ClimberMayJune2020

76 may–jun 2020 http://www.climber.co.uk

gear review

A rope carry strap locks over the roll top. There is one very large lid

pocket. The carrying system is very comfortable and in dry, warm

conditions the dryback design with airgaps in the shoulder straps

allows lots of breathability. The waistbelt hip pads work well and

are easily removed.

I’m sure you can sense the however coming, if you take a ’sack in

the snow and it is anything but ‘clean’ all nooks and crannies will fill

with snow then melt against your back, which is not a massive deal

with a brand new waterproof jacket but as we all know they leak

pretty quickly so you will get a cold wet back. I really liked the ’sack,

I would just be tempted to cut off the padded back which would leave

a nice clean finish.

gregory alpinisto 35

Weight: 1.6kg (stripped 964g) RRP: £175

Gregory is a brand that is gaining some traction in the UK. Interna-

tionally they have a reputation for well thought out solid ’sacks and I

know a number of guides who have been using their ski packs for

years and love them. The first thing I felt with the Alpinisto is that it

was a well put together solid ’sack, not the lightest, but with a good

range of features and great attention to detail.

If we start with the lid there is a cut-out shape to allow unobstruct-

ed upward view with a helmet on, internal and external pockets and

an internal rope compression. A single metal buckle holds the lid in

place which was great as plastic doesn’t always survive the rigours

of climbing and travel. The main compartment has a zip access on

one side that does work and is so big that you can genuinely get into

the ’sack unlike some examples where the zip is short so unless you

have what you want behind the zip then you may struggle to find it.

There are two compression straps which integrate with the classic

ice-axe loops and there are also two ski slots with easy loading of

skis and wand pockets, some people like these for tent poles etc,

but to me they usually just fill with snow. When heading out winter

or Alpine climbing the collapsible crampon pouch works really well

as it creates plenty of space for other kit and when you are packing

away snowy, muddy crampons you don’t need to think about using a

crampon bag to protect the rest of your kit.

I was really impressed with the Alpinisto and don’t let the 35L

label fool you, this bag will carry everything. You can also strip the

’sack removing the padded waist belt and internal frame to save

some weight. The waistbelt has a gear loop on one side, which

wasn’t great, and some ice screw clipper thread loops which

worked great if you want to carry your ice screws on your waist

strap. The waistbelt also has some loops attached where you can

attach a sled for towing, while not of any interest to most this is

an interesting idea and adds no real weight. There is also a

hydration pocket.

arc’teryx ar 35

Weight: 1.17kg RRP: £150

In the world of Arc’teryx, AR means all-round and that’s exactly

what the AR 35 delivers. Arc’teryx have used their own fabric

to balance weight and durability, but we will need to see in a

long-term test how durable the bag is. To deliver a ’sack at this

weight and features is impressive.

If we start with the lid this can easily be extended or completely

removed and I particularly like the ability to remove it as I can

leave things I don’t want in the lid at the hut. The snow skirt is long

enough to allow for extra load. There is a large zip external pocket

and a smaller internal zip one as well on the lid, inside the ’sack

there is a zip security pocket and a hanging hood for a hydration

system. The carry system is really comfortable with great gear loops

on the waistbelt and a comfortable but minimalist amount of foam.

Outside there are two compression straps on each side of the

’sack and there is a further rope/compression strap under the lid so

the it can be cinched down when all your kit is in use. The ice tool

straps are light and simple but like the Patagonia bag I would have

preferred a solution without Velcro. On the outside there are six

attachment points, these come with elastic so can easily be used

to attach a pair of crampons when you are heavily loaded. The

back sheet can be removed to save weight. I thought the AR 35

was a brilliant bag suitable all around the mountain. Also available

in a 20L which would be perfect for multi-pitch rock-climbing and

a 55L for longer outings.

Gregory

Alpinisto 35

Salewa

Apex Guide 45