Marmot Odin 35 Internal Frame Pack

I bought this pack to replace my old beloved Salomon pack. That pack has carried loads for me on countless climbing, hiking, and even backpacking adventures for years. I just can't seem to find a mid-size pack anymore that doesn't come with a bazillion straps and dangling things sprayed all over it to make those trips through dense thorny underbrush just a little bit less fun. So, when this pack finally arrived, I looked at it, grumbled, sneered at the shoulder straps which seemed uncomfortably thin, and threw it in a corner for a month.

I've finally started taking it out with me, loaded with various combinations of ropes, climbing gear, water, and stuff for an overnight trip.

And we're getting along just fine.

I have no idea how Marmot did this, but despite the shoulder straps being much thinner than my old pack, this pack carries really well and doesn't leave any sore muscles in my shoulders. I can load it with more stuff than it's designed to carry and it handles it just fine. The back doesn't feel too warm so far on hot days. It moves with me like it should and doesn't seem to get in the way. The rubberized zipper pulls are a nice touch, and the full-floating top lid is a big plus when I'm stuffing my helmet on top of the main compartment. The cross strap on top of the main compartment is a nice touch, too.

There is a small internal zippered pocket in the main compartment. I guess it's supposed to be for car keys and wallets and that kind of thing. Still, it's completely inaccessible when the pack is loaded; it's not a feature that I foresee using, and it's impossible to remove without permanently cutting it out.

Otherwise, no complaints. This has been a surprisingly good pack so far. I think I'll be trying out the larger model too.

This pack is wonderful. The lower back support is amazing. First time I got to use it, did a 10 mile winter trip. It truely felt as if there were no vertical pressure on my spinal cord. Almost as if it were just attached to my back. This pack is comfortable and versatile. Marmot should design more packs like this, maybe a 50 liter Odin would be nice.

This pack hold a lot or a little. I love how it adjusts. The shoulder straps are comfortable. A few more pockets would be helpful, but it is not enough of an issue to become and issue.