Eberlestock x2 backpack - Eberlestock X2 Backpack

1. for both the waist belt and two cushion pads on the back lining the cushioning material is open cell foam. One would not know it on buying as the foam is covered with mesh. One would know once having used it as these parts absorbs water (during raining, for example), or sweat. This firstly increases the weight of the pack one has to carry. Secondly open cell foam takes ages to dry;

2. the pack is lined with a plastic mesh which separates the pack from the back of the person who wears it. This would seem a good feature - it provides ventilation. Trouble is - the mesh has to be tensioned in order to remain taut and it is quite difficult to tension it. It's got everything to do with the design;

3. anyone with a long torso beware - the position of the waist belt cannot be adjusted upward or downward to fit one's torso. I am 5'10" and yet find the belt always a bit higher up my waist rather than AT MY WAIST;

4. the shoulder straps are VERY thin and do not seem to have been lined with any cushioning foam (or only with a wafer thin layer of open cell foam). I have not yet carried a heavy load with this pack but I am not confident that the straps would provide sufficient comfort if I do so in future.