Sometimes, you just have to carry a large load. While many backpackers have migrated to carrying smaller loads as a matter of preference, it is not always possible, especially if you are on an extended backpacking adventure or mountaineering expedition.

While the Bora 80, by Arc'Teryx, is not the largest backpack on the market, it is a strong contender for longer adventures where you need to carry extra gear, especially heavy gear, in tough environments where lesser bags will fail.

Here's what makes the Bora 80 a world class backpack:

• To allow for differences in body sizes, the Bora 80 is available in these three sizes:
  
   
  • Short: for 16-19" torsos and 27-32" waists; holds 4,390 cubic inches; weighs 6 pounds 9 ounces.
    
     
  • Regular: for 18-21" torsos and 32-37" waists; holds 4,700 cubic inches; weighs 6 pounds 13 ounces.
    
     
  • Tall: for 20-23" torsos and 37-42" waists; holds 5,000 cubic inches; weighs 7 pounds 2 ounces.
    
    Hipbelts and shoulder straps are interchangeable, with men's and women's options available.
    
    The sizes listed above are for normal loads. If desired, the main compartment can be extended to about 550 cubic beyond the stated sizes above to allow even more gear to fit inside.
    
    One thing I noticed when selecting the appropriate size for me was that with the Bora 80, I was a "regular" torso and waist. In many other backpack lines, I am a "large". This is really neither here nor there, but if in the past have purchased a "large" backpack, you may want to check out the sizes carefully before you buy, as you may end up being a "regular" like me.
    
     
• You will probably notice right away that the Bora 80 is not a lightweight backpack. It weighs more because its suspension system is very heavy-duty, designed to carry up to 45-50 pounds of gear comfortably. The design is also bomber, which also contributes a little extra to the weight.
  
   
• The quality of the materials and craftsmanship is excellent. The Bora 80 should last a long time.
  
   
• To carry heavy weights comfortably, the Bora 80 has a V-stay suspension system with load-transfer rods to help distribute the load evenly between your shoulders and hips. You can adjust how much weight is carried on your shoulders and hips by adjusting the tightness of the hipbelt.
  
  The framesheet is made of a high-density polyurethane, which both helps protect your back from your bag's contents, and also helps to support heavy loads.
  
  The hipbelt is a laminated, 4-layer foam that has been thermo-formed to fit the shape of your hips. The belt can also be adjusted to an angle that is most appropriate for your body.
  
  The foam back panel is thermo-formed and includes ventilation channels to help reduce moisture build-up.
  
  The dual-layer shoulder straps are anatomically-curved and heavily padded for additional comfort when carrying heavy loads.
  
   
• The backpack is divided into several sections:
   
  • The top lid is roomy, and can also be detached and used as a fanny pack.
     
  • The main backpack is divided into a sleeping bag compartment and a larger, top compartment. The material separating these two compartments can be adjusted so that there is one large compartment instead, if you prefer.
    
    You can access the main compartment from the top and from one side zipper on the side of the bag. I didn't find it particularly easy to open this zipper and get gear out of the bag when the bag was full. The sleeping bag compartments has its own zipper access.
     
  • Attached to the back of the pack is what is called a kangaroo pouch. It is made of heavy-duty material, and is self-draining. It can be used to store wet gear, or gear you need quick access to. When the pack is full, adding large items to the kangaroo pouch is not very easy because of the tight fit.
    
     
• The Bora 80 has many features, including:
   
  • Room for a 100 ounce hydration pouch, and includes an outlet.
     
  • Two outside pockets that can hold wands or water bottles. The pockets are not very high, so it is possible for a bottle to come out of the pocket under certain conditions.
     
  • Dual daisy chains
     
  • Dual ice axe/tool loops
     
  • Triple compression straps

If you need a tough, comfortable, large-capacity backpack for extended adventures, then the Bora 80 may just well be the pack you are looking for.

Using the Arc'Teryx Bora 80 Backpack in the Real World

Personally, I don't like to carry large loads. If my bag gets too heavy, I start removing gear until it weighs a reasonable figure. This is made easier because all of my gear is lightweight in design.

But, there are times that I have to carry a heavier load, especially when mountaineering or winter camping, or for longer trips that require you to carry all the food you need with you.

It is these occasions where the Bora 80 comes into play. It is big enough for most trips, and its beefy suspension system allows you to comfortably carry heavier loads.

When you first get the Bora 80, it will take some break-in time before it becomes more comfortable for heavy loads. The thick padding in the belt, especially, needs some breaking in for greater hip comfort. But once the backpack is broken in, you will find it hard to find any other pack that is as comfortable for heavy loads, as the Bora 80.

Another important aspect of making the Bora 80 as comfortable for you as possible is to get the right fit. The Bora 80 has many torso, shoulder strap, and hip belt options, and you need to find the combination that is best for your body. If you don't, then you won't be able to take full advantage of the comfort the Bora 80 offers you. Getting a good fit is best done at an Arc'Teryx dealer that has a wide selection of sizes in stock.

Recommendation

The Bora 80 is particularly adept at carrying heavier loads comfortably. If you are looking for a way to comfortably carry heavier loads, you should definitely check out the Bora 80.

If you haven't already figured it out, this is one beefy, tough, well-built, backpack. If you only expect to carry light loads, then the Bora 80 is overbuilt for your needs.

Product Notes

The Bora 80 is available in two colors, Inkspot (dark blue) and RedRock (red), and available in three sizes: short, regular, and tall. The MSRP is $345.00. If you need less room or more room, Arc'Teryx offers the Bora backpack in additional sizes, including the Bora 30, Bora 40, Bora 60, Bora 62, Bora 65, Bora 75, and Bora 95. Some of these models are designed specifically to fit women.