Crux 40

The zippered back panel works great. The internal pockets are versatile. The ice axe pockets hold my BD Reactors securely. Very satisfied w pack.

I was skeptical and then pleasantly surprised.

The pack carries my patrol packing list with room to spare for contingencies. The shape of the pack keeps the weight tucked in close to my back which translates to a better (and safer) skiing experience and the suspension handles the load really well. I really appreciate the ice clipper loop on the right side of the hip belt. I like to keep a small carabiner near the back of my hip belt to clip a hat and and other items during short transitions and this little loop is a welcome feature. The mesh pocket fits my sit pad and skins. A standard Osprey helmet holder clips to the 4 plastic rings on the corners of the mesh pocket. Capacity (Size L) is a generous 40L. The critical back panel access feature isn't finicky.

The only negatives from my perspective are the cost, lack of a small internal detail pocket which is a nice to have and the internal avy gear pocket which can be mitigated by running probe/shovel deployment drills .

No regrets. This is a great pack and is exactly what I was looking for in a patrol/volcano pack.

I use it for climbing snowy mountains, and it's very easy to carry, and the back opens wide, so it's easy to take out your belongings. It's a sturdy backpack that won't break even with rough handling. If the capacity of the lid was a little larger, I'd have no complaints.

I’ve owned a Porter and Prism pack so I already knew I loved Hyperlite stuff. As a self proclaimed backpack nerd this is the closest thing to the perfect bag I have ever found. It has every feature that I would ever want. Plus even one I didn’t think that I wanted, but now can’t live without. The stretchy back pouch is the most useful thing ever. Great for skins, jackets, or just about anything you can think of that you want get rid of the way quickly.

But… There is one annoying issue. The back panel entrance (which was the thing I was most excited for) extends out when you put stuff instead. It makes for a much more thinner/ rounded contact with your back than their other bags. It also makes the zippers a little difficult to operate because they don’t lay flat. I was bummed because the other Hyperlite bags I’ve had are the best fitting and most comfortable bags I have ever worn.

Besides that it’s perfect.