It's great on the shoulders

This is a lightweight pack designed for day trips with a roomy main compartment but 35 liters can fill up fast. There are two U-zippers to access the main compartment - one on the top and one on the front of the pack. Also, there are two zippered pockets on the top of the pack. The inside frame is useful but easily removed. The waist belt and the load-lifter straps on each shoulder strap certainly distribute the load to help protect your shoulders. I used my first Outdoor Products backpack for over five years. It handled the wear-and-tear very well so I look forward to many years of use with the Shasta 35L.

I just got the pack a few weeks ago, and I have taken it on the Appalachian trail already for a day hike. It's very comfortable, and the padded belt and the clip to keep the padded shoulder straps together are a well designed system to handle the heavy water and gear I usually carry. The stretchy side pockets are each big enough for a 1.5 liter plastic bottle, so I can carry my wife's favorite fancy water and a bottle for me. It's easy to access the side pockets for a water break. I received this pack as part of the lifetime warranty deal the company offers, I used the last pack so much I tore some pockets. I liked the last pack I had as well, but it was a little too big for what I needed and I am happier with this one. The zipper pulls are nicely designed. It's a really nice pack, and comfortable with a heavy load.