I've had my CCW for several years now. I use it for backpacking and climbing. This thing won't die. I haul it, I fast-pack with it, I travel with it. It is super comfy, well-built, and simple. The back pad can be removed, unfolded, and used as a sleeping pad. Many packs have an over-complicated suspension system that just creates extra weight and friction; this pack offers a mush simpler (and better) fit. Whether climbing or running I hardly notice it's there. This is by far the best pack I've ever owned. It is also locally made in New Hampshire rather than the usual chinese sweatshop. Buy this pack!

I own both the Chernobal and the Chaos, and am psyched with both packs. I would continue to buy both packs despite the higher price. There is a place or two where I wish there was another strap, or a buckle was added differently, but no complaints otherwise. Regarding the one complaint about buckles undoing themselves, I've never personally experienced this problem, over some 100+ days of use. Awesome packs!

By Doctor Ice from Salem NH on 1/12/2007

Popular pack amongst climbers in New England. Great stowage for all technical equipment. New design has safe carrying capabilities for all designs of ice tools. Manufactured in the USA and company has great customer service. Pack stays in place comfortably on your back while bushwacking to the crag.

I have had my pack for almost 10 years now. It has been on many extended lightweight backpacking trips, day hikes, and climbs. It has held up better than any other pack I've owned. I love the removable sleeping pad. I also find it to be the most comfy pack for my body type (6ft1in 160lbs). Also of note is that the straps between the axe sleeves are the perfect length to hold a 3/4 length z-rest. This is the perfect pack for almost everything!

By Heavy D from Ellensburg, WA on 9/7/2006

This light and well sized multi-day alpine rock pack is a solid performer. The pack does lash loops that could make it a 110% performer, but it gives plenty of stock options for most needs I have found. I have not had the trouble with straps as mentioned. I occasionally use it for a large crag bag when climbing trad and need more space than the sport bag I use. It carries a load well, takes a beating great, but lacks the haul bag durability that can be handy in a crag bag. Light and still pretty dang tough! An overall simple and light choice.

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

Danger!!
I took my new pack on an ice climbing trip to the Alps. The pack felt great. It felt well balanced, light and comfortable. Accessibility was not a problem. One afternoon on a 1.5hr walk- out from a climb, when we finally reached the car, to my dismay I found that the strapping that reverse feeds through the buckles that secures the top lid, the crampons and the bottom of my ice ax had all come loose. I lost one quit expensive ice ax as it slid out of the ice ax tube. My crampons where hanging precariously off the back of the pack and my rope was very loose under the removable top lid. It was a tough walk out with lots of jostling but I have hiked many years through all types of terrain. This was a first. I checked the routing of the strap through the buckles. They were all correct. I contacted the manufacturer in Jackson NH and informed him about this and advised him to replace the straps with a more course weave or get diffent buckles and also to ask him to reimburse me for the cost of one grivel ice ax. Although he was sympathetic, he was unwilling to do so. I was able to return the pack and get a refund which gave me some satisfaction. It's a shame that such a nice pack has such a serious design flaw.