I used the Flex Capacitor on the JMT in 2018 (Aug 22- Sep 11). This backpack worked extremely well. I saw 3 other folks on the trail with the same pack. This pack was also checked into 4 flights and it held up well. I had already written a review here under the name Mowgli. You can read that. My views about this bag being excellent in carrying capabilities has not changed post JMT. I still love this bag.



This is post JMT review.



The only issue was that was some fraying and a small 2mm slit on the panel on the front of the backpack which gets hidden in the 40 L mode and is exposed in the 60 L mode. This panel has the compression straps running across and gets exposed to abrasion etc when it leans against trees/rocks. While the pack stands on its own most of the time around campsites, it is those times when you are in the middle of the trail and need to take a break for whatever reason and there is not much of a flat area and you need to lean it against a rock or tree. I guess you could lean it with the shoulder strap side.



One of the other hikers who carried the same bag also had a hole on the front of the bag (non-shoulder strap side). So, it was not just me.



It will be nice if that panel is made of 210D or 420D nylon or some other durable material. I am planning on making sure there is some other material between bag and tree/rock - maybe use the hiking poles as a buffer.



Also, while the bag contained everything I wanted to carry during my practice hikes near home, what happened was that the sleeping bag and tent did not compress as well as they were held at home (as at home, I was not re-packing tent/sleeping bag during practice hikes...old dummy sleeping bag which I dont use anymore always stayed inside the bag). So, the sleeping bag and tent took more space and it was a little painful to re-pack everyday at campsite. It will be awesome if the bag can be made 65L or 70L. I think the frame can easily handle these volumes. I had a Bearikade Blazer - one size smaller than expedition - this was above the sleeping bag. I stuffed clothes for night, underwear/socks, electronics, first aid kit, toilet paper etc around the bear canister. The down jacket was also around the bear canister. Tent, stove with pan, rain jacket/pant were above the canister. The brain had my spoon, lamp, rain cover, toilet kit, tent stakes. I had to fight a bit every day to get all of this inside.



For a week, I tried taking my tent (ZPacks dulex) outside the bag on the side using the two red compression straps. With that, there was enough room inside the bag. But, I wish the bag was at least 65L - maybe one inch wider and 2 inches tall:-)



Also darker colors please - as the gray does get dirty.



Mowgli on Oct 14th 2018