What was going on when they designed this pack? I'm a big fan of Mammut gear, so had very mixed feelings when I received my Neon Gear from off-of the Internet.
First Impressions count, and the first impressions are good. Like all mammut kit, it looks really good, seems pretty practical with different pockets for different things, and, quite importantly, is very low fuss externally. Some bags have so many attachments and straps etc that just make them catch on things when climbing, where as Mammut have kept external accessories to the bare minimum.
Internally, the bag is well laid out, with clearly identified pockets for the gear, and not too short of space.
Comfort - the critical consideration with any rucsack, is limited. It's by no means uncomfortable, infact, despite appearances, it's actually quite nice to wear, obviously, it'll never be as nice as a properly fitted pack, but then I look at it as a cragging bag, not one for multi-day expeditions!

So, what didn't I like, why were my emotions mixed? Well, its just one silly, niggling fault. The back panel unzips to allow you full access to your gear, which is a nice theory, very well executed by Quencha on their cragging bag, but Mammut seem to have forgotten to allow for a hinge! The foam padding of the back continues down below the extent of the zips, meaning that the back flap tries to remain rigid, and so springing shut every time you let go of it!
The top of the bag has a nice big opening, which opens properly, but because of the depth, and all the pockets, if the back panel doesn't open properly, the whole bag is just flawed, and when you're paying mammut-money, you want the best!

Sorry Mammut, looks like you made it 90% of the way to a good bag...but fell at the last hurdle!

Rucksacks are one of those odd items that you can try on as much as you like in the store, but until you're half way round an epic 3 day winter trek, you don't really feel the pros and cons of its comfort.
Also, because they're quite a personal fit, I'm careful not to tell you that it'll be good for you...you might find it the least comfortable pack you've ever worn. However, I'll rave about its design and its features!

One of the problems with a lot of sacks, in my mind, is that they either have too much clutter on the outside, or not enough racking space on the outside, however, deuter seem to have overcome this.

The pack has discreet, close couplings for Ice Axes, not really protruding from the pack, and so minimizing the chances of the catching on rock routes, or when hauling it up behind you. The loops down the front are, again, close in to the pack so as not to be problematic, and allow for the adjustment of the quick and easy ice axe upper strap (velcro)
On the sides are straps that fit your skis, walking poles, or whatever else you want to put in them.
The pack features a full length zip, a wonderful feature which allows you access to all the bags contents without unpacking, and has a readily adjustable lid with extra storage space, and expandable internal storage by releasing the compression straps.

So, all brilliant features, making it a brilliant pack! any you know what...it's damned comfortable too ;)

It's a funny axe this one, a lot of people aren't quite convinced by it, but I am!

It swings nicely, it's not too heavy, but has the weight in the right place, it looks pretty mean, and when you get it on the ice, it takes no prisoners...4 seasons in Rjukan, and I wouldn't change it for anything else (although I do love the Nomics)

I am in the market for some new axes, but for general mountaineering, which this one isn't designed for, so can't be criticised!

The two faults I have are as follows:
1. The annodisation comes off with extensive use, not a great feature, and while they make me look like a super-hard climbers who's gear's had a hard life, it would be nice if they were still a bit shinier!
2. The leash clipping eyes, a remnant of the inferior Rebel Axe, are too high up the shaft to use the Grivel Springy Leashes on...I know they weren't designed for having leashes, but if you're dry tooling indoors, you need them (silly rules!)