By Tom from Millersville, Md. on 5/29/2008

I saw a friend using this product as we prepared to take a group of Boy Scouts on a backpacking trip. The extra room the side packs provide is very useful for items you need for quick access. I use mine for rain gear, a lightweight jacket, and other items. Don't be decieved by the size of the bags, they are bigger than they look.

By Maxinfo from Prescott, AZ on 7/29/2007

My Gregory Palisades doesn't have any outer pockets and makes it tough to access things like a water filter quickly. I attached the pockets to the side compression straps and I was able to store my water filter and small binos in one, and my MSR Whisperlite and 22 oz fuel cannister in the other. It also has smaller pockets that I put my compass and headlamp in. I had plenty more room. It is great for folks without side pockets who like gear at their fingertips. In 8 days in Yosemite, I saw no wear and the pockets stayed securely attached to the compression straps.

By I love to hike from south side - chicago on 4/3/2007

The small pack I have works great for short hikes but has no spot for water. These pockets can latch on to almost any place and will hold a nalgene bottle and have room for other items as well....the price includes both pockets as a set, a great deal for the price. Erik

By Backpacker from Connecticut on 1/28/2007

I purchased this for a winter trip where I wanted easy access to some of the bulk that winter brings - spare gloves, hat and fuel. Pockets give great extra volume, they even contain an extra little zippered pocket that I was not expecting. I attached these to my pack with my side compression straps but the pockets get in the way of being able to cinch these and the pockets tend to flop a bit. I would still buy them again for the right reason.