I forgot to mention the beauty of a pack with a "trampoline" style back. For years (before I was aware of slip-in protection, if it existed at the time) I rode with a Deuter Race EXP Air pack - chosen primarily because I felt the trampoline system with metal leaf springs holding the pack off my back gave me an added element of protection when compared to a pack that sat directly on my back. The additional cooling benefits were a bonus for me rather than the main point of the design. My Dakine Seeker has a very similar design, but additionally has a pocket for a slip-in back protector. I'm not keen to test it but could probably fall pretty hard on a pointy rock and not feel too much through it. It's not as nice as nothing, but when I need to carry a lot it's pretty comfortable.
Dec. 6, 2021, 1:36 p.m. - khai
I forgot to mention the beauty of a pack with a "trampoline" style back. For years (before I was aware of slip-in protection, if it existed at the time) I rode with a Deuter Race EXP Air pack - chosen primarily because I felt the trampoline system with metal leaf springs holding the pack off my back gave me an added element of protection when compared to a pack that sat directly on my back. The additional cooling benefits were a bonus for me rather than the main point of the design. My Dakine Seeker has a very similar design, but additionally has a pocket for a slip-in back protector. I'm not keen to test it but could probably fall pretty hard on a pointy rock and not feel too much through it. It's not as nice as nothing, but when I need to carry a lot it's pretty comfortable.