Has anyone used the Sierra Designs Revival packs?

I have had the Revival 65 now for 3 months and I have put it through its paces on 3 trips this year. I have liked the pack so far. The claims about keeping your back cool are absolutely true, best pack I have ever owned in terms of back sweat control. I mostly use this pack when I am carrying gear for 2 or extended trips and have had it loaded up to 45lbs…yikes! I think if needed you could easily carry 50 no problem. I looked at all the packs you mentioned and picked this one out of the bunch. Like you said the gregory was the most comfortable but the weight and price was just too much.

The only thing that bugs me about the pack is the hip belt. Sometimes it just feels a little uncomfortable because it is not a solid piece of foam. It is made of a few sections which allows it to conform to your hips but can also create some pressure points.

The back panel is very confortable even though it looks weird with the different sections. The frame is very good at moving all the weight to your hips and makes for a great carry with the exception of the hip belt at times.

This pack is no lightweight, but much lighter than the aether and baltoro. If you are not going to be carrying more than 35 lbs I would look for a lighter pack. If I am solo and sticking to my new ultralight standards, I use a Golite Jam.

I use the Gregory Z65. It keeps me cool and I love the JetStream Suspension system. The weight sits perfectly on my lower back and hips.

Thanks for such a comprehensive post, Arn.

The thing is, I'm on a limited budget (like many) as a grad student, and need a "do-it-all" pack. Something that I can take as a weekender, as well as extended trips on the PCT, JMT, Grand Canyon area, packrafting, etc. This is the main reason I'm looking at the 65 instead of the 50. Though I'm still torn the size. What are your thoughts on the difference between a 50L pack and a 65L?

What are your thoughts on the pack as an all-arounder?

I think the pack is much to big as a weekend pack, but, it well definitely do the job. For everything else, I have been very happy with the Revival. It well stand up to plenty of abuse. Size wise, I am 6'5 195 lbs and I got the M/L and it fits me well.
I have not tried on or seen the 50L in person. I think if your gear is small volume wise it would perform great as an all around pack. Not sure about the 50L being able to carry a full sized bear canister either, which you might need for JMT/PCT. You may want to take a look at the REI flash 65. Price, volume, and weight it works very well if you only have one pack. ULA makes some packs that fit your needs as well. For a larger volume and lighter weight pack the circuit would be worth a look.

Check out the Dueter Act Lite 65+10 at REI. It's really around 57 L in size, carrys a lot of weight comfortably, and it's shaping is cool against the back – even in the Grand Canyon. There is also a version (not at REI) without the lower zip entry, that allows the rear mesh pocket to be full length (which saves a couple of ounces), and has a removable lid.