Absaroka Pack

if I was hunting or if I needed to carry heavier objects for work (ie spotting scope, etc) then the Express got the nod- clearly more "stout" than the Ion. for trips where I'd be mostly on trail and trying to cover ground quickly, the Ion would get the nod

the Absaroka seems to be something in between, which might be just right for a lot of folks :)

FYI,

Those interested in the Absaroka Pack may want to consider this recent response I received after inquiring about availability (I've been on a waiting list):

"The availability of another batch of Absaroka Packs is unknown at this time. We completed the first round of production of those packs and sold out of them a few months ago and have not begun planning another batch for production. Unfortunately we will not have any more available in the near future. Sorry for this inconvenience."

Thanks Backpackinglight for letting me know! Think I'll avoid purchases from this site in the future.

C