I normally don’t need it, but it does a good job at tightening up the bag up. They don’t work well, and they tend to get in the way. So, I end up carrying them when I don’t the poles. At 35 liters, this pack is perfect for day trips or for hikers who don't need to carry a lot of gear on the trails. Also a good choice for youngsters who are new to hiking, or who need a rugged pack for toting school items. All this means that your bag will be a little heavier than a premium bag when fully packed. I checked stitching, zippers and all the pockets. The stitching wasn’t as good as the premium brand but, it was still a well-built bag that should last if I didn’t over stuff it. After some research we realized they make backpacks designed for women, men and unisex. I use this pack on a daily basis to carry my office clothes while I ride my bike to work and to carry light loads while out Geocaching. If you're looking for a daypack, or a carry-on that fits everywhere, this is the deal. Especially at the clearance price you can get now. We are ThriftyKing LLC and we offer the best prices on the internet. Our company started in the fall of 2022 when our founders Brittney & D’Andre Ruth decided it was time to do something great, not only for their child but for you as well. Make sure to let a friend or family member know what you’re doing and where you’re going. Tell someone how many days you’ll be gone and approximately where you think you’ll stay each night. Physically check in by filling out a backpacking card at dedicated trailheads. Also, learn the seven principles of “Leave No Trace” to keep the backcountry beautiful. So if you ordered more than one item on a single order and receive only a part of your item don't worry, you will receive your other items shortly after. At Unitedslickmart we celebrate the act of discovery. We work with small vendors from all over the world to share their products. Due to the nature of the shipping business, delays are often inevitable, all our shipping times are therefore guidelines only and specific delivery dates are not guaranteed. Make sure to wrap the bladder if you prefer cold water. I wrap my bladder with a small bath towel (or you could get an insulated water bladder pouch for it) to keep it cool and my gear dry. I carried this daypack back n forth on a trail to the shower while camping. Camp out at the top overnight, catching a glimpse of a full sky of stars if it’s clear. Not the best choice for long trips or hikers who need to carry a large amount of gear. A great pack for day hikes, hunting and weekend camping. I've had this pack for 2 years and I've beaten the living daylights out of it and it still performs just as well as the day I bought it. I can't think of a reason not to give it 5 stars.