Comfort/Adjustability
Harness adjustability and soft padding almost make up for an otherwise stiff-feeling suspension. Ventilation is average for the category.

Stability
The Crestrail’s tubular perimeter frame felt too stable at times—testers wished for adjustable mobility, especially at the hipbelt.

Capacity
Large interior volume and a variety of external-carry features put the Crestrail near the top of the category, though its soft padding was less comfortable under big loads.

Organization/Access
Redundant zips in the lid and on one exterior pocket offered little performance benefit; the absence of a main compartment-divider in a pack with a bottom-access zip also seemed like an odd design choice.

Features
The relatively tall framesheet lacked head-clearance, and the hipbelt stabilizer-straps were not an asset.

Value
Even at an average price, the Crestrail did not perform as expected.