I have noticed that when I fill the bag up full or close to full it puts stress on the stitching. To resolve this issue, I do not fill it completely up with heavy stuff. Honestly, most of my trips it’s a quarter full and the water bladder and extra water bottles are what makes it heavy. After the last few trips and hiking with a near empty bag, I decided to get a 20-liter bag since my gear only fills up about that half my normal bag. My suggestion is to get a smaller bag for shorter trips so can save on weight. Every pound does add up and if you cut the weight down by 5+ lbs. I did finish my activities very sweetly and was able to walk and hike without carrying anything in my hands. I drooled over all the lightweight packs from the major manufacturers for a few years. There's no way I can justify paying five times more for something that might carry just as well. I plan to pick up another if/when this one wears out. All told, I've had the pack on my back for about 50 miles. Features taken directly from Walmart.com sales page. Wetlands give way to ridgelines at the start of the Blair Creek section. The 26-mile route follows Blair Creek south as it carves down a valley through oak-hickory-pine forest before merging with the emerald waters of the Current River. Here the 30-mile Current River section picks up, following the river for two miles before veering south toward Stegall Mountain. Enjoy views of the Ozark landscape as you gain 500 feet of elevation up 2.5 miles to the top of Stegall Mountain. We loaded the bag up with everything we might need for a 10-to-12-hour day out on the trails. Of course it has no side water holsters, or lid pocket, or hipbelt strap, but I think that all contributes to its low weight. For the water bottles I just use Platypus .5 liter and 1 liter flat style bottles, which you can fit in the main body of the pack on top of your other gear. And on summit day, I sure am glad I have a daypack! For day hikes this is just as good as (and lighter than) my Osprey Daylite that retails for almost four times more. On the outside you will find two side pockets and rigging that can be used to tighten the bag, hold extra gear, and an option to hold trekking poles. The pockets work great for holding 32 oz Nalgene bottles or 40 oz insulated water bottles. I suggest have equal weight on both sides or switch the weight around. I have used the hydration compartment for items like my iPad. I am a 6-foot tall male, weighing 185 lbs and it fits just as well as other day packs I've tried. For the second overnight hike in which I used the pack, I left the hammock at home and stuffed an REI Stratus insulated pad and lightweight bivy inside. Browse all our gear like spacious tents, durable backpacks, warm sleeping bags, outdoor cooking supplies, and more. Carry everything you need for your next adventure in the Ozark Trail 45L Montpelier Backpack. Looking for a versatile Backpack perfect for hiking, traveling, commuting or anything else? If so, the Ozark Trail Adult, Unisex, Denton 20 Liter Hiking Backpack in gray is a must-have for life on the go. I did instantly notice the difference of carrying a lighter bag. I also don't really prefer single compartment stuff bags, but, this works for what I need. This daypack came in handy just for what I intended. I’ve been using this bag for over a year and love it for it size and comfort levels. I like how almost every strap can be adjusted to fit the user. Most of our hikes are seven miles or less but we are combing the hikes so I’m wearing the bag for hours. We like that this pack has a lot of pockets including a zipper that allows you to access the middle of the pack without opening the top. Includes Trekking pole attachment points, compression straps and a sleeping bag compartment. Today I immediately loaded it up and went out for a few hours. For water and OJ I use Vapur anti bottles which aren't bulky at all. My glucose meter and keys went in the small outside pocket.