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For alpine climbers who want a few more features than your average stripped-to-nothing pack, Arc'teryx created the Khamsin 50 Backpack. Two aluminum stays and a dual-density frame sheet help support your load, and they can be removed to shave weight. Arc'teryx also added an emergency bivy pad for those unexpected nights in the open. The Khamsin 50 Backpack includes a collapsible kangaroo pocket that holds you crampons, screws, or extra layers then tucks out of the way for the climbing. When you need to get to something buried deep in this bag, just unzip the waterproof side access instead of going in through the top and risking a spill from 15 pitches up a route. *Only available for US shipment.
Bottom Line: If you want to get high in the mountains but don't want a featureless bag, then load up the Arc'teryx
The Arc'teryx Khamsin 50 can be lightened up a touch by removing the stays, and back panel foam (I'd say fit precedes weight, in that a good carrying pack lightens the overall load feel). For 3 day climbs, if you pack right, a 50 liter should be plenty (I did a 3 day Grand Teton ascent with a 45L Arc'teryx Naos; and that included 3 liter of Cabernet)For day trips, this pack can be compressed from the sides, removing the lid, and by closing down the front pocket. So, No. You do have another good option in the Khazri 55- 5oz lighter, 5 liters bigger, and still compressible; the trade off is features and harness plush.
This pack is loaded with alpine features and just big enough for winter mountaineering. I've used it on two summits already and it is amazing. perfect weight distribution in typical arcteryx fashion.
Contrary to the copy here, the Khamsin doesn't have a specific hydration pocket or port. It's recommended to carry reservoirs in the lid for easy refill access, and hoses can be run out at the zipper junction.
Great pack used it this season ice climbing in CT, and Vermont. Easily held puffy coat,hardshell,helmet,water bottle in parka, rope,screws,harness,snacks,binocs,heavy gloves, ice gloves,thermos,slings,camera,carabiners,axes(danglers a little wierd but work fine),and crampons(in kangaroo pocket).The wieght was fine, even traverseing up the side of smuggs.I have also used this pack for a couple overnighters, and can fit my tent,sleeping back,stove,thermarest,EZlite,water,food and extra clothing. Mind you this is a little overloaded,but worked fine.If your wondering about durability, I had to carry my girlfriends pack down about 200 feet of near vertical snow, and chucked this pack down it!! you would never even know. So if you need something this tough its worth the money.
this Arc'teryx Khamsin 50 pack is great for year-round use, including backcountry skiing! the fabric under the side straps is durable and will be fine to carry skis. you can also use the front straps for a vertical carry, and the flaps will help stabilize them. You can even rig your own straps to the anchor points for axes, and do a diagonal carry.
I wouldnt recommend this to carry skis. It would proabably be better to get one that has the ski straps just because you dont want to tear your pack up and be stranded
This backpack rocks (so far). I'm fairly short 5'6" and the regular fit me perfectly. I had littl- to-no adjustment of the back support poles for it to fit my back like a glove. The gearloops on the belt are a great feature as well, especially when trad climbing. Lightweight and sturdy, would recommend it to anyone who climbs or backcountry skis as it would work great for either.
The front pocket on the Arc'teryx Khamsin 50 is a bit small for a shovel blade. It's a perfect spot to carry skins, though. I put my avy kit just inside the side zipper for quick access, while keeping it out of the way and secure.
This back pack is sick, super comfortable and has a ton of room for a full rack, rope, gear and other random shit you drag to the crag with you. I thought the pack had a camel back pocket in it which it doesn't but the kangaroo pouch on the outside of the pack makes a great camel back pouch. I went with the steazy Bluebird cause everyday in Tahoe is a Bluebird day. you can't carry skis but I'm sure you could ghetto rig something up, but if you're a snowboarder like myself you could carry the board sideways behind your back. All in all killer pack and an affordable quality Arc"teryx product with a warranty as Bomber as the pack itself. Look for a bright blue pack up on Donner summit and chances are it's yours truly. -CPAD.
It has a side access zipper, that accesses the internal chamber. the "kangaroo pocket" on the front is not removable, but the lid is, but doesn't have a belt to use a a small pack. This pack would be great for travel, but it isn't the toughest fabric Arc'teryx uses (but stronger than anyone else in this weight category) for that, check the Naos.
This packs is fantastic!!!!! The light weight material makes for a very light backpack. The moldable back piece can easily be adjusted to fit most any back and the added gear loops on the belt make for a great climbing pack. You can tell Arc'teryx has done their homework because this pack has great weight distribution and suspension. If it's an all day or weekend excursion this pack will hold most everything you need.
On this pack you hang the ice axe(s) upside down so the head is below the bottom loop. You use the shaft to loop through the hole in the axe head from the bottom up (and from rear to front) and then use the bottom strap to tighten the axe and shaft together. That way your axe doesn't slip out of the loops.
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