the pouch and holds a considerable amount of stuff. I put the items I don't need regularly (tubes, first aid, etc.) in there. I put protein bars, my keys, and my multi tool in the smaller pouch for easy access.At first, I was skeptical of the way you fill the bladder. You fold the bag over and slide a locking part into the fold. I didn't know how secure it would be, as I'm used to the screw on lid of a CamelBak. It has held up well, and is easy to put ice into. It also makes it really easy to clean. It actually feels really secure once you see it and feel it go on. I usually fill up about 1/3 with ice, then 2/3 with water. After I do that, I flip the bladder over to where the straw part is on top, then suck out the remaining bit of air. It is a bit more compact this way and works well for me.I researched a lot of hydration packs in this price range and am very happy with my decision to go with this one.

Took this bag out today on a single track mtb ride. Had enough room to pack the following:Screwed riverSet of Allen keysPressure gauge2 tire leversPatch kit2 spare tubesWalletPhoneCar keysOh, and did I mention I had a liter an a half of water in the pack's bladder?!I had room for plenty more, possibly a first aid kit as I'm an EMT/Firefighter and I'm always coming up on injured riders on the trials. Love this bag and at a fraction of the price of a camelbak?! It's a steal. Comfortable, doesn't shift while riding and the stitching is high quality. I can see this bag lasting a long time and you can bet it's coming with me every time I hit the trails.

I had been researching packs for a while prior to buying this one. Based on the price I had to give this one a shot. Most reviews we written in the perspective of road bike use (cycling), but I am using this when I ride my dirtbike (trail riding, deep woods use). I used this bag for a 4 hour ride and was very happy with it. I filled the bladder about 75% full (half-ice/half water) and had plenty to drink, the water stayed cold the entire time and the bite valve worked well on the first use - no plastic flavor/smell. With the bladder filled I still had plenty of storage space left, I carry trail tools plus cell phone, keys, wallet etc. and I could've easily fit a good deal more (back up Jersey/shirt etc.) without feeling bulky.I highly recommend buying this for offroad use in place of the pricier options ($60+) marketed specifically for dirtbike riders.

Now that I've had this a few months, and have used it for various tasks, I feel confident in saying this is definitely worth your money. Pro-tip: Fill the bladder 3/4 with crushed and cubed ice first, then add water. Then pack anything else you want to keep cool in the main pack.It not only holds 2 L of water [approx 1/2 gallon], but in addition, three cans of (adult beverage), three sandwiches, a few cups of trail mix, a rain jacket/windbreaker, change of socks & shirt, compass, USB backup power supply, flashlight and spare batteries. Basically everything you might need & want for a day-hike. It served me very well hiking in Yosemite this summer.When you aren't on the trail take the water bladder out and you can carry your tablet/ small notebook and associated cables & accessories, keys, pens, lunch and a light jacket.

Bought it like 2 years back for EDC in Vegas and worked like a charm. Just make sure you keep filling up! Many pockets and its comfortable and not heavy. Opt for a bigger water pouch if you can though. Mouth piece is kinda fragile so dont bite down too hard on it if ya know what I mean..

The backpack is great. I really enjoy running and biking with it.The bladder is so so. it tends to leak unless you mess with the mouthpiece a little until you hit the right spot, but this can be a little annoying at times. Also, it did taste like plastic for the first few times. but it is easy to fill and I never had leaks from the bladder its self. I will probably be replacing it with a better one eventually

Bought for a motorcycle/ family vacation. For the price I'll deal with its flaw.Leaks when I bend over. Leaks any time the mouth piece is lower than the water level. We are not talking a drop or two, if you raise the bag about 1 foot above the mouth piece you will get a stream about 3 foot long. Set the pack on a car seat and it will be wet with in minutes.Kick starting the dirt bike, the pack had to come off for anything over one kick else me and the bike were soaked.If it came with a better mouth piece or a on/off valve, I would give it 5 stars.

first thoughts were very impressed by the quality. I have another product from High Sierra (Full Ruck) and am very pleased with it. Only thing im not too thrilled about is the way the reservoir is filled and sealed. Also im not a big fan of the drinking tube actually running through the shoulder material. I have heard of the bite valve leaking for some. I have yet to experience this. I am used to using camel bak products with the thumb valve... not sure if that is something that could be fitted to this hose or not.

Does what I need it to do with no leaks and no questionable build quality. Just enough storage for various necessities,for a long ride. Storage for a helmet does not work for me because my helmet is a larger skating style helmet. I came up with a way to use some Velcro to secure it to the back if I needed to.

Used this pack on two Spartan races and plan on using it for several more trail races this summer. Rides securely on your back and distributes the weight evenly. Holds up under sever abuse. Had to through thr pack ahead of me under 120 yards of barb wire, and other then it being extremely dirty, it held up terrifically. My only complaint is the "noozle" rides a little funny during a run smacks into my hand occasionally. Otherwise it's perfect for my trail runs. Just enough storage, while hold more than enough water.

The waist band is worthless. At least they had a storage location to put it. If your waist is much over 30" there is no way it will work. Far too short. The tube is very poorly designed. If used as intended the mouth piece rubs against your arm. Really needs a clip like camelbak packs use on the shoulder straps. There is a stretch loop that can be used in this manner but won't last long. The mouth piece sucks after being use to camelbak mouth pieces. The mouth valve will easily get stuck open if anything is in the liquid such as ice chips and not anywhere as intuitive as the camelbak mouth pieces. If you find a way to strap the hose down and use a different mouth piece then you may be OK with the hydration pack. The clip that holds the bag is hard to use and may be better to leave the seal piece connected to the clip and just remove the bag its self. (Top folds over and is held closed with a clip that slides over the top. On the good side, ignoring the waist strap and moving the hose around made it OK to use. The backpack large pocket might be able to store a spare 2l hydration pack. The storage seems well thought out and will let me keep some of the frame bags I normally use at home. Ok for use for cycling but needs some modifications due to poor engineering. Adding a second zipper on the inside of the strap would help a bunch. I may have one installed once the elastic strap breaks or may just cut a hole in the side for letting the hose through. May also move the camelbak mouth piece I have to this as well if it fits the tubing.

Good quality for price. Bag design is great, large pockets to store stuff. Biggest negative is bladder that comes with it. There's basically a sliding clip that holds the bag closed after you fold the top of the bag over which can cause leaks. Luckily I had a spare camelbak bladder that I replaced it with, works much better.

Pros: Can cary a lot of items such as sunscreen, glasses, a towel and a water bottle.Cons: The pouch is very annoying to refill and the hose to drink out of leaks.Overall: If you don't want to spend a whole lot of money and this cons do not bother you, then this is the one to get. Good price but very annoying for someone who will use this often.

A good price but you get what you pay for I guess. Mouthpiece didn't seal properly and it constantly leaked all over me. Was pretty tricky to get the bladder out to fill and I found the zipper down the shoulder strap that held the hose was annoying. The compartments inside the backpack were a good size though. Will definitely spend more next time to get better quality.

I bought this bag for my resent trip to the Sequoias. I took it out of the box and found that the tube was kinked in two places, I tested it and it was fine so I brought it with me on my trip. The kinks made it very hard to get a good stream of water and caused it to leak everywhere.If the tube was replaced I would love this back back and give it 5 stars. It's comfortable and has a lot of storage. Hoping the seller will help me with a new tube.

during our first hike the front strap broke, i was holding my snow shoes on the strap. I was disappointing that it was not durable enough to hold that weight. I had a camel-back for ten years and have help multiple heavy items on the straps and it never broke. if you are only using it for water and to carry a few light items then its fine.

 I'm so disappointed. I brought this with me to Zion and was so excited to use it. The first hike I took it to it started leaking. At first I thought maybe I filled it up too much, but as I kept hiking water kept dripping from the mouth piece. It was so disappointing. Not only that, but I found a rip on the zipper for the water pack. Other than these pretty obvious and disappointing defects, the bag was pretty alright and comfortable. What a shame.

If you are a larger person, 6 foot and 250+ lbs then look else where. The chest strap is nearly in my neck and the bottom waist strap is at the bottom of my ribs and too short to clip together. Can't use the bag sadly.Bad part is I have to pay to ship it back too.Other then that it seems like a nice bag.

So I've had it for a year and a half but one of the compression straps came off the bag within a month and the other looks like it's wouldn't hold on for much longer either even though it surprisingly is still there. If the other strap falls off then the outside pocket is going to hang and move around while i walk and I'm sure will be an inconvenience. The bladder looks cheap and I replaced it immediately, the bag is minimalistic which may be a good thing to some but I would like to see a better closing method better material and maybe a quick detach hose for ease of cleaning. The hose can only be set up for right side and comes down this zipped section which is the dumbest thing I've ever seen. No webbing on the shoulder straps for a hose clamp or anything either. The chest strap is attached with these weird clamps and can pop off from time to time and it's a bitch to put back on. This bag is something I really want to like but I just don't. Small little design flaws all over the place that makes me just hate it in the end. They have a warranty and would fix the strap that fell off I'm sure but I'm not sending in a bag I hate to get fixed... There are things l like though, there is a section to tuck away the waist strap if you don't use it. Like the airflow backing and straps to keep you cool. Has a decent size main pocket that is a completely separate compartment as the bladder. Love the overall design minus all the little flaws and apparently poor build quality.

The water bladder in this closes by folding down the flap of bag and sliding a piece of plastic over the crease. If you are buying this pack for something like a music festival, where you will have to refill it a bunch of times, you are going to get really frustrated with the way you have to fill it. It is difficult and time consuming.

The bag itself is awesome with tons of space but the bladder has leaked since day one. Unforunately I'm probably going to have to buy another one or a different brand which bums me out because again I love the bag itself.

I like the design and its a nice size for a mountain bike hydration pack, but the valve started leaking after just 2 uses. I contacted High Sierra and asked them to send me a replacement bite valve and they did not respond. So now I have a pack that leaks all over me whenever I use it.

It started leaking not long after I used it

This is my first Amazon review. I never do reviews but this totally deserves it since it's the worst purchase I've ever made.I went skiing and the thing kept leaking all the time. I was literally wet all the time till I stopped using it after the second day.The problem is in the system it uses to close the bag that holds the water (hydration bladder). It has something like a zip lock at the top of the of the bag, so every time I leaned forward for any reason (close my boots, help my kids, etc), it started to rain on me. And I'm not talking about dripping, I'm talking about big amounts of water. When you sit in the lift, the hydration pack obviously gets squeezed between your body and the lift so the water level in the bag raises and it starts to pour on you.Trust me, don't by this or any other hydration pack that uses this type of zip lock mechanism.

The backpack works, is ok. The biggest issue is not the poor design of the bag that doesn't makes it easy to dettach/refill/attach again, the biggest issue is that at the fifth time I used it started leaking a lot and most of liquid end on my cheat and back is really awkward.

As a small backpack, this works just fine. As a hydration pack, it's completely worthless. In order to fill the bladder, you have to unzip it and remove it. It then has a really awkward clip you have to remove to fill the bladder, but the worst part is putting the clip back on a full bladder. All in all, it's probably a 5 minute process (during which you get wet) to fill the bladder, rather than the 30 second job my last pack was. I waited too long to return this item, so it's getting donated to Goodwill. It's literally of zero value to me as a hydration pack.

Only used once and the mouth piece is already leaking a ton, went on a hike and lost more then I drank. Nice backpack though it's light and can carry all the essential things you would need for a run/hike.

mine have a little damage.