light but delicate
I took this on a bush whacking route up Ralston peak (east ridge), the route was a use trail following a forested ridge with some class three. I bumped the pack on just about everything while squeezing through trees and rocks. I found one small hole in the G30 fabric and pulled it in different directions, sure enough it actually sealed itself. It's obviously a delicate pack but that's what makes it so lightweight and comfortable. It's so light and comfortable it's hard not to recommend it, but for climbers and people who are rough on their gear I'd recommend something tougher. This pack is for people who want the most comfortable and lightweight daypack you can get. My REI flash pack is slightly lighter (and packable) but no where near as comfortable as the Icarus. Air flowed around my back, the pack sat well and didn't shift when scrabbling and climbing. I barely remembered I had it on, and I would forget if it wasn't for the water weight inside...
Added June 2008 -
The pack is still going strong even with hard use. The small holes that have been poked in the fabric have disappeared and there's no sign of them. I used this pack for an adventure climb of Machete Ridge in Pinnacles and I even had a rope slung over it for miles. It barely held it all and I'm looking for a larger cragging pack now, such as the REI pinnacle pack. This pack will remain my goto day pack though, it's half the weight of all the others. Picture of loaded pack
