This is one of best pads we've reviewed. Stonelick's highly innovative new “integrated/step hinge” design has almost completely eliminated the chance of any rocks or other obstacles poking through the hinge. The hinge never failed (bottomed out) in any of our tests and it folded open and closed as easily as all the other hinged pads. The pads are all made in the USA out of thick, 3- layer, 4.5" foam (1" PE foam impact layer, 3" PU foam core, .5" PE foam foundation) that offers a nice mix of soft and firm.
The only problem that keeps us from suggesting this pad is that the suspension did not quite fit our average-sized 5'10"/165lb tester's frame and it is not adjustable. The waist belt was attached too far below the shoulder straps for his body size. It fit our 6'4" tester perfectly. So if you are taller than 6' this is a great pad with very few other flaws. If you are under 6' and like to use your waist belt, then this may not be the best pad for you. The only other flaw we found was that the closure straps were not quite long enough to allow the pad to open up wide and be stuffed with a lot of gear when in backpack mode.
This pad is best suited for someone 6' tall or taller who wants a good quality, medium sized pad that hauls an average load and has all the benefits of the hinge design (folds open/closed easily and foam lasts longer) combined with the reliable landing zone of a hingeless taco design.