Hi Justin. We’ve had 3 different versions of the BCA Float 32 now. The last 2 versions have seemed to carry quite well. This latest, is the lightest of all 3 and it has an adjustable back panel so it can be adjusted for all heights – good for us small women. Overall, I like it. They have added another hip pocket so there’s two now, which I like. There’s a sweet ice axe carry system. The helmet carry is slimmer, which holds the helmet better, but the placement of the top clip for it prohibits getting into the goggle pocket. The only other problem with it is that the inside “small tools” pocket is especially hard to get to because it’s tucked inside the main compartment and behind the goggle pocket. To address your zipper access into the main compartment, there’s actually 3 different zips on one zipper which allow for easier access into all parts of the main compartment. It’s a pretty cool idea, really.