ClimberMayJune2020

http://www.climber.co.uk may–jun 2020 77

mammut Trion Light 38 L
Weight: 850g RRP: £130
This is a superlight, fully featured bag from Mammut. If we start at the
top the lid can easily be extended or completely removed, there is a
large external zip pocket and an internal mesh one with a key hook.
Under the lid there is a roll top which can be used like a snow skirt
with the lid extended or to create a weather closure. Inside the bag
there is a hydration pouch and access to one part of the T stability
system – this horizontal bar (and the vertical one on the outside) can
easily be removed to soften the feel of the pack and remove some weight.

Outside the ’sack there is pouch pocket that was great for stuffing

waterproofs and, if you are going to use it for skiing, operates as a

safety pocket (though I would have preferred a zip on it if you were

going to do this). There are two compression straps on each side

and a large ski slot which is actually big enough for my wide skis,

unlike some. There are two possibilities for ice tool attachment

which is great as the classic loop and twist system doesn’t work very

well with modern tools. The waistbelt is comfortable and removable

leaving a simple light strap, the carry is excellent with the length

sitting so that the head movement is never impeded. I thought the

Trion was a brilliant bag, to get that many usable features in a bag

of this weight, which can then trimmed further, was great.

Black Diamond Speed 40

Weight: 1.2kg RRP: £135

As mentioned in the intro all manufacturers don’t use the same

measuring system when they share a rucksack size with the public,

Black Diamond are on the generous size so their 40L will swallow

all the gear I would want to carry into the mountains without getting

into expedition scale load carries. The generous size is extendable

with a large snow skirt and extendable removable lid, the lid has a

large external zip pocket and an internal zip pocket as well. It is a

classic design with two side compression straps that are nice and

long and clip style ice tool attachment.

The straps for the lid are easily removed when not using the lid

which leaves a nice clean exterior, the waistbelt is also strippable to

leave a simple web strap. While we are on the waistbelt this has a

small gear loop and an ice screw clipper slot. If you are loading for

full snow and ice adventures, then there a reinforced patch down

the front of the pack with two removable straps where crampons

can easily be attached. I thought this was a good alternative to a

crampon pouch as it keeps weight down and adds durability but

keeps versatility.

I thought the Speed 40 was a great winter ’sack, easy to stuff

all your kit into but small enough not to get in the way on the route

and light enough to take into the high mountains. There is also a

22, 30 and 50 litre version so you can find a Speed pack for any

adventure. n

ALPINE AND CRAGGING RUCKSACKS 2020

Mammut Trion
Light 38 L

Black Diamond

Speed 40

Arc’teryx

Alpha AR 35