Mountaineering backpacks are among the broadest product categories, as their features vary considerably depending on the discipline. For example, a rock climbing backpack will have a rope tarp, while a ski mountaineering backpack will have several compartments and loops to carry skis, crampons and all your snow equipment.
Edelrid Rope Rider Bag 45l and Kurt Haulbag 55 l backpacks, Martin Poetter
Let's take a closer look at the characteristics of the more technical backpacks designed for different vertical activities.
Sport climbing backpack
Sport climbing backpacks have a rather ‘simple’ function: as well as containing the equipment we need for a day on the rock, they help us to preserve the state of wear and tear of our sport climbing equipment, and give us the possibility of organise it in the best possible way. In fact, some crag backpacks have loops for quickdraws, slots for helmets, compartments suitable for keeping your shoes separate from the rest of your equipment and, of course, a rope bag that you can ‘unpack’ directly at the base of the crag.
Volume
We will not need overly bulky backpacks, although some rock climbing backpacks can have a capacity of 50 or 55 litres, making them suitable for more demanding activities such as multi-pitch routes. Generally speaking, if we are preparing for a classic day on the rock, a backpack with a volume between 20 and 30 litres will be sufficient, although this may increase if we plan to carry the rope inside the backpack.
Opening
Considering that the crag backpack is usually left on the ground for the duration of the activity, we will not need extremely technical side openings. We will find it very practical to have a full opening that runs the full length of the pack so that we can easily access the contents.
Pockets
The pockets are perhaps the aspect that most differentiates backpacks belonging to this product category, letting you choice between a methodical organisation of the material and a more casual arrangement. The compartments you can find inside these backpacks are designed to hold your shoes , metal equipment such as quickdraws and carabiners, and of course your rope in separate areas.
Materials
Crag backpacks are, of all things, the ones that must have the greatest resistance to wear and abrasion: they certainly spend more time on the ground than on our shoulders, picking up discrete doses of dust and various mistreatments. High-strength synthetic fibres, such as Ripstop, guarantee greater product longevity.
Edelrid Kurt Haulbag 55 l backpacks, credits to Martin Poetter
Backpacks for multi-pitch routes
Backpacks for multi-pitch routes tend to have a smaller volume to keep them light and compact. Equipped with small daisy chains for attaching gear and sternal and ventral belts to stabilise accidental movement, they stay very close to the body, and have lightly padded backs that adapt to the climber's morphology
Volume
The average is around 20 litres, although there are smaller models that can be modulated with additional pockets, or backpacks that are more versatile in other situations and have a larger capacity. As a general rule, the long route backpack should be so light that all you can think about is the difficulty of the next length to be tackled.
Opening
In addition to the lightness and comfort of the backpack, the choice of the backpack opening is of great importance. We will have to have a solution that allows us to access the material in less than ‘comfortable’ conditions, perhaps even with a certain speed. Quick drawcord closure, roll-top or zipper closures are usually the most popular for this type of activity.
With the Edelrid backpacks at the Picos de Europa, Cristoph Muster, Edelrid
Mountaineering backpack
Mountaineering is all about finding the lightest equipment possible. Backpacks also follow this rule, exploiting all the advantages of the most technical materials, such as strength and lightness. One of the most distinctive features of these backpacks is that they can also be worn with a harness, thanks to the different structure of the hip belt, which can also be removed if required.
Volume
The type of mountaineering we do will affect the amount of equipment we need to carry and therefore the capacity of the pack. On average, a rucksack with a capacity of between 30 and 40 litres will keep us comfortable and cover most of our needs. Capacity should also be considered in relation to the total weight of the rucksack, which can be influenced by the materials used for the shoulder straps, the back and the different types of padding, as well as the ability to attach equipment externally.
Opening
Unlike a rock climbing pack, when we are practising mountaineering we may need to access our gear without being able to comfortably place the pack on the ground. A side zip that we can open and close while carrying the pack on one shoulder, and a rear zip that can be used in a similar way to give us access to the entire contents of the pack, will come in very handy.
Closure system
The closure system of the rucksack usually corresponds to the type of zips available: the classic buckle hood closure is usually associated with a rucksack that allows access to the contents from the top, while a rucksack with a side zip could be associated with a roll top closure. Particularly interesting is the option of a removable hood, which allows you to modulate the capacity of the rucksack according to your needs, adding or removing a capacity that can vary from five to ten litres.
Pockets
Mountaineering backpacks are generally characterised by their compact and essential structure, so that they do not interfere with the sporting activity and remain stable and close to the body at all times. You will find different solutions for carrying different types of mountaineering equipment such as helmet, skis, ice axe, poles, water bladder and extra layers of clothing.
Materials
In general, when it comes to mountaineering, the focus shifts from the durability typical of a crag backpack to lightness and comfort. After all, this is a rucksack we are going to be carrying for a long time, so it might be interesting to look at the type of padding, dual density foams and mesh inserts for breathability. The ergonomics of the back and shoulder straps will also be crucial to the comfort of our day in the mountains.
Technical equipment with Ortovox and SCARPA, Credits to Max Draeger
Ski mountaineering backpacks
Ski mountaineering backpacks have as many different features as there are types of excursions we can do. If we like Light ski mountaineering, we will look for a light and essential model, while if we practice touring we can afford a larger and less technical backpack. Depending on our needs, we can therefore begin to skim what is one of the most substantial families within the vast world of backpacks.
Volume
For excursions where we do not need to carry too much equipment, a backpack with a maximum capacity of 30 litres will be sufficient. If, on the other hand, we need to carry, for example, crampons, ice axes, poles, and different equipment for the ascent and descent, we will have plenty of choices between 30 and 60-litre backpacks, certainly equipped with slots, gear loops, elastic straps, and special compartments.
Opening
The most convenient opening system will depend on the volume of the backpack: for larger versions, a front zip is usually preferred to the classic top zip, as it makes it easier to get to material stowed further down without having to pull out all the contents. Obviously, this type of opening requires you to place the rucksack on the ground, but if you want to open it while keeping it over your shoulders, the same indications apply as for the back and side zips already mentioned for mountaineering backpacks.
Closure system
Backpacks designed for ski mountaineering have zip fasteners that can be used with gloves. These details are the main reason why it is always advisable to take a backpack specifically designed for one's activity; zip fasteners, however, do not rule out other systems such as buckle closures or roll tops. On many backpacks designed for snow activities, the zips are heat-sealed, to ensure that the materials are water-proof even along the seams.
Pockets
Backpacks designed for Race or Light mountaineering will be minimal, both in terms of the main structure and the accessories, without too many pockets that could increase the final weight and bulk. Touring packs, on the other hand, will be more modular, with clearly defined compartments for the different parts of your equipment.
Technical equipment with Ortovox and SCARPA, Credits to Max Draeger
Trekking backpacks
From a few hours' day hike to a challenging multi-day trek, this is where we find the greatest variety in terms of both volume and accessories.
Volume
If we assume that a larger rucksack will allow us to carry more equipment, gear, accessories, etc., we should also remember that it will be our travelling companion for the duration of the adventure. A load that is too heavy for our physique can lead to a bad experience, so it is better to proceed step by step, both in terms of the length and intensity of the route and the load to be carried on our backs.
Materials
If we are talking about backpacks with a capacity of 50 litres or more, we need to pay particular attention to the material of the shoulder straps and back, the type of padding and the breathable mesh. In addition to the length of our route, the seasonality of our activity will also influence our choices: a multi-day summer trek will have different priorities than a winter trek. Having a clear idea of what our backpack will be used for will help us make the best choice.
Backpack raincover
Trekking backpacks are the ones with the most options: the waterproof raincover is one of those accessories that can change the final balance of a rainy hike, keeping your gear dry and giving you a practical change of clothes!
Ruth Arevalo hiking beneath Storm Mountain, Utah. Credits to Louis Arevalo, SCARPA
