This is my first 'custom' pack and so far I could not be happier. I have taken it out several times with approx. 20# for SAR missions both day and night. The pack is super comfortable, rides and fits great. It is definitely more comfortable with the same weight then my Osprey kyte was. I expect it to carry more weight for multi day backpacking trips comfortably. The volume is more than enough for my required SAR gear and extra winter clothing. It will easily suffice for backpacking trips. It is very well constructed with multiple attachment points and means to adjust the fit. One reason I went with this pack over other 'cottage/custom' makers was the adjustability. I am 5'2" and sometimes seem to be just between sizes. Mathew was super responsive, looked at pictures with my old pack to help with sizing and then after I received the Kalais, helped me via photos and email to adjust it for the optimal fit. I really appreciated his quick responses and customer service! I love the large hip pockets and side pockets. I can finally reach my water bottles and have more than enough room in the hip pockets for gps, phone, compass etc. The blue is super pretty!

This pack is simply amazing. I'm a small female in my late forties and had developed back issues so severe that I thought I was going to have to quit backpacking until I discovered this pack. The comfort, even with heavy loads, is simply unbelievable! Each tiny aspect of this pack is so well thought out – pockets in all the places I always wished my packs had pockets, adjustments in all the places I'd always wanted! Clearly this pack was designed by someone who has put in thousands of miles on the trails themselves, and knows what we all need. Thanks, Elemental Horizons!

Love, love it Comfortable fit! I just had 2 issues on my first 8 day backpacking trip with it: 1. I got a couple spots rubbed raw in the middle of my lower back 2. My back had probably a sweat/heat rash when I was finished with the trip I’m not sure I’ll be able to use it for any winter/cold weather trips - not sure I could fit my winter sleeping bag, clothes, etc in it. It was pretty full with 3 1/2 days of food and everything else with my 3 season bag that compressed a lot more