Gear Review
Product Description is NOT accurate
By sor3094692
Ranked #716 - Overnight Backpacks (2000 - 2999 cu in)
June 13, 2009
I'm returning the backpack as the product description is inaccurate. Many thanks to Backcountry for their excellent customer service, however. This is for the 2009 model of the Khamsin 40 backpack. The product description here, on other web sites and on the Arcteryx website itself is incorrect, which after some emails was verified by an Arcteryx rep: their own incorrect product info has trickled down to all retail vendors--Arcteryx even has some photos on their website, but they don't exist in the model. The backpack does not have a full length side zipper -- there is no side access whatsoever. The backpack does not have full vertical suspension, but only two horizontal stays. In using the pack, this was very problematic as it would bow out and become extremely uncomfortable to wear without the vertical struts.
Otherwise, the pack is well made and looks nice. I found the kangaroo pocket a very nice feature as I've not had anything similar on other packs. However, lacking the support and side access (a reason for my purchase) this pack is "just another" pack without any particularly distinguishing features and, as said above, the poor suspension creates for a very uncomfortable load: as soon as you put on the hip belt, the weight of the pack bears down and bows the back panel out and away from your back putting weight squarely on the shoulders and partially on the hips and the lower back as it bows back in. (yes, the pack is correctly sized for me--the bowing is only a few inches, but very problematic).
View Details: Arc'teryx Khamsin 40 Backpack - 2441-2746cu in
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- 210D Ripstorm nylon, 630D Superpack nylon
- Volume:
- [Short] 2136cu in (35L); [Regular] 2441cu in (40L); [Tall] 2746cu in (45L)
- Suspension:
- 2 Aluminum stays, framesheet, padded back panel
- Waist-belt:
- Yes
- Hydration Compatible:
- Yes
- Rain Cover:
- No
- Access Types:
- Top, side
- External Pockets:
- 2 Lid, 1 front
- Snowboard Carry:
- No
- Ski Carry:
- No
- Gear Loops:
- 2
- Ice Axe Loops:
- 2
- Shovel Pocket:
- No
- Weight:
- [Short] 3lb 3oz (1400g); [Regular] 3lb 6oz (1500g); [Tall] 3lb 9oz (1600g)
- Recommended Use:
- Alpine climbing, mountaineering, backpacking
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- Lifetime
Change me.




1 Comments Last Reply: December 28, 2009 By: Tim Young
I am fairly sure that you got the wrong size in this bag and that you horribly misunderstood it's use. The bag is deaigned as an alpine pack, and because of that it is made like a big sack with straps attached to it. The soft back panel and low ammount of suspension makes for a pack that is flexable enough to move with you when climbing. Yes it's not the most comfortable in other situations but that's not what it is designed for. Plus the improper fit would hinder you as well.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes