I haven't exactly used this pack yet, but I spent an hour looking at three packs to decide what I wanted for my hiking/backpacking trips, and I would like to put in my thoughts as to why I picked the Terra 40. When I got to the REI, I've already decided I wanted a top loader rather than a panel loader (has zippers so I can open like a suitcase). The reason being that if I'm going to be hiking and I don't have my pack cover (packs are water-resistant, not waterproff) or I don't feel like putting it on, I don't have to worry about rain seeping through the seams into my stuff. And having zippers and panels means more seams. Thus the top loader.

Since I don't foresee myself hiking beyond a few days in the near future, I decided on an adequately sized pack. the ones I looked at were the North Face Terra 40 (2400 cubic inches) and the REI Talus 35 (2950 cubic inches). I even looked at a Kelty Morraine 3600 (umm..3600 cubic inches...hehe) which was a top loader but also had extra storage areas with zippers apart from the main compartment.

In the beginning I looked at the Talus 35. Fairly large top loader. Fully adjustable with a hipbelt. It has two long flaps in the front of the back that straps together to form a stash pack of sort, incase i have rain gear that I don't want to put back in my pack because it's wet. I can also strap on a snowboard. These flaps also go towards the side if I wanted to strap ski poles or walking sticks. This pack is definitely more technical in that it is not exactly designed for hiking. One feature I liked was that it had a side zipper going down the entire height of the bag. This provides easy access to thing that might be at the bottom of the bag.

After the Talus 35 I looked at the Terra 40. At 2400 cubic inches, it is 500 cubic inches smaller than the Talus. However, I liked how it had two pockets on the side of the pack for my nalgene and whatever I could stash there. Granted that this had a compartment inside for a hydration pack such as a Camelbak or a Platypus pack, I appreciate the fact that I don't need to purchase a strapon for my nalgene if I choose to bring one. It also had a small zip pouch on each of the hip straps, providing access to small things without having to take the pack off. Possibly good for snacks or tools during hikes. The pack also had a smaller zippered compartment in the front with a x-style bungee system for stashing rain gear or footwear. This pack had tremendous adjustability like the other two I've looked at. The hip straps easily rested on my hips while the shoulder straps can be adjusted to fit me or my cousin. Other straps on top of the shoulderstraps can help bring the top of the pack closer to the upper back, helping transfer weight over to the hip straps from the shoulderstraps (the Talus also has these straps). The Terra doesn't have a side access strap, but I'm more concerned with things getting wet rather than convenience. I've decided the Terra 40 was better than the Talus 35 for my needs.

I looked at the Kelty Morraine 3600 out of curiousity and also to satisfy my need for organization. Again, the Morraine was a top loader with extra zippered storage on the front and sides. This bag is definitely bigger than the Terra (by 1200 cubic inches), so I didn't even put that in consideration. This pack was designed more for hiking, with the pack sitting lower (doesn't go above your neck). I didn't like how it felt. It felt bottom heavy and "pulled" me backwards a bit. Less adjustabilty in the sense that this pack didn't have the top shoulder straps to bring in the pack, but this wasn't necessary since this pack sits lower. I appreciated the extra zipper pockets with high level of organization, but I noticed a lack of pouches on the hip straps. Imagining a much larger pack that I had to take off to access even small thing did not appeal to me. I settled on the Terra 40.

It is obvious that I seeked convenience on the trail, water-resistency, and comfort. The North Face Terra 40 met my needs and has beaten out the other two packs. I liked the simplicity of the main compartment and of the outer zippered compartment. I did not give up a stash compartment or adjustability. I have more than enough loops to attach gear if needed; this bag also comes with two velcro straps designed to hold ice picks, but I figure I can also use it to hold walking sticks or anything that I can wrap these straps on. I definitely liked the two pockets on the side, since I have a nalgene. But even if I don't bring my nalgene I can still fit a 3 liter water bladder in the main compartment so I can sip and hike at the same time. The pouches on the hip straps were definitely a smart move. This gives the packer easy access to small items right near the hands and does not require the removal of the pack.

I hope to enjoy using this pack for my many hikes, and would update this when I do use it.

***Update***
I went up to Monadnock on May 8th. It was a day hike, so this pack might have been on the large side. Since I didn't need a lot of gear, I packed light. I had a first aid/toiletry kit. 1 extra pair of socks, 1 fleece, 1 long sleeve wicking layer, and 1 rain shell in the main compartment. I kept my rain cover in one of the side pockets. I didn't bring a Nalgene, but I had a 3 liter Camelbak in the hydration compartment. I kept a Leatherman and a compass in the small compartment in the right hip strap; trail mix in the left hip strap. As for the smaller compartment in front of the main compartment, I kept my bandana, wallet, phone (yes, I brought it), and keys. I kept my lunch in the pocket in the flap covering the main compartment. I wore convertible hiking pants, a wicking t-shirt, a wide brim hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (must).

It was a pleasant hike. I thoroughly appreciated the pockets on my hip belt. I had easy access to my snacks and my water (thanks to my Camelbak and the d-loops on my shoulder straps--my friend's Kelty Morraine 3300 did not have d-loops on his shoulder straps, so he had to stick the drinking tube of his Camelback in the sternum strap). The loaded pack was light (10lb after the hike); the leader had 25lb in his pack. I'll probably have more gear for my trip to Pinkham Notch this weekend. No discomfort in the shoulder straps and hip belt. The pack didn't shift or prove to be cumbersome. It didn't rain, so not testing of the water-resistency. Even if it did rain, I had my cover anyway. So far, it's doing well.

Recommended: Yes