Words and Photos (From Mainland Japan, the Wasatch, and Haines, Alaska) by Carver Culbeck @carverculbeck
Hyperlite Mountain Gear has made two forays into the snow world with the Crux 40 and the Headwall 55 backcountry ski packs. They are both excellent backpacks with distinct features that set them apart. Each pack will appeal to different types of skiers looking for different days on the snow.
The Crux 40 is an ultralight, technical ski-mountaineering pack coming in at just under three pounds. It features 40 liters of volume with the option to expand to 55 using the double drawstring closure system. This is ideal when you want to ride with a slim pack that can fit a little extra gear for the uphill. I like to pack my helmet, goggles, shell, and drone in the expanded section. Once I reach my drop point, the top section gets unloaded and cinched down for the descent. It also has back panel access for those items that are constantly going in and out of your pack like water bottles, skins, snacks, or layers. The Crux 40 was modeled after the geometry of the Prism ice climbing pack. This means a slimmer overall package that tends to get tall when loaded to the brim. It uses internal avalanche tool pockets, which increases security in the case of a violent tomahawk, but it may take a few seconds longer to retrieve your tools in an emergency situation.
In an effort to make the Crux 40 more useful for ski mountaineering, HMG added a stretch mesh pocket to the exterior of the pack. This pocket is incredibly versatile and can hold anything from ascension plates to skins. This quick access pocket, paired with back panel access, is great for people doing a lot of transitions throughout the day and don’t want to dig through their entire pack every time. Another game-changing feature of the Crux 40 is the quick access ice tool attachment points. The head of the tools are secured by buckles while the shaft is held in place with bungees. This allows you to access your tools while riding or climbing without removing your pack. All of these features come together to make an incredibly well-rounded ski mountaineering backpack that is ready for any adventure. This is the pack I use on my normal day tours, winter climbing, mountaineering, and one to two-night camping trips where I will be base-camping to hit objectives. Fitting more than three days of food in the Crux becomes difficult due to the slim nature that makes it so enjoyable for technical ascents and descents. That’s where the Headwall 55 comes in.
The Headwall 55 is a 55-liter ski touring pack designed for multi-day snow camping trips. Featuring a roll-top closure, exterior avalanche tool pocket, removable hip belt with pockets, and six side compression straps, this pack is ideal for carrying more gear further into the backcountry. The roll-top allows the pack to be emptied of nonessential items while still holding shape for skiing and climbing. On the flip side, you can load this pack to the brim and “Christmas tree” the rest of your gear to be the most comfortable person in camp. The exterior pocket for avalanche tool storage allows you to access your tools quickly and efficiently, no matter how much gear you have in the body of the pack. In addition to the external pocket, the Headwall 55 features an internal zippered pocket, which is great for stashing a repair kit, headlamp, small first aid kit, and some emergency snacks. It carries weight better than most ski touring packs due to the 1/4 inch foam back panel pad, burly hip belt, and shape. The Headwall 55 is based on the geometry of the Porter, a pack built for long distances and lots of gear. This shows up in its wider base and shorter, stockier body that allows for comfort with weight. If you’re into traverses or simply enjoy carrying more gear than anyone else on your day tours, this pack does it well. I’ve had no trouble loading the Headwall 55 with multiple nights of winter camping gear, tools for technical climbing, and camera equipment. Anytime I’m camping for more than two nights, this pack is coming with me.
ALL GEAR FOR A TOUR WITH EITHER BACKPACK:
Avalanche safety gear
Primary headlamp
Backup headlamp
Repair kit
Firestarter
Emergency bivy
Medical kit
Shell
Extra puffy jacket
1liter Nalgene
Radio
GoPro
Hyperlite Camera Pod
6 voile straps
Ascension plates
Poles
Extra warm gloves/mitts
Liner gloves
Sun hat
Warm hat
Helmet
Goggles
Buff
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
SPF chapstick
CRUX 40 ADD ONS:
Ice axes
Crampons
Rope
Harness
Protection (ice screws, cordelette, slings, etc)
HEADWALL 55 ADD ONS:
Sleeping bag
Tent/bivy/mid
Inflatable sleeping pad
Foam pad
Stove system
Food for 3+ nights
Extra warm layers
