So far I am very happy and it fits me very well.  (I'm 5'11, 200 pounds)

I have not trecked with it, but I had no problem loading it up and adjusting it to fit my frame.



One question if anyone knows,  allegedly the buckles and straps on the front top of shoulder straps, are described in reviews as being for use with body armor and offer no ajustment as to how the pack fits.

I don't see myself necessarily ever using body armor with the pack, but as I have tried to understand all the features of the pack, these buckles are a mystery to me.

I'm stumped at how this feature could even work.  Do some "tactical" backpacks attach to a plate carrier?

The buckles im referring to are on the straps just above the kelty and redwing logos.



https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=uaJ7PD3X&id=114B6C080525DB6B4913A99B06ED2F96446FE927&thid=OIP.uaJ7PD3X5ecrLbWYKffpWQHaLe&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2fwww.recon-company.com%2fmedia%2fimage%2fb3%2f5e%2fe1%2fkelty-redwing-tactical-low-profile-rucksack-44_445133_001_3.jpg&cdnurl=https%3a%2f%2fth.bing.com%2fth%2fid%2fR.b9a27b3c3dd7e5e72b2db59829f7e959%3frik%3dJ%252blvRJYv7QabqQ%26pid%3dImgRaw%26r%3d0&exph=1550&expw=1000&q=kelty+redwing+44+tactical&simid=607996451261604031&FORM=IRPRST&ck=DE986464158EA52B8B8B85D15E16E69A&selectedIndex=14&ajaxhist=0&ajaxserp=0

They look like load lifters to me, with the free end tucked into the buckle for neatness.

Concur.

Looks identical to the redwing 44 non-tacticals I've used all over the world for years.

Great bag.

What is meant by load lifter, excuse my ignorance.

If the pack’s center of gravity causes it to pull backward off your shoulders, tightening the load lifter straps will pull the top of the pack closer to your back and put the weight back on your hips where it belongs. They’re also handy for changing your CG when ascending or descending. With the load lifters adjusted you can loosen the shoulder straps a bit so there’s next to no weight on your shoulders. For the best results you’ll want the heaviest gear to be closest to your back and about 1/2-2/3 of the way up the pack.