High Sierra 59401-912 Classic Series Sentinel 65 Internal Frame Pack 32x14.25x8.75-Inches 3970 Cubic-Inches 65 Liters (Auburn)

I gave this pack its first run last weekend: a short weekender about 7 miles into the deep woods and foothills of South Carolina.
I found the pack to be excellent, especially considering the low price point. It is sufficiently roomy for a 3-season 2/3 day trip and has an excellent strapping system both for fit and compression.
The pack is fitted for larger framed persons; I'm 5' 7", 170 pounds, and found myself cinching up the straps almost to their absolute minimum, but they still functioned perfectly fine.
I also experienced the "Squeaking" problem, and to me it seemed to happen only when the load shifted its weight onto the point where the straps connect to the pack, and occured especially during lateral movement. This is hard to overcome during steep uphills, but keeping the load properly positioned on your hips will elimnate the squeak most of the time.
The attached rain-fly fits the pack very well even when heavily loaded and with an attached bedroll, and keeps it dry even in a heavy rain. The built in hydration ports are especially useful, as I was able to use my Camelback resivoir with the pack.

The long and the short of it is that if you are looking to make a smart buy, this is a quality pack that is smartly built that will not leave you with regrets.

Great value for a large framed guy like me... Anyone with a 32" waist or under need not apply; The pack will not cinch down tight enough to be usable on a you. This pack holds all I need to carry with me for a two-three day backpacking trip, with nothing outside of the pack. It rides well and is very comfortable if a bit heavy. Do cut off and then hem the large amount of excess straping. The sleeping bag compartment is a tight fit for my 15 degree bag and air pad. It also squeeks a bit if your load shifts while walking but this can be fixed by tightening down the generous number of compression straps. Overall a awesome value, and the best fit for my big frame.

Hi All, Thanks for posting your reviews on the High Sierra 65 bag, it is the main reason I purchased it. I just received mine this morning and had it on a trail less than an hour later.
Tested 2 hours with a ~25lb load on a ~7 mile trail with approx. 1500 ft elevation total.

Squeeks - yes, not bad, not enough to be annoying.

Hip belt large - yes, I have a 34-36 waist, after cinching it down comfortable - only 3-6 inches of total tightening left until it will be as tight as it can go.

Shoulder strap slippage - (reason for 4 vs. 5) yes on both straps, especially when running. This was probably the most annoying thing about this pack, going to look into making elastic velcro wraps to secure down the shoulder straps more.

Top main compartment: Fits a 3 season 2 person marmot titan tent, tent poles, tent cover, tent stakes, and an additional sleeping mat. Takes up roughly 1/3 of the main compartments available space.

H20 Compartment runs the full internal depth of the bag, appears to be able to hold more than one bladder with duel hyrdration tubes ports (left and right side) and huge bladder compartment. Keep in mind a full H20 compartment will reduce the available space in the top main compartment and the bottom sleeping bag compartment.

Side mesh pockets - Plenty large enough for a 1 Liter Nalgene on each side.

Bottom Sleeping bag compartment - fits my 40 degree bag, sleeping mat, and thermarest pillow with room to spare.

Back zipper pocket - Fits 2 oranges side by side, 2 bags of jerky,and a 750ML Nalgene on top with room. Note that the zipper bag compartment space is tied in with the copression straps - so pack zipper bag prior to compressing main bag.

Adjustable Ergo Fit harness - awesome

Hip/Shoulder strap padding - Very comfortable.

It was around low 60's on the trail with a cool wind so I didn't notice if the pack made me any warmer or not.

The only thing missing on the High Sierra 65 is hip belt pockets.