In reply to 2powern:
I have a pod X-pod, it's a few years old, but I don't think they've changed much.
I like:
- Well made, with tough fabric
- Simple, plain design. No silly extras.
- Large floating/detachable lid
- Reinforced patch under elastics for crampons
- easy to get a walkers ice axe down the compression straps
- Different back lengths for sale, rather than an adjustable back. Because my back doesn't change length. But it is still sufficiently adjustable for different loads etc.
- Stiff back frame, keeps its shape and stays comfortable.
- Efficient compression straps when not full
Downsides:
- Even given it's large volume, it's fairly heavy. Comes with the durability I suppose
- Only two pockets (both in the lid). So most of your kit is jumbled together in the main bag. Actually, I like it that way, but YMMV.
At RRP £195, I wouldn't say it was worth it. I didn't pay anywhere near that much, and pod seem to be selling off stock, so you shouldn't either. At £80, it looks like a pretty good buy.
It is absolutely cavernous though, I would have said too big for most people's uses. Even in winter mine is only full if I have both my camping and my climbing kit in it, and I try to avoid walking too far with all that.