The North Face
The North Face Banchee 65
The Banchee is The North Face's lightweight backpacking pack, at 3 lb 9 oz for 65 L. It sits well under the Terra in weight while carrying more, and reviewers put its comfortable ceiling around 45 lb with performance falling off past 50.
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Specifications
What do these specs mean? →Features
Pros
- ✓3 lb 9 oz for 65 L is light for a mainstream framed pack at this capacity.
- ✓Around five inches of vertical harness adjustment across two frame sizes.
- ✓Carries roughly 45 lb comfortably, well above what its weight suggests.
- ✓$250 undercuts the Osprey Aether 65 and Gregory Baltoro 65 by $120.
- ✓65 L handles a bear canister and a long food carry.
- ✓The North Face's retail presence makes it easy to try on and return.
- ✓Over a pound lighter than the brand's own Terra 65 while holding the same volume.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
Cons
- ✗OutdoorGearLab does not publish the fabric specification, so durability is hard to judge.
- ✗Performance is reported to get dicey above 50 lb.
- ✗The max-load figure is inferred from testing, not stated by The North Face.
- ✗No rain cover included.
- ✗Only one volume is offered.
- ✗No ventilated back panel.
- ✗The North Face's backpacking packs get less design attention than its apparel.
- ✗Bear-canister fit is not stated.
Common Questions
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