Words by Scott Christy and R&D Product Testers, Trevor Deighton, Spencer Harkins, and Andrew Megas-Russell
Scott Christy here. To introduce myself for a moment, I work on strategy, research, and development at Hyperlite Mountain Gear, while I also guide in the field for NOLS and Andrew Skurka Adventures. Over a long career surrounded by people in outdoor recreation, outdoor education, and land management, I've been lucky enough to know a whole lot of talented outdoors people, and as we were discussing making an alpine/lead day climbing pack at Hyperlite I reached out to a good number of climbers I know for design input and feedback. This group included IFMGA pinned guides, AMGA staff, and Colorado Mountain School and Exum guides. As we worked through rounds of field tested prototypes of this pack to the final version, here is what they had to say about the Vertex 32.
TREVOR DEIGHTON (Trail name: None. Climbers don’t have trail names.)
OCCUPATION(S)/INCLINATION(S): What I do for work - I am a professional AMGA certified Mountain Guide and a certified (insane) middle school science teacher. What I like to do are long multi pitch granite routes in remote wild areas, especially in the far North.
TESTING PHASE: The Vertex 32 was a concept pack after extensively testing and working with the incredible Hyperlite design team on the Aspect 32 ski pack. The Aspect climbed phenomenally well, and a pack designed specifically for long Alpine and Rock routes was missing from the Hyperlite line up. To Hyperlite’s credit, they sweat every detail to make the perfect pack, and we went through at least three different prototypes of the Vertex after already having a stellar climbing pack (the Aspect 32) as a starting point.
TESTING LOCATION: I have climbed extensively with the Vertex 32 (or a prototype version) in the Tetons, my home range, as well as in Europe, Alaska and Canada.
TEST PERIOD SUMMARY: I love how the simplicity and intentional design of the Vertex allow for enough climbing gear for a long day or three, for fast and light approaches into the mountains or crag and that it moves so well with you that you can effortlessly flow up challenging rock climbs while carrying a pack. My favorite adventure, so far, with the Vertex is when my partner and I climbed Baboquivari Peak on the Arizona / Mexico border. We were able to pack climbing, overnight gear and water for two days so we could mountain bike the washed out formerly four wheel drive roads to then hike the approach and climb the multi pitch rock climb to the summit of an incredible peak far above the desert floor. It was an incredible adventure, made more enjoyable by having the right pack.
SPENCER HARKINS
OCCUPATION(S)/INCLINATION(S): Marketing @ Pit Viper. Skier, runner, aspiring intermediate climber, ice climber, paraglider.
TESTING PHASE: I think I was near the end of the testing. Not sure much was done after. It had the side pocket.
TESTING LOCATION: Wasatch Mountains, Utah
TEST PERIOD SUMMARY: I was thrilled with the simplicity of this pack. It's pared down to just the pure essentials. If I'm scratching up a chimney, this is the no-nonsense thing I want. I loved the built in ice clipper holders and perfect ice tool carry. The only feedback I gave is that I thought the side pocket was unnecessary. It felt too small for what I'd want to use it for, and I'd prefer bigger or not there at all. End users can expect one of the simplest packs on the market that still offers exactly what you need for an alpine climbing pack. Built with durability that will hold up for years.
ANDREW MEGAS-RUSSELL
OCCUPATION(S)/INCLINATION(S): AMGA Certified Rock and Alpine Guide - in addition I serve as the Climbing Instructor Program Manager for the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA). As a Mammut North America Content Ambassador, I share climbing education online.
TESTING PHASE: I had the privilege of seeing this pack through its entire upbringing - from the early dream/concept (the sparkle in HMG’s eye), through its early infancy and awkward adolescence, blossoming into its adulthood - a fully functional alpine machine of a pack.
TESTING LOCATION: Colorado was my main testing ground - from dawn patrol ascents of the First Flatiron (my backyard in the Frontrange of Colorado), to the rugged alpine of Long’s Peak 14,259’ in Rocky Mountain National Park and everywhere in between. I was also able to take this pack on other missions including the Cathedral Traverse in Grand Teton National Park, WY Pingora Peak in the Wind River Mountains, WY, and the Torment-Forbidden Traverse in North Cascades National Park, WA.
TEST PERIOD SUMMARY: Testing activities included multi-pitch rock climbs such as the First Flatiron, and Pear Buttress in Lumpy Ridge, “Carry up and over” alpine style peak ascents like Kiener’s Route on Long’s Peak, overnight grade V style alpine climbs where I carried an overnight bivy kit and stove along with technical climbing gear, urban coffee shop missions to transport my laptop and other accoutrement, and fast and light ski touring missions with my dog Freya on the local backcountry hill.
The Vertex 32 can do it all - from a daily commuter on your bike, all the way to the most extreme alpine mission. While it’s impressive how cavernous this pack is, the most notable feature is how comfortable the pack carries with 25+ pounds.
The main feedback that I gave and worked through in the evolution of this pack was the “pocket” feature. We explored an internal “removable” pocket, small external “stash pocket,” and ultimately the great designers at HMG concluded with the perfect exterior pocket. It’s located just where you want it and can fit all the items you want to keep accessible during the day without unpacking your pack. Items like your BeFree water treatment bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks, phone or camera all fit inside the exterior zippered pocket.
In addition, I like the removable back panel when carrying this pack as part of a “big pack / little pack” style basecamp mission. The external side zipper gains quick access to the main compartment.
ZACH SNAVELY
OCCUPATION(S)/INCLINATION(S): Climbing and Skiing Guide/General Fun Enthusiast
TESTING PHASE: Field testing (I should probably climb up through that chimney to see if the pack material gets damaged)
TESTING LOCATION: Seneca Rocks and New River Gorge NP, West Virginia. Looking Glass and Pilot Mountain, North Carolina. Blue Ridge Parkway and Old Rag, Virginia.
TEST PERIOD SUMMARY: My hope for this pack was to have something spacious enough to carry a thoughtful day's worth of gear to the crag yet also be light enough and designed in a way that it could be used as a climbing pack. Think hiking approach, an all-day multi pitch climb, and descent/de-proach (likely in the dark!), all with the same pack. This was easy enough to accomplish with the Vertex 32, and I found it to be pretty perfectly blended size and climbing ability. I was able to test out multiple iterations of the pack, and various pockets were added, subtracted and moved for ease of access. I think the end result provides access to the essentials when fully loaded. In regards to durability, I hung the pack against rough granite and sandstone at belays, climbed chimneys, loaded it with sharp climbing protection, and tossed it in the dirt at the base of single pitch routes. I'm happy to report no holes, snags, or rips of any sort, and feel that I could confidently take this bag on a more remote mission without worrying about anything breaking!
