Swiss Gear SG25095 Jaeger Mid Size Panel Load Internal Frame Pack - 22"x12"x7" - Grey/Black/Red/White

I took this backpack to the deserts of Arizona, right on Lake Mead, from Cincinnati, Ohio, for a research trip. I am a research biologist, hiker, camper, and backpacker, and I am very impressed with this product. I had everything for a 5 day field trip, except for my tent and larger field gear, in this pack, and I used this as my carry-on luggage on the plane. It would be an understatement to say that I had this thing overstuffed. It still fit fine in the overhead storage on the larger planes--smaller planes checked it upon boarding. This pack's performance more than exceeded my expectations--I seriously expected it to bust given how much I'd put in it, and that it was being thrown around by airport staff during layovers and connections involving smaller aircraft. The thing never budged, not one seam, zipper, or buckle broke on the whole trip! The stitching is very durable and trustworthy.
I found the design to be very convenient for my usage: panel-load main-compartment made for easy access to my belongings, internal compartment is huge, divider zips out to open up the bottom compartment to make it even bigger (I was able to fit my Texsport Cold Creek 0 deg sleeping bag down inside this pack when rolled up and fully compressed to ~14x12x12 or so), the compression straps around the bag really bring the load close to your body and take the pressure off of the main-compartment's zipper, top handle strap is very durable, rain cover is easily accessible while pack is on your back, distress whistle is loud, shoulder straps and waist belt are very comfortable and adjustable (the compression straps on the shoulders and waist also help bring the load closer to your body/balance the load), the internal frame is sturdy, there are lots of places to strap things on the outside of it, I even strapped a smaller day-pack to it upside-down using the external helmet compartment thing or whatever that is (like I said, I really had this thing loaded down), and it was still comfortable on my back while standing in line at the airport. I'm about 5'11'' and I noticed someone else mention that this pack wouldn't be suitable for people over 6'2''; I disagree--I think it's likely contingent upon how much weight you have in the bag, which is why I like the adjustable sternum strap and lumbar support. That said, 6'6'' is probably pushing the limits of its adjustable range. The zipper on the bottom-compartment is, as others have mentioned, very difficult to operate when the bottom-compartment is less than full--if the bottom compartment is stuffed full the zipper on it works a little better--this whole issue would be solved if the material around the bottom compartment's zipper were not some type of elastic drawstring. This is an unfortunate design flaw, and my only complaint about this product.
In sum, I've only used this pack once so far, but I feel it was a thorough test of its capabilities. It's an awesomely versatile and convenient pack, it's confortable, and it will be taking the place of my larger top-loading backback when I go backpacking and camping, as well as for international trips. I paid $55 + tax and shipping for this pack, and there's no way you can beat the quality of this pack for that price.

I bought this for use as a cycling backpack. It has a fairly slim profile in terms of how far off your back it projects, almost like a technical pack, which is good for balance since it keeps the weight close to you. This pack is sized nicely for urban use which helps on the bus, and the slim profile means when you turn sideways to let someone pass you actually get thinner (unless you have a helmet stowed).

The helmet holder is very useful obviously. The built in whistle on the sternum strap is pretty nice for defending your space on the road (I cycle in Chicago) and it's pretty darn loud for a tiny plastic whistle. The hip belt is removable for light use.

There are a lot of extra pockets and organizing details in the outer compartment which are excellent for small items. 2 small outer pockets high up on the sides, and the GPS pouch with just dangles from a shoulder strap. There is also a little pocket on the very bottom of the bag which holds a waterproof bag cover, which I thought was a very clever way to keep it handy. External storage is provided by a small bungee-cord gear holder, 2 daisy-chains (3 loops each on the back), and two "hammer-loops."

One caveat is that the "waterproof MP3 holder" on the belt strap doesn't have a port for headphones, which seems pointless; and my ipod touch doesn't even come close to fitting into it.

Fully adjustable shoulder straps for fitting your height, nicely padded shoulder straps and hip belt. The desc above mentions lumbar support, there is also padding running up the back, with a central air-pocket for ventilation and also keeps the pack from rubbing your backbone. Upper and lower compression straps. There are load lifters on the shoulder straps and stabilizers on the hip belt. It's internal frame but not a heavy-duty one, though probably appropriate for the size of the pack.

There are two "main compartments" and the lower one has zippered access to get at the bottom of the top one. Which seems a bit redundant for a non-top-loader. The hydration bag holder is lined with some sort of foil which i assume is to keep your back from heating your water to boiling. And unlike the MP3 holder there's a slot for the hose to escape, so bonus points there. There's also a tube clip on the right shoulder strap.

I haven't owned it long enough to talk about durability, but the zippers work smoothly hehe. It's quite comfortable to wear, with or without the hip belt. It works great for cycling, and would probably be perfect for a short hiking trip.

This is a large backpack style bag, but with an internal frame and light-duty trail suspension features. I've searched for a pack like this for years now (I previously had a knock-off north face that I purchased in Vietnam), and haven't been able to find one, except for the $250-300 ones (I believe Osprey and Northface each have an expensive model). This bag answers the call, as it's under $100, well constructed, well engineered, and extremely functional.

I use the bag to haul my gear around town; principally, a 16 inch laptop and books/papers in the upper compartment, and gym clothes/misc in the lower compartments. The suspension is very adjustable, but the bag is intended for a larger person I believe (I'm 6-1), as it's very long and covers my entire back.

Note that the suspension on this bag is strong, but it isn't a really heavy duty big/thick padding suspension that you find on the big name trail bags. This suspension is more manageable and a lighter duty version (which is why I like it as an around town, or day pack).

Pros: The zippers are heavy duty sealed. The suspension is adjustable in many ways. Many compartments, raincover, water bladder pouch.
Cons: The bottom zipper, as others have reviewed, is difficult (I get around this, but it is a daily hassle). Also the bag is well built, as are most swiss gear, but it isn't the same quality as a $300/bag.