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Best alpine backpacks

Original Post
Christian Zao · · Orange Chaicken · Joined Jan 2021 · Points: 101

Looking for an alpine day pack nothing more than 35L. Want it to be able to carry rope, ice axes, crampons. Would also be nice to have an avalanche gear pocket. Or some tips on where to store your avalanche gear. You guys have any suggestions? 

Steve McGee · · Sandpoint, ID · Joined Aug 2021 · Points: 795

Cold Cold World, which is a derivative of the Northwall/Andinista packs from Wild Things. Or any other similar design pack.

I recommend reading this series of articles: 

Cold Thistle on climbing packs

Aaron Liebling · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2010 · Points: 952

Another obligatory shout out for cold cold world: manufactured in the U.S. by one guy who is also a serious climber and knows what these packs are for. I own four, none of which are even close to dying (even the one that was inappropriately hauled 6 pitches on el cap).

Cannot recommend highly enough.

mark55401 · · Minneapolis · Joined May 2011 · Points: 360

CCW is excellent. Also, I have a Cilo 35 that I used for years and years that is no-frills and super-functional but haven't been able to locate since my last move. If I can't find it soon I'm going to get a Valdez from Randy and crew at CCW.

Kai Larson · · Sandy, UT · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 441

Hyperlite Prizm Pack.

https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/products/prism-pack

Light, durable, well designed, carries well.  Also, they come in various back lengths, so you can get the proper size for your back.  

Chris TeBeau · · Asheville, NC · Joined Jul 2017 · Points: 5

Check out Tufa. just got a pack from them (mostly for multipitch and cragging) but it's simple, durable, customizable, and offers every feature one would need in the alpine. 

jdejace · · New England · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 5
Kai Larson wrote:

Hyperlite Prizm Pack.

https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/products/prism-pack

Light, durable, well designed, carries well.  Also, they come in various back lengths, so you can get the proper size for your back.  

I never loved their pack designs personally but bought 2 shelters and thought they were a great company. I was disappointed they outsourced. 

https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/pages/shipping-information

To OP: the CCW Valdez is a smartly designed, simple, bomber pack. It's not sexy. It's not expensive either on the bright side. The one potential niggle for some people is no framesheet. Probably most people don't care with a daypack. You could also rig one up if you're semi-handy. 

https://www.stitchbackgear.com/articles/frame-sheet-with-stay

Don't worry about the Valdez being 40L, every company seems to measure a liter differently and it's on the small side. It would be what many companies call 30-35L. 

Tufa is also a great pack from an awesome company but I personally find the Mochilla too small for winter duty. YMMV 

bearded sam · · Crested Butte, CO · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 145

https://www.apocalypse-equipment.com/packs-1. Made in Jackson and cheaper than a prism

Steve McGee · · Sandpoint, ID · Joined Aug 2021 · Points: 795
Kai Larson wrote:

Hyperlite Prizm Pack.

https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/products/prism-pack

Light, durable, well designed, carries well.  Also, they come in various back lengths, so you can get the proper size for your back.  

Outdoor Gear Lab review of the Hyperlite Prism. It does seem like a high-end version of the classic alpine pack.

Kai's site explains a bit about what makes a good pack, too. Karrimor Packs.

And Alpine Luddites makes modern versions of the classics, and unique designs as well.

Ted Raven · · Squamish, BC · Joined Aug 2016 · Points: 220
Aaron Liebling wrote:

Another obligatory shout out for cold cold world: manufactured in the U.S. by one guy who is also a serious climber and knows what these packs are for. I own four, none of which are even close to dying (even the one that was inappropriately hauled 6 pitches on el cap).

Cannot recommend highly enough.

And another shout out for CCW. I have an Ozone and it’s just so simple, well built, and durable. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one of their proper alpine packs, though I would get better ice tool attachments custom made. I really dislike the tool loops. 

Chris C · · Seattle, WA · Joined Mar 2016 · Points: 407

Surprised nobody has mentioned the Arcteryx FL 30 or 40. Light, cheap, durable, purpose built. For single day ascents, this pack is great. 

The HMG Prism is great, it has a lot more features than the Arcteryx FL, carries loads a lot better, but is about double the price. For 2-3 day ascents, this pack is great. 

I have both of these (which is kind of redundant). If one isn’t working on a budget, the Prism is an awesome choice. If one is a little more budget conscious, the Arcteryx FL won’t disappoint. 

bearded sam · · Crested Butte, CO · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 145

Seems like the Mountain Hardware might be a good non custom option though I think you might have to go custom for both tool carrying and a separate snow safety pocket 

https://www.thealpinestart.com/2021/10/08/comparison-review-hmg-prism-vs-mh-alpine-light-35-vs-hmg-2400-ice-pack/?fbclid=IwAR20v6MGmIwDh0k2w1f9cSRSsPknLHUZ5JZfSnx6Ptd7n-Jgj8-7ZvqwOPQ

FrankPS · · Atascadero, CA · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 276

After 8 or 10 different pack suggestions, the OP will still have to decide for himself.  Darn!

Chris C · · Seattle, WA · Joined Mar 2016 · Points: 407
FrankPS wrote:

After 8 or 10 different pack suggestions, the OP will still have to decide for himself.  Darn!

     

Aaron Liebling · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2010 · Points: 952

Agreed...if you want to go mainstream brand (for whatever reason) Arcteryx FL is a solid choice...if you can get it cheap.  I wouldn't call it cheap - you can get cheaper and made in the US.

Steve McGee · · Sandpoint, ID · Joined Aug 2021 · Points: 795

I forgot about the snow shovel question. Put it inside the pack, against the front, with the handle hole / stem facing up. I would want the hole/stem to be grabbable once the drawcord is loosened.

Depending on the pack size, and load, I would either place it in once the bottom of the pack is filled to where the tip of the shovel blade would/should rest, or fill the pack up with softer stuff and slide the shovel in after.

Strings Attached · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2021 · Points: 0

It seems foolish to buy a pack without trying it on. A poorly fitting pack sucks. As with shoes. The different suggestions are helpful in regards to design but not so much in regards to how a pack will fit you, especially loaded.

Steve McGee · · Sandpoint, ID · Joined Aug 2021 · Points: 795

Another reason to call or email Randy at CCW.

climber pat · · Las Cruces NM · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 301

Osprey mutant.  

Ted Raven · · Squamish, BC · Joined Aug 2016 · Points: 220
Steve McGee wrote:

Another reason to call or email Randy at CCW.

Especially if you want an extra zipper/pocket for avalanche equipment. He’s willing to do custom work. I’ve heard Alpine Luddites will as well. 

Danny V · · Campbell, CA · Joined Apr 2017 · Points: 0
bearded sam wrote:

https://www.apocalypse-equipment.com/packs-1. Made in Jackson and cheaper than a prism

+1 to this. Carries way better than I expected due to the width of the frame sheet and the general design. Shovel + Probe fit well in the "Sac Ski" I have. 

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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