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Here's a 30 liter in the "outlet" section of the Arc'teryx website.Having discovered the new Arc'teryx backpacks ALPHA FL 30 lt. (615 grams) and 40 lt. (715 grams), I find them very comfortable, they are waterproof, roomy, solid built, and feature a reinforced back part that substitutes a frame. Both sizes would allow me to keep the total carrying weight (loaded) well below 5kg without any sacrifice.
Being Arc'teryx, they are pricy too, so I resisted a spontaneous purchase to ask first if anyone here has a walking experience with this pack. I am particularly concerned that said back part would generate sweat in summer.
Appreciate any comment.
Have a look at thisHaving discovered the new Arc'teryx backpacks ALPHA FL 30 lt. (615 grams) and 40 lt. (715 grams), I find them very comfortable, they are waterproof, roomy, solid built, and feature a reinforced back part that substitutes a frame. Both sizes would allow me to keep the total carrying weight (loaded) well below 5kg without any sacrifice.
Being Arc'teryx, they are pricy too, so I resisted a spontaneous purchase to ask first if anyone here has a walking experience with this pack. I am particularly concerned that said back part would generate sweat in summer.
Appreciate any comment.
From looking at the description, i have to say, they are by no way light. Sorry.
On the Pro side:
On the Con side:
- sturdy
- water resistant
- Support and cushioning from the back panel (not a frame, but better than nothing)
For example a Gossamergear Kumo will offer more features at slightly less weight at a comparable price.
- no daisy chain on shoulder straps
- no side pockets
- no front mesh pocket, just some cords
- no belt pockets
- 635g for a 30L pack is lighter than most standard packs but compared to ultralight packs of comparable features about twice what they weigh in at
I like Arcteryx quite some, and especially the two Atom Jackets i own (SL and LT). But with backpacks, they just seem to have their focus on something else than i do.
extra "straps" on the shoulder straps you can attach stuff to. Like bottle clips or pockets.Daisy Chain?
While sweaty back is a problem for sure, it usually is not that big of a problem as one might think. If it's cold, you don't sweat much. If it's warm you dry fast when you take the pack of. But yes, for some people it is more of an issue.Hmm; direct contact with loaded pack made from waterproof fabric and your cool & comfortable Merino top - guaranteed sweaty back. Though you could of course avoid this by not drinking any water (which will save another 1k of pack weight) but is not recommended...
Agreed, but in the days before Merino; Goretex and airflow frames it was always possible to end a vigorous hike in even cold climate situations with sweat soaked base layers and the threat of hyperthermia. We were taught to maintain a level of exertion such that we didn’t sweat. Sound but useless advice in most hiking situations. While I’ll cheerfully recognize that we now have the benefits of merino and Goretex those benefits are totally negated by capping them with an impermeable layer. So, save a few hundred grams of weight off your pack and carry it instead soaked into your Tshirt & trickling down your...While sweaty back is a problem for sure, it usually is not that big of a problem as one might think. If it's cold, you don't sweat much. If it's warm you dry fast when you take the pack of. But yes, for some people it is more of an issue.
I agree with Anhalter's comments re: pros and cons. On the Camino I have used a light 40L Montbell pack that is similar in weight to the 40L Arc'teryx. But it included all of the extra elements mentioned by Anhalter (side pockets, etc.) except for the daisy chain shoulder straps. Plus it has the top compartment over the main compartment -- very handy -- and cost about $80 less. Do I recommend it? Probably yes with some qualifiers, but that's a different post. I'm just saying that there are comparable packs out there at the same weight but with more features.From looking at the description, i have to say, they are by no way light. Sorry.
On the Pro side:
On the Con side:
- sturdy
- water resistant
- Support and cushioning from the back panel (not a frame, but better than nothing)
For example a Gossamergear Kumo will offer more features at slightly less weight at a comparable price.
- no daisy chain on shoulder straps
- no side pockets
- no front mesh pocket, just some cords
- no belt pockets
- 635g for a 30L pack is lighter than most standard packs but compared to ultralight packs of comparable features about twice what they weigh in at
I like Arcteryx quite some, and especially the two Atom Jackets i own (SL and LT). But with backpacks, they just seem to have their focus on something else than i do.
OH, YES! This is a point i constantly keep forgetting to mention. The less structure the pack has, the more effort you have to put into packing it so the weight distributes nicely (and no edgy stuff pokes you). Once you figure it out, it is not much of an issue anymore.I had no problem using a pack without a frame, but I had to experiment with the weight distribution and then repack it consistently every morning.
It's a tough call, for me at least.
I love the comfort of the 'airspeed' back and frame on my Osprey pack.
But saving 600 gms in weight would be nice too.
I think in this case I'd go for comfort.
Though of course I haven't tried one of these Ultralite packs.
Have you @davebugg ?
Daisy Chain?
Any idea of their prices... I've used Deuter for years now....Having discovered the new Arc'teryx backpacks ALPHA FL 30 lt. (615 grams) and 40 lt. (715 grams), I find them very comfortable, they are waterproof, roomy, solid built, and feature a reinforced back part that substitutes a frame. Both sizes would allow me to keep the total carrying weight (loaded) well below 5kg without any sacrifice.
Being Arc'teryx, they are pricy too, so I resisted a spontaneous purchase to ask first if anyone here has a walking experience with this pack. I am particularly concerned that said back part would generate sweat in summer.
Appreciate any comment.
Dear Dave,These styles of backpacks are designed as approach packs for mountaineering. Basically for short hauls to a base camp. I have also used them as haul bags to lift gear between pitches. Over the last 5 years, especially, they have developed a following with some thru hikers and hyperlight adherents.
I have used variations on this category of backpacks over the years, including some from Arcteryx, some being even lighter. Speaking for myself, I would never use one for backpacking as I do not find them comfortable for that application.
Having walked the Camino Frances with a GG Murmur let me say this: If your stuff is comfortably below 4kg, you can consider it, if thats a problem, forget it. Less is better, but then you must invest some time on how to pack it (weight distribution). By itself, the Murmur is surprisingly sturdy and water resistant. I has most of the features i look for in a pack, except for my beloved daisy chain, which i improvised and that did not work that great. Only came to its limits on the days i carried a lot of water.Dear Dave,
Welcome back and I pray for your continuing recovery. I was thinking about getting the Gossamer Gear Murmur in place of my Osprey Talon 22, but your comment has given me pause. My wife and I hope to walk the Way of St. Francis in Italy this fall and every gram/ounce will count in the mountains. Thank you for all your advice and encouragement to your fellow pilgrims.
John
... I don't mind something a little heavier ...
Having discovered the new Arc'teryx backpacks ALPHA FL 30 lt. (615 grams) and 40 lt. (715 grams), I find them very comfortable, they are waterproof, roomy, solid built, and feature a reinforced back part that substitutes a frame. Both sizes would allow me to keep the total carrying weight (loaded) well below 5kg without any sacrifice.
Being Arc'teryx, they are pricy too, so I resisted a spontaneous purchase to ask first if anyone here has a walking experience with this pack. I am particularly concerned that said back part would generate sweat in summer.
Appreciate any comment.
Very interesting and useful information, thank you, @gittiharre. To overcome my skepticism regarding frameless on long distance, I'd need to try out these packs in real-life conditions, meaning I'd have to buy one and import it to my country (Europe), paying duty, tax, etc. Perhaps, somebody knowledgeable here can give me his/her views on the subject....youCheck these out. Just met 2 long distance hikers in their 70's, who specialize in ultra light hiking.They swear by these packs. Very comfortable. The 38 ltr only weighs 303 grams. They also do amazingly light sleeping bags.Backpacks
Specifically designed for long-distance hikers, our ultralight backpacks are perfect for crushing miles on any trail. Our Dyneema®️ Composite Fabric is waterproof, comes with taped seams, and is the lightest option we carry. Our Robic®️ Fabric is a more rugged option with better abrasion resistance.zpacks.com
Yes, I would need to try it out too...Very interesting and useful information, thank you, @gittiharre. To overcome my skepticism regarding frameless on long distance, I'd need to try out these packs in real-life conditions, meaning I'd have to buy one and import it to my country (Europe), paying duty, tax, etc. Perhaps, somebody knowledgeable here can give me his/her views on the subject....you@davebugg???
Have walked two Camino’s with this pack, and found it extraordinary for an ultra lite option: https://zpacks.com/products/nero-backpack
I bought (but returned) a Zpacks backpack - the 728 gram Arc Blast. I liked how it fit and it was comfortable to carry, but I just prefer more pockets, and the zippered opening really didn't function as well as I wanted. If I were to go lighter weight I would get the Arc Air, and forget about having a zippered backpack.I would go for the close cousin here https://zpacks.com/products/arc-air-50l-backpack with a frame that bows away from my back at nearly 600 grams (1 lb 4 oz).
I have been very happy with the OMM Classic 32 (Previous Generation) that I purchased some years ago. It served me well on the VDLP in 2014 and has been used on a number of shorter Caminos since then. Is is beginning to show some signs of wear but I hope to bring it on another Camino whenever it reopens. Ventilation is a problem but I was more concerned about reducing the weight on my back.Have a look at this
Classic 32 Rucksack
OMM's 2020 Classic 32 Rucksack balances durability and weight surprisingly well. The updated fabrics on this version are clearly a lot more hard wearing and easily stand up to the challenges of the mountains. Despite being a fairly simple, stripped back design this pack has some great features...www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk
I share your concern over ‘sweaty back’ - but at under GBP100 and under 600g it’s worth trying. It’s a good brand and seems solid. I’m going to try it at home for a few weeks before declaring victory.
I think you’ve nailed it. It’s a trade-off between weight and a structured frame.I have been very happy with the OMM Classic 32 (Previous Generation) that I purchased some years ago. It served me well on the VDLP in 2014 and has been used on a number of shorter Caminos since then. Is is beginning to show some signs of wear but I hope to bring it on another Camino whenever it reopens. Ventilation is a problem but I was more concerned about reducing the weight on my back.
When I was hired by zPacks to do a QA gear test for the Zpacks Arc series after it had been out for two model years, I could not dial in the pack to a comfort level due to the design of the harness system.Very interesting and useful information, thank you, @gittiharre. To overcome my skepticism regarding frameless on long distance, I'd need to try out these packs in real-life conditions, meaning I'd have to buy one and import it to my country (Europe), paying duty, tax, etc. Perhaps, somebody knowledgeable here can give me his/her views on the subject....you@davebugg???
I think you’ve nailed it. It’s a trade-off between weight and a structured frame.
I can handle a bit of sweaty back, I went through Sandhurst several decades ago so became accustomed to carrying unfeasible loads from A to B for no good reason. But on Camino I’m basically on vacation.
I’ve just put my new OMM into store - I have ten rucksacks at last count so she will not be lonely - and retrieved my ‘pruned’ Osprey Kestrel 38. The latter is double the weight, but even after a bit of a diet I’m 7-8Kg overweight, so the cheapest option is to focus on the skin-in weight not skin-out!
Military packs use a variation to allow attachment of accessory pockets for things like rifle and handgun magazines, blow out kits, grenades, etc. I would discourage pilgrims who might be thinking of bringing grenades on Camino, though.
Just thinking, wouldn't "blow out kits" be "blow up kits?"
Maybe military words have gone PC as well?
Quartermaster "What do you want to blow up son?"
Pilgrim Private "Noisy pilgrims in the alburgue sir"
Quatermaster "Well here is our latest noisy Pilgrim blow up kit. It blows them out and then up"
That would be perfect I recon.
Couldn't help myself.
Moderators feel free to delete
Cheers
Graham
Good point...no grenades, always need that reminder. Thanks Dave!. I would discourage pilgrims who might be thinking of bringing grenades on Camino, though.
Having discovered the new Arc'teryx backpacks ALPHA FL 30 lt. (615 grams) and 40 lt. (715 grams), I find them very comfortable, they are waterproof, roomy, solid built, and feature a reinforced back part that substitutes a frame. Both sizes would allow me to keep the total carrying weight (loaded) well below 5kg without any sacrifice.
Being Arc'teryx, they are pricy too, so I resisted a spontaneous purchase to ask first if anyone here has a walking experience with this pack. I am particularly concerned that said back part would generate sweat in summer.
Appreciate any comment.
I bought (but returned) a Zpacks backpack - the 728 gram Arc Blast. I liked how it fit and it was comfortable to carry, but I just prefer more pockets, and the zippered opening really didn't function as well as I wanted. If I were to go lighter weight I would get the Arc Air, and forget about having a zippered backpack.
I actually prefer a zippered opening, but with a light load the Z-packs zip didn't work very well.Yes, I would also avoid a zippered closure/opening as if it were the plague
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