Mission Peak Gear Sierra 4800 Internal Frame Hiking Backpack

First of all I have to ask that the reader know what torso length is, how to measure it, and why it is important. See the "How to fit a backpack" video below product details. This pack (Sierra 4800) can only be properly fitted for tall people, probably 6'1" or taller. A loaded and improperly fitted packed will cause discomfort and possibly even injury over time.Why did I choose this Mission Peak backpack? The adjustable TL range is clearly stated in the specs, so I knew it would fit me (6'5", 23" TL). The majority of entry level backpacks don't list this information, or are not adjustable at all. The price is excellent for the size and features. It has load lifter straps. It comes in lighter colors, and so won't soak up heat. Internal frame, essential IMO for carrying more than a dozen pounds comfortably. It is a sleek backpack; no blocky "tactical" pouches that must be tightened and loosened, and can snag on stuff. I researched numerous similar sized backpacks that were also under $100 new or used, even emailed the manufacturers with questions, before settling on this one.What I like: The color is pretty much dead on compared to the photo. Light for it's size. Tough construction; the material, stitching, zippers, straps, buckles are all high quality. No plastic or chemical smells, inside or out. Big cushy lumbar and scapula pads. 3" wide shoulder straps. For this level of backpack, straps and loops where you need them, and there's no superfluous junk hanging off. Likewise, there are no useless exposed hook-and-loop strips to collect debris and hair. Everything is adjustable, even the hip pads (stabilizer straps). This is a well-thought-out design. One front and two side pockets. Interior can be accessed from the top AND the front, which is a pretty huge deal. I test fitted TWO 3L bladders side by side in the hydration pouch, and there's a tube port and clip at the right shoulder. The sleeping bag compartment fit my XL bag with no cramming. Also has an interior zipper that lets you open the bag compartment, so it's just one big space inside. Easy to find and remove frames for washing the pack, or bending the frames to fit the curve of your back. The two mesh pockets are well attached and deep enough to each encase a 1L Nalgene bottle up to its shoulder.What I don't like: rain fly cannot be accessed by yourself or a hiking partner without taking the pack off. While it's not going to be sliding around, the torso length/shoulder mount has an inch of horizontal play. Shoulder straps put some pressure on the clavicle, which I solved with these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MAWMCVWWhile I haven't actually hiked with the pack, I loaded it up with my sleeping bag, pillows, and a couple of dumbbell free weights to a 27 pound total, and did chores around the house and yard for an hour. I made sure to go up and down stairs several times. It takes some fiddling to get the fit right, but I felt no discomfort, strain or fatigue at all.My overall impression: The Mission Peak Sierra 4800 is arguably the best choice for the TALL beginner or occasional backpacker.

First the good: I think it is a high quality, well made pack. It hauls a heavy load easily and distributes the weight well on your back if you pack it correctly just like any pack. I have the green one and it is an attractive olive green color. I also like the front access. It allows me to pack a light jacket or rain gear for easy access.One complaint, I feel the capacity is marketed badly. It is advertised as an 80 liter, they admit it is only a 70 liter in the description. They name "4800" generally refers to the cubic inches on every other pack on the market...this is kind of an industry standard. 4800 would indicate a 78 liter pack. My load is not that big and I have a hard time packing it all. Honestly, I would say 65 liters is probably a much more accurate description. This is a huge disappointment for me as I wanted this pack to be my large pack. Instead, it will have to be my medium pack and I will have to continue my search for a decently priced large capacity pack. For this reason, the pack earned 3 stars. I almost always give 4 or 5 stars. First 3 star I have given in a long time. Mission Peak needs to start marketing this pack correctly.

The seller was great. Good comms, quick delivery, decent folks.The backpack itself is well sized, despite not being the capacity shown on the listing. The tag it arrived with reflected 70L, versus the 80L promised. I can live with that. The manufacturer loves his zippers and amusingly-placed straps. I like the various access points to the cargo, as well as the secondary buckles. From a quality standpoint, I'd say it's 7.5/10. The material is tough, the zippers are meh, and it comes with a rain cover.Three points of criticism, one of which is partly my fault:- My wife is 5'4" tall. The shoulder strap adjustment can accommodate somebody as short as ~5'8" or so. As a result, at the shortest setting, the waist strap reaches about 4" below her pelvis. I can live with this, providing the load is manageable without the waist strap. I should have identified this issue before committing to buy...but buyer beware. That's my failure; not the manufacturer's.- The shoulder straps lack adequate padding. Having to hike for any length of time, under weight it's going to get uncomfortable for the carrier. Realistically they should be 1.5 times what they currently are.- With previous similar configurations, the shoulder/waist straps should be securable via a zipper/panel so that when you do travel, the straps don't get caught or damaged. This backpack doesn't come with that.Conclusion is that you get what you paid for. I could (should?) have spent another $70-80 to have all my expectations met, but it's always a risk unless you see the product first-hand. That said, for what I paid I'm moderately satisfied. Very curious to see its performance in the field.

Love it so far for the price! I didn't expect such a nice bag but sometimes you get lucky when you go cheap. Nice padding on the shoulders and lower back and a great size for trips like 2 day hike ins. All I all good pack although at first I didn't figure out where to put my bladder until I got stuff in the bag.

Great bag, good quality, fits a lot (but less than I thought). Happy with it.

Held enough for my 12 year old on a week hiking trip, so far is holding up to his abuse too.