For years I've wanted a Hilltop Packs Raven - the company's flagship UL backpack. I finally got one this summer and now that I've taken it out on a few trips, I can say it's all I'd hoped. I won't waste time on specs here - rather I'll share my experience with my two biggest concerns going in.
1. Durability. I had a custom printed pack made and I was concerned that rough treatment would hurt the look of the pack (or destroy it!). After 3 days on a virtually non-existent overgrown off-trail route, I can confirm the pack is tough as nails. Even in Manzanita so thick it was tearing gear off the pack, after a light cleaning it looked like it did when I got it. Unreal!
2. Comfort. I've never had a frameless pack before and on one trip I ended up adding 8 liters of water (14 lbs.!) to the loadout in case a creek was dry. Although the resulting 40 lbs. were beyond the pack's stated carry capacity it was still fairly comfortable and didn't fail me.
I am super impressed, thank you Hilltop Packs!
See the full review here: https://youtu.be/CED-LfS60pU