Aspect 32

I just finished a backcountry ski week at the Boulder Hut (www.boulderhutadventures.com) in British Columbia's Purcell Mountains. There were 9 clients with 2 guides. I was very satisfied with the pack but noted several minor annoyances.

- I'm 5'6" and 170 lbs - I ordered a size M and found that the shoulder straps were a bit widely spaced; however, the pack felt solid with the sternum/waist straps relatively tight. Maybe I'd be better with a size S.

- the loops for the 4 compression straps were too small to slide the buckles through (even though he was able to do that in the video).

- The 4 compression straps have a loop in them - IMHO the loops shouldn't have a twist in them.

- The front-top-centre loop (under the logo) should be rotated 90 degrees so that the top compression strap can easily go through it for ski carry and for compressing the pack. Without using that loop, the straps can sag or get in the way.

- The pocket for skins (and wet things) is too small, even with POMOCO skins, especially if the pack is full. But the easy access to it is great.

- The suggestion to carry a helmet using the daisy chains didn't work for me - it's hard on the helmet, and the helmet is floppy. Hyperlite should sell a helmet carry attachment. My pack wasn't completely full (with 2 guides, I didn't feel it necessary to carry any group equipment) - I carried my helmet under the lid on the up track as well as an insulation layer.

- I'd prefer a larger lid, a larger pocket on the lid, and a…

I've been able to use this pack on several tours in NW Montana this winter and it is performing beyond expectations. Our low elevation snowpack is meager this year so packing the skis for a few miles has been common. The ski attachment straps and alignment have worked very well. Skis are very secure and not banging into my calves. The interior compartment for avy gear and that secure little pouch inside are well thought out and easily accessible. A shovel on the smaller end of the spectrum fits well.

Sizing note: I was very hesitant to order a Medium as it seems as if I'm always large. (6', 180') The measurements put me into a Medium and it is perfect.

I made a couple modifications to the top pocket/flap to accommodate an inReach Mini2. Sewed the bottom 1/2 of a thin neoprene phone case into the pouch to keep the device oriented up (photo). I use the Garmin apps for messaging and navigation so I don't have to mess with the device.

I also found that the Mammut helmet restraint (photo) works very well on this pack. It's very light but not super secure. Make sure your helmet is tethered to the pack in some other way.

Great pack! Highly recommend it!

Top notch materials, design and functionality. Just started using it so no report on durability yet. Top lid is small so if your the type who puts a lot of things in a top lid this may not be the one for you. I like the top lid size as it means you don’t get too much weight towards the top of your pack. I got a large which is perfect for a 6” 190 lb guy with big shoulders. Awesome to find such a well made and thought out pack with sizing options. Many other companies use a “one size” approach which has never worked well for me.

Thanks Hyperlite, will be getting more of your packs

Great pack! I use it most days throughout the winter, whether for ski touring or ice climbing. It’s very comfortable, and the side zip makes it easy to access gear. I tried the diagonal carry once, but my skis started wearing a hole through the Dyneema; otherwise, I’ve put it through heavy use, and it holds up like a high-quality Hyperlite pack—very durable. Ice axe carry works great with either light ski alpinism axes or full technical ice tools. Too bad the Headwall doesn't have the same carry system.

Since then, I’ve added the quick ski carry from a BD Cirque vest to speed up transitions. It’s also easy to attach a Titan strap or bungee (from the ice pack) through the daisy chain for external crampon carry.

I wish that the top flap could be a bit longer to better cover the opening when the pack is full, which would help prevent spindrift and moisture from getting inside.