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Product Tested: Osprey Crescent 85 (lg, Blue) Backpack
Price paid, where purchased: $340, http://www.hiltonstentcity.com/
Size/Weight: Lg, 7 lbs, 5400 cu
Similar products tried: various daypacks and a few backpacks
How long/where tested: 9 months, several trips
Rating 1 to 5: 4.5
Summary: I've had issues in the past with distributing the weight between my shoulders and hips sufficiently. Often one or both would become bruised over the course of a 10+ mile backpack trip. That problem has almost disappeared with the purchase of this backpack.
The custom molded hip belt is a gimmick (any "customization" to the foam was lost within weeks), but the padding offers a great deal of comfort. Shoulders are also well padded.
This pack holds a lot of gear and I never feel the bulk thanks to great design considerations. The weight is well distributed by a suspension system and stays close your your back, so you don't get any awkward swaying or pulling while hiking. External straps, including those specifically designed for a bear cannister, are well placed.
Top can be removed for use as a large fanny pack. When full the hip strap's lack of padding makes it uncomfortable and impractical for most dayhike usage.