Field Test Report:
High Sierra Sport Company
NAJA 70+10
Backpack

1)       Cypress, Seafoam, Evergreen, Black
2)       Cinder, Biscuit, Hot Sauce, Black 
3)       Dive, Ash, Navy, Black 

Pack Functions:
The Naja 70+10 backpack is decked out with features.  See my Initial Report for complete coverage of that topic.  I must say that it is rather fun to use all the amenities and to discover what gear is best stored where.  I typically load the backpack with my tent and pad in the upper (70) compartment, and my down sleeping bag (in its stuff sack) in the lower (+ 10) compartment.  Food, stove, fuel canister, cook-set, first-aid kit, and other items go in along with the tent and pad, while small items (whistle, compass, lighter, sun screen, medical supplies, etc) fit into the very top pouch.  My 100 oz (3 L) Camelbak fits nicely in the designated sleeve, which is inside the main compartment on the side near my back (the typical location).  The hose can be fed through, and secured, on either side.  This feature is nicely done.  Clothes, gloves, and my Red Ledge rain gear squished into whatever areas were ! available.  With all this gear, the Naja was moderately packed, but not full to the brim.  I only needed to extend the collar of the pack when I used the Mad House (large) tent.  This was not necessary with my Flashlite (small) tent.

Pack and contents.

Pack Comfort:
I have had experience with a variety of packs.  I have used an external aluminum frame, long-distance Kelty, as well as a heavily built, frame-sheet, day-pack.  I have also used an ultra-light, frame-less, high-volume, long-distance pack.  With each of these packs, I have hiked hundreds of miles over the last 20 years or so.  The best description of the Naja 70+10 is to say that it has the volume of a large, long-distance pack, with the features and construction of my  heavily built, frame-sheet, day-pack.  This is where all my disenchantments arise.  Not only is the Naja 70+10 heavy, but there is some difficulty in maneuvering down the trail with a pack this large with minimal framing.   

The Naja seems to ride the best with a high volume load.  That is to say, filling the pack up, makes it more stable on my back.  The Naja is well appointed with thick shoulder and hip belts.  There is also an abundance of tightening straps, and the back of the pack is well padded.  All this helps to contain the load and make it comfortable to carry.  Still, the full pack can get a little unwieldy.  This happened to me on two specific occasions.  Both times I was crossing downed trees across trails, and both times, when I swung one leg over the tree, and leaned my body over, the pack made a significant shift and threw me off balance.  I am not saying that this wouldn't happen with any pack, but from my experience it seems to be excessive with this pack.

Hiking down the trail the backpack is relatively comfortable.  I was a little surprised that it wasn't more so, as it is quite well constructed and the padding is significant.  Over time I have become more used to it and I don't hesitate to put in a full couple of days with the Naja.  It does appear to me that the adjustable frame just doesn't adjust far enough for a proper fit.  This is especially true when I have a couple of layers of winter clothing on.  The additional fleece layers move the shoulder straps up even further from my waist and the hip-belt, plain and simply, rides too high.  It is my opinion that a backpack this big and heavy should fit someone even several inches taller than me, and it is unfortunate that it does not. The load-lifters on the shoulder straps do not help at all.  This is probably due to the overall fit (or lack thereof) of the pack in general.