I want to systematically go through this review and look at it's:
- value for the money
- overall construction and features/comfort
- durability
- suitability for it's intention
The North Face Terra 65 is, I believe an obsolete pack, in that it has been replaced by a newer model. I bought this pack for $110 on sale at a Dick's Sporting Goods. Pricing on the internet can range from $120 to $180. I believe this is a reasonable price for what you are getting. The durability, features, and ease of use are well worth the price as you will see later in this post.
Overall construction and features/comfort:
This is largely based on opinion (in my opinion). I give it a 4.8 out of 5, but others may not because everyone like different features. I prefer a simpler pack over one with many pockets. As far as construction, I feel that it is a sturdy frame. The pack is an internal frame with the standard 2 aluminum slats. The pack is made of a thicker nylon that is water resistant. I don't believe it is marketed as "water resistant" but I found this to be the case when I encountered rain. Pair it with a rain cover and you probably won't need a pack liner (if it's newer). The one downside to the construction that I experienced was the thickness of the material. The thick material adds durability, but also adds weight and when you are hiking long distances, it is remarkably noticeable. Overall, the pack has a top loading design with drawstrings and 2 buckles for the lid. However, it does have a side zipper to access the interior without opening the lid. There are also 2 thick Velcro straps for trekking poles (one on each side) and the standard 2 ice ax loops. I like the 2 compression straps on each side which do an excellent job and compressing the pack as well as holding gear.
The shoulder straps and hip belt are thick and well padded and never had an issue with them. As with most packs, the shoulder strap system can be adjusted depending on the size of the user. The shoulder straps give great flexibility to adjust it to fit perfectly. However, the waist belt only has the standard adjustment straps and nothing to finely adjust it. I didn't personally have a problem with this, but my body type fit it well. I hiked 30.8 miles in the Andes and didn't have any issues with the suspension system. I found them to hold up quite well. My only complaint is when hiking that far (particularly if there's lots of stairs), the waist strap can loosen slightly.
As far as features, I am very happy with this pack! There are 2 pockets on the face of the pack that are roomy and offer plenty of space. The 2 side pockets are mesh and stretch significantly to hold water bottles, snacks, etc. Both sides of the waist strap have large packets to hold snacks, GPS, etc. Most packs have smaller pockets, so I was impressed with size on this one. The lid only has an exterior pocket that is large and zips all the way around the lid. This made it easier to organize and find items quickly instead of trying to dig through a pocket with a small mouth. The inside of that pocket has a mess pocket that I found great to hold items that may be needed but not immediately.
The pack does have a water bladder pocket on the inside with only one exit port on the right side. I did not use this on my Peru trip, but have used it. There are 2 elastic pieces on the straps of the pack that I use to run my water bladder tubing through to hold it. I also used one to hold my watch/thermometer.
I am impressed with the sleeping bag pocket, the mouth is large and the compartment is large itself which is rare for a pack. I actually found it to be too big for the bag I brought to Peru. The divider between the man compartment and sleeping bag compartment can be loosened to make one large compartment.
I think overall, it is a comfortable pack. I felt the weight I was carrying, but that is usually the case with most packs, especially at high altitude. I never has issues with comfort of the pack during my whole Peru trip.
Durability:
I found the pack to quite durable, but I don't think I would give it 5 stars in this area. The material holds up to wear better than I expected. I think if you let it undergo excessive abrasion, it would wear through, but it seems to hold up to normal use exceptionally well. The zippers are large and don't bind up, even when the pack is stuffed. The straps and suspension also holds really well. I had the compressions straps cinched down TIGHT and they held up very well. My only complaint in durability would be the seems at the top of the pack. When it has any moderate amount of weight, the seems over the frame seem stressed and I was a little nervous as to whether they would hold up. They did well, but I don't like when a seem is overly stressed. I think the stress points could have been reinforced better. One of the pluses, though, is that it holds up well as a seat when you stop to rest. I would lay it down on it's face and use it as a seat and it didn't show any wear after that.
Suitability for Intention:
This is the summary of the whole review and believe this pack passes my inspection incredibly well! The pack is 65 litres which was just the right size for my trip. But of course, it's important to find a pack the right size for what you need. North Face does made a Terra 55 if you need a smaller pack with the same construction as this one. I have to say, it held all of my gear quite well and was easy to organize everything in it. I would say it is suitable for oversees trips like I took and for multiday hikes. I did not have a tent, food, stove, or cooking supplies with me so I cannot accurately say it works well for a self contained trip. with that being said, I did have excessive things with me that were specific to travelling Peru and was able to pack extra clothes and luxury items since I had the extra room. I believe it would hold tent, small stove, solo cook set, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, change of clothes, food, and maybe even a backpacking chair in the main compartment if you pack it right ( I have had it packed for self contained trip, but have not taken one of those trips with this pack yet). I do believe I will use this pack for my Appalachian Trail trip. As I stated before, it is a simple (and slim) design which I think makes it easier to pack and with the slim design, helps to avoid over-packing.
Altogether, I am very happy with this pack. If you are looking for a good pack that will hold up to the elements and lots of abuse, I think you have found what you are looking for. But as I mentioned, pack design is a personal preference and it may or may not suit you needs. I was able to adjust it to fit me perfectly, but some people with other body types may have issues with it. Overall, a good pack!
