Gear Review
Arc'teryx Altra Backpack 65 - Men's - 3967-4577cu in
Worthwhile upgrade
By Angel
Ranked #315 - Weekend Packs (3000-4500 cu in)
April 1, 2010
These are my quick impressions so far. I had the Bora 65, so expect a lot of comparisons with it. The Altra 65 is much lighter than the Bora. The weight savings are much appreciated. The pivoting hip belt seems to work as advertised, but I haven’t gone out yet in the field.The straps seem to have less padding than the Bora’s, but they are just as comfortable. Unlike the Bora, your back won’t make contact with the entire back panel. It might make it cooler to wear. I haven’t played with the GridLoc shoulder straps, but they look pretty straight forward to customize. I like that not only can you make it longer/shorter, but also narrower/wider.
The fabric is thinner than the Bora’s, but doesn’t look too thin or cheap. Unlike the Bora, the Altra doesn’t have the ice axe loops or daisy chains. I never used them. All of this means more weight savings.
Things that are new: The U-zipper. I think it’s a great idea (I know some REI packs had it already). It makes it really easy to see everything in your pack. It is ideal for when your pack is flat on the ground. When the backpack is vertical, it works like any other zipper. The “laminated zipper protector” also doubles as a sleeping pad/tent carrier. I would’ve preferred a waterproof zipper rather than a zipper protector though. Obviously there is no sleeping bag compartment. I won’t miss it.
Instead of compression straps it has compression wings. I actually like the idea. It makes it easier to secure a jacket. I don’t use poles, so no idea if you can secure them with the wings. The Top lid has two zippers instead of one. The small one is "a map pocket." Not sure how much I’ll use it.
The water bottle pockets are stretch mesh. Unlike the Bora’s, you don’t put these away. I like the new ones better. The Altra addressed one of my wife’s complaints. The hip belt now has pockets! You won’t be able to fit much in there, and they don’t have a zipper. They are perfect for an energy bar or two. Not sure I could fit a camera in there. In fact, I hadn’t seen them until I read the specs prior to writing this :-)
Finally there is a proper hydration pocket. Unlike most backpacks, this one is off to the side. I couldn’t fit in my 3L platypus filled, but a 2L one should fit. The water hose will come out on your right side.
To make a long story short, this is a great improvement on the Bora. You give up a waterproof zipper (hopefully not an issue) and axe loops and daisy chains. However, the trade off is well worth it.
PS The 65 does not have an occipital pocket, but the 62 does.
View Details: Arc'teryx Altra Backpack 65 - Men's - 3967-4577cu in
Helpful Votes: 5 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- Invista HT Mini Ripstop (100D nylon, PU coating), 420ACT, Invista HT Plain Weave
- Support/Suspension:
- AC2 system, removable 6061 aluminum tubular stays
- Shoulder Straps:
- GridLock adjustable harness system
- Waist-Belt:
- yes, thermo-molded
- Access:
- top, front
- Pockets:
- 2 top lid zippered, 1 map, 1 hook-and-loop, 1 front kangaroo, 2 hip-belt mesh, 2 stretch mesh
- Sleeping Bag Compartment:
- no
- Hydration Compatible:
- yes
- Reservoir Included:
- no
- Detachable Daypack:
- no
- Detachable Lid:
- yes
- Ski Carry:
- no
- Gear Loops:
- yes, mini daisy chains
- Trekking Pole Loops:
- no
- Weight:
- (reg) 2200 g, (tall) 2300 g
- Volume:
- (reg) 65 72 L, (tall) 68 75 L
- Recommended Use:
- multi-day backpacking, trekking
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- lifetime
Change me.
7 Comments Last Reply: April 5, 2011 By: leaveword1676537
Sean is right, there are two sets of daisy chains, low and high on each side. You can lash stuff on to this pack no problem. But don't delude yourself, the zippers do leak. Don't risk it. Use a trash compactor bag or a pack liner like another prudent reviewer here. Yes, as I have noted above, the Platypus 2L hydration bladder is great for this pack.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
My 65 has daisey chains just like the 75.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
No daisy chains on the 65. It's not an issue for me though. Thank you to Nate R for all the pics.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
There are daisy chains on the pack, at least on the mens 75, which is what I have. They are along the bottom area right by the tent compartment. I agree that a watertight zipper would be sweet, but if you look at where the zipper is located, its almost completely protected by the wings and the tent holder. I have read other reviews saying that its quite waterproof. I traded in my naos for this pack because its much lighter, and the hip/shoulder straps are much more comfortable and there is space for your back to breath. Great review!
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
There are daisy chains on the pack, at least on the mens 75, which is what I have. They are along the bottom area right by the tent compartment. I agree that a watertight zipper would be sweet, but if you look at where the zipper is located, its almost completely protected by the wings and the tent holder. I have read other reviews saying that its quite waterproof. I traded in my naos for this pack because its much lighter, and the hip/shoulder straps are much more comfortable and there is space for your back to breath. Great review!
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
No problems fitting in a 32oz Nalgene. I had no problems getting to them, but obviously the pack wasn't full. No idea about the hip belt. I don't think it's meant to go w/o it as much to show that it's interchangeable. But that's purely my own WAG. I'll take pics of the wings soon. Hope that helps.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
Killer! Thanks Angel! Would you be so kind as to further explain the compression wings? I see two compression straps, but don't get how the wings work, because they look like they sit on top of whatever you would be strapping on. Are the mesh water bottle pockets deep enough to hold a 32oz Nalgene as well as with the Boras, and can you actually get to them while wearing the pack? Finally, they figured out that the giant hip belt could use a couple stash pockets! Also, what's the deal with the lube in the load transfer disk, and going without the hip belt? Worth $400?
Helpful Votes: 5 Yes