Mammut Heron light 65 backpack

[markskor]

Just got finished packing/stuffing/ getting ready my new backpack, my Mammut Heron light 65 - with gear/ food for 10 days, it weighed in just a tad under 38 pounds - all gear up/no water.
Anyway, I wanted to check it out thoroughly with all chit stuffed and cinched down tight - you know, regular mountain tight - as it is a new pack - maybe do a quick, fully-loaded, "walk around the block" test before I leave tomorrow.
.
Well, as I pulled the second to last side cinch/compression strap tight - it popped/broke a buckle (plastic) - one of those trident, 3-prong, plastic buckle thingamabobs.
Same thing immediately with another buckle thing too...cannot trust it now - what POS workmanship. The ads say it can handle 50 pounds, but I guess you cannot cinch it down.

Funny, Backpacker Mag gave it a big thumbs up...It was light and most comfy too but obviously, if it cannot take minor abuse in my living room...screw it! Good thing I got it at REI.
Who writes these stinking reviews anyway...said "well made"...bla, bla, bla...back it goes. I did manage to fit /switch back successfully all the now-ready gear into my last year's pack...(my ex-wife's never used Gregory Deva)...did get some new, beefier shoulder straps for it. Does weigh in at 1 pound heavier though - but still works well.
Good thing I checked before as I would hate for this type of crapola to happen up on the trail. Live and learn.

[rlown]

There's not alot more i can add. oh, maybe

My (and your) Kelty is looking better and better all the time.. Except mine is smurf blue... and sitting in my dining room waiting to be stuffed for a Thursday trip.

Russ

[ERIC]

Backpacker Mag...'nuff said.