Boreas Men's Buttermilks 55 Internal Frame Backpacks

I've never been disappointed by a piece of gear that has won a Backpacker Magazine Editor's Choice and the Boreas Buttermilk 55 reinforces my experience. I'm an avid backpacker on a perpetual quest for my 'light is right' philosophy tinged with a practical need for ensuring 'right' does not mean sacrificing comfort. They don't have to be mutually exclusive. In fact this pack illustrates just that. It is 2lbs lighter than my old Kelty Sartori (admittedly it has 20% less volume),yet this is by far the most comfortable pack I've ever put on my back. Additionally, it feels secure and stable on my back. The foam frame-sheet felt odd at first, but I quickly felt comfortable and realized how it was helping to manage the load.Boreas seems to have thought of most everything. For a simple pack there seem to be a lot of discreet bells & whistles. Strap and belt buckles are designed with beautifully easy release mechanisms. The hidden strap/loops keep the pack clean looking with less clutter for catching rocks, branches or airport baggage belts.The pockets are nearly invisible yet big and practical. I especially like the way the top of the bag secures; stable, simple, no bouncing top pocket attachment. The hip belt pockets are amply sized and easy to open and close.I look forward to seeing how it wears over time and will update this in a few months after I put some miles on it. Also, Tahoe Mountain Sports shipped immediately and the package arrived 4 days earlier than initially indicated.

I love the simplicity of this bag. I've taken it out a handful of outings before making bike packing my goto instead of backpacking, and it is super comfortable, it breathes super well, and is ultra light, all of the things I was looking for in a bag. And it comes with a rain cover!The minimalist design simplifies operation and gives a clean sleek look. And I can't help but feel like a Ninja Turtle wearing this!Quality of this bag is top notch. Lifetime warranty is always nice too.The only problem was the screen print on the rain cover looks as if it didn't get to dry fully before it was rolled up and pushed out the door. I have attached a picture to illustrate what I mean.

The striking design of this bag is what attracted me to it the most. The minimalist strap configuration is awesome for travel (no getting tangled-up on the airplane). The roll-up top and clips make this bag very adjustable in size.Just tested this pack out in Hawaii on a hiking and trails trip. It held out very nicely and comfortably. And the included rain cover worked well too. I highly recommend this lightweight bag.PROS: - Very breathable and comfortable. - Simple and lightweight design - Comes with rain cover in hip-belt - Durable materials - Looks awesomeCONS: - Only opens from top (no side or bottom opening)

Best pack I have ever owned!

Alite Designs sold Boreas to some jerk on the east coast, who has basically dissolved the company and is refusing to honor any warranties. I bought this Buttermilk a few years ago and it's since burst at the seams. NO ONE will own up to the lifetime warranty. It's as good as useless. BUYER BEWARE.