Arc'teryx Bora 80 Review

"I bought the 2001 version of this pack off Ebay used. It was very well used but to my surprise there was no fraying whatsoever! This is definitely a bomb-proof pack that will last you years and years. As I said I bought it used for 80$ off Ebay, but the new ones cost around350$-375$. A little pricey but worth every penny."

"Absolute quality. I balked at the £320 UK price tag, but after a three day, 45lb loaded hike in the Welsh Rhinogs I am totally convinced. I would recommend this pack to anyone. Worth every penny!
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"I carried 45+ lbs with this pack nearly 20 miles and gained 4000 feet to over 13k altitude. In 2002 I herniated a disc at L5-S1, and this was the only pack I have been able to find to allow me to get back to the mountains. I tried and declined to buy ultra-lite packs, as well as Gregory, Lowe, TNF. Osprey was almost acceptable, but not quite as comfortable in the store with a load (I carried around 50 lbs and lurked/lingered for hours in the store). But the Bora was the best fit in the store and I was very pleased with it on the trail.

The empty pack weight is a little high for ultra-lite interests, but in reality, as I get older and my kids come with me more, I will have to be able to carry weight comfortably. This pack absolutely allowed this. I would buy another if it were stolen tomorrow.
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"This is only the second pack that I've had, my first being an external frame torture device, and it's the last I'll have. I had a canoe mishap this year, and my pack that was stuffed full, was happily floated on top of the water as my boots were doing their best to drown me. Great pack, well worth the money I spent on it at the time."

"I am an equipment abuser. I have had this pack for just over 1yr now and it is the toughest and most comfortable pack I've ever used. I've also used Gregorys, TNF & some others. The hip-belt swivel system was great on some of the most technical terrant on the AT. The side entry and the full zip on the sleeping bag compartment are priceless b/c i can even get my big ol' sleeping bag in there and compress it down.
With top, side and bottom entry you'll always be able to get what you need in a hurry. I would never recomend a bag without middle entry. The hydration pocket held out most of the water after my hydration tube was accidentally pulled out. There was barely any water in my pack. The suspension system is the most comfortable I've ever used. I had about 55lbs on a three dayer and it felt great. Also it was rated the most durable pack in a test in one of Backpackers issues last year when they drug it behind a Jeep @ 40mph. It also helped that I only payed $225 for it (thanks Waterstone!)
Weight geeks beware its just under 7lbs.
-Luke"

"This pack is bomber. I have owned it for over a year and I abuse it everytime I go out. The top, side and bottom entry are ideal and the compression straps are plenty. I am like the other reviewer & I went out for 4 days and didn't even use all of the space. My pack was just over 50lbs. and the swivel on the hip allowed me to do some of the most technical stuff on the AT w/no problems. The hydration sleev also didn't leak when my tube got pulled out of my bladder accidentally. If you're a weight geek maybe you should look elsewhere but to me the stability and ruggedness are well worth it. It also helped that I got the previous years model for just over $200. Happy Hiking."

"This is the most comfortable backpack i have ever owned, and believe me, i have owned MANY. With 50 pounds of gear in it, the Bora 80 allows me to do 20 mile days instead of the 10-15 mile days i was doing with my other backpacks. The construction is also great (Made in Canada). Again, if you can handle the price,(I think i paid $350) pick one up. You will not regret buying this backpack!"

"This is absolutely the most comfortable pack I have ever put on. As a former REI employee, I've had the advantage of trying on a few packs and fitting packs on others. Hands down this is the pack that is preferred by most. If you can swallow the price tag and a little extra weight in your pack, it is an absolute dream to carry on your back."

"I recently purchased the Bora 80. I was pleased with the comfort. I especially liked the way it kept the weight properly balanced. I will attempt to sell my other backpacks."

"The 2001 tall version of this pack fits the curve of my back like a dream and absolutely swallows my gear. I can pack for a 3 to 4 day solo with 500 cu. in. to spare, (which I use when my wife comes along!). The suspension is great, and nothing sags, which has been a problem for me in the past.
Great value!
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"I have spent a long time in the Canadian infantry carrying lots of weight on my back, it was the job. Unfortunately we used some of the worst packs out there.
I tested the Arc'teryx pack on a 3 day, winter camping trip with about 50lbs on my back.
The Bora 80 is a high quality, rugged pack, with a fine suspension. I was willing to pay top dollar for a Gregory or Dana pack, but it came down to one thing: this pack is comfortable, sturdy, well thought out, with tremendous value for the money.
I personally would maybe change the outside pocket by leaving out the velcro. Additional pockets can be added with ease.
I was very happy that I could finally have decent weight on my back and still watch the show called nature."

"I have had this pack for three months now and I absolutely love it. The suspension system is second to none, and the materials are bomb-proof. I only weigh 110 and I carried a 45 pound pack comfortably. It is a little bit on the heavy side, but I knew that when I bought it. Summary, the BEST pack in its class."

"I am superbly happy with this pack. I bought it not too long ago and it has fulfilled my requirements for a pack. it transfers weight from the back to the hips, and this pack does it beautifuly. i wigh only 135. i filled it with 80lbs of gear and hiked for 1.5 hrs straight and my back didn't even begin to feel sore. the one drawback that i see is that the plastic inset sewn in to the top of the pack to let your head move back, sometimes bends in cases of overloading."

"This pack is KILLER. I absolutely love my new bora 80. It is the best pack you can buy for a bag slightly under 5,000 cubic inches. The suspension system rivals that of packs costing well over $400 dollars. This company is paving the way.(Check out their parkas)"