This is a replacement to my original review. This is the short version. I was originally not happy with the product but am now completely satisfied, can wholeheartedly recommend them, and would not hesitate to order from them again.
Here is the full review. I had originally rated the bag with 2 stars because I had a problem when I first received the bag. The first design of this bag utilized an inferior product for the liner and for the waterproof closure on the main compartment. I had problems with it and I have seen several other reviewers here that have apparently had the same problem that I did. I also had problems reaching the Shangri-La Customer Service department. I returned the first bag that I purchased and replaced it with a Maxpedition Jumbo that was much more expensive. Since then, everything has changed.
I received an email from Leon, the Shangri-La Customer Service Manager, who was very concerned about my problems. He asked what kind of problems I had experienced and if there was anything they could do to help me be more satisfied with their product. I explained what had happened and he let me know that they had realized quickly that there was a problem with the material that was being used and had replaced it with a much better quality material. Leon shipped me a new bag to evaluate and when I received a new one with the new liner in it...wow! It was a vastly superior material and the problem had been eliminated. In order to be willing to "re-review" the bag, I wanted to be sure that the problem would not be repeated with the new material and I tried to pull it apart, with far more force than actually using the bag would ever apply, and make the liner separate from the bag and was not able to do so. I can now wholeheartedly recommend this product and this company.
The bag design is great! It is very close in design to the Maxpedition Jumbo but it is better. I now have both bags and have been able to closely compare them. The overall appearance of the bag is very similar to the Maxpedition but the Shangri-La bag has much more room in it. I tried to pack the Maxpedition for an overnight hiking trip and after putting in a first aid kit, rain jacket, Hydro Flask water bottle (I very much recommend this water bottle) and a few other items, it was full. I have placed the same items in the Shangri-La bag and there is still a lot of room left. There are many features to the Shangri-La that I like a lot better than the Maxpedition as well. The interior details of the pockets on the Shangri-La are far superior and much more functional than the Maxpedition. The outside has several adjustable bungee cords on it that can be used to secure items and has molle attachment points in more locations than the Maxpedition. I really love this bag and look forward to many years of use.
I now would not hesitate to purchase anything from this company because I believe that their customer service department is dedicated to ensuring that their customers are completely satisfied and will work with the customer and do whatever it takes to ensure their complete and total satisfaction.
Hard Rock apparel
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