Arc'teryx Altra 75 Pack

Comments about Arc'Teryx Altra 75 Pack:

Well... this review will fly in the face of the Gear Award and probably most of the people reviewing the pack on REI.com but I think I provide some honest feedback below.

When I took this pack out of the packaging I was so excited. Great construction, great features, great material - my wife and my son were even excited. My little boy wore the pack around the house for the whole evening and asked me if he could have it.

Pop! that is the sound of my balloon being popped as soon as I loaded this pack up (30lbs) and began to walk around with it. I could not get the shoulder straps adjusted to fit comfortably. The chest strap attachments do not slide, there are 4 positions on each strap that you have to hook a clip into, and the straps have a very poor shape. The adjustment board has a lot of positions, but none were wide enough.

The pivoting hip belt is a good idea, but as the Best Gear article mentioned, it has a LOT of movement. The pack will actually swing. What happens is that as it rotates your lower back must stop the momentum of the rotation. This was not good for me after about 15 minutes.

The final issue was the over-engineering of some of the features. A prime example was the H2O bag - it is a zippered compartment - a very, very sturdy zippered compartment. And the suitcase closure has not 2, not 3, but 4 heavy zippers. Great quality, but just too much additional weight.

I also have a Baltoro 70 and the fit and suspension is in every way superior to the Altra 70 for me. I was hoping to replace the Baltoro with the Altra, but the shoulder strap adjustment panel and the rotating disc are poorly implemented and could possibly be a problem for people with lower back issues.

It is being returned as soon as possible.

Comments about Arc'Teryx Altra 75 Pack:

Arc'teryx, their gear is for the hardened mountaineer who demands uncompromising quality and design. Well, they have uncompromising quality down, the Altra series of backpacks definitely bears its lineage to the great brand, however it is in its design that it lacks very poorly.

Took this bag out on a 1 night backpacking trip on the Lost Coast in northern California and logged about 20 miles with the pack. Let me say, I love the loading system, great implementation of the U shaped zipper, it would have been a nice touch if they had made them the water-resistant type of zippers like they had included on the top portion of the bag. Loading is fairly standard, I like to top load the bag and when I reach camp I just open up the zips and it is like having a suitcase.

Which brings me to my next point, the hydration sleeve. I am having a hard time understanding the merits of locating it on the side of the bag instead of running it down the middle like most packs do. I feel that if you are rocking a 3-liter bladder like I do and is located in the far right extremity of your bag, it has the possibility to do unsettle the balancing act of trying to load your bag properly. I mean that is six pounds of water which will become empty at one point and if your pack weighs 40-lbs it is a 15 percent difference in weight from full to empty, so you decide if this is right for you, it sure as hell did not make sense to me. The only plus is that it is very easy to get your hydration bag out to refill.

The main problem that I had with this bag was the hip belt. The straps would not stay cinched tightly enough and allowed the load to drop below my hips and about every 15-20 minutes I would find myself heaving the load back onto my hips and re-tightening, only noticing after most of the weight had transferred to my shoulders. This might just be a problem with the way my body is built so your mileage may vary with this one, but it seems another reviewer and similar problems as I did on this one.

The bag does have its merits though. The ability to adjust the shoulder harness for both torso length and shoulder girth should be an industry standard. Manufacturing quality and materials selection are top notch as per Arc'teryx standards, but the design of the bag just is not. I kinda liken it to making a car with parts from Lamborghini and in the end just coming out with a fancy looking Corolla.

It was the hip belt that really broke the camels back, I really wanted to love it, I really did, but with its other faults this one gets the boot. I returned it.

Comments about Arc'Teryx Altra 75 Pack:

Decided to try this pack after it received the 2010 editors choice from backpackers magazine. At any price this is the best all around pack that I have tried. Easy and fast to get to all of your gear with the full body u-zip system. This pack really has an exceptional and well thought out packing system extremely comfortable carrying heavy loads with the anatomically shaped shoulder straps and the excellent, excellent pivoting hip belt with Load Transfer Disc. It really provides increased agility, stability and comfort like no other. The first day I got the Altra I put in 80 pounds and did 8 miles for a quick test, wow such a good balance did not even notice the weight. The Load Transfer Disk allows the belt to move with your hips so no hip rub burn, no uncomfortable steady state tension in my back and the pack all around feels great. I did notice a little squeak from the Load Transfer disk on occasion but I just adjusted the belt to pack stability strap while I was walking (easy to do) and it went away does not take away form how great this pack is. Was not sure if this pack was going to be too small for what I carry but it is really adjustable can be packed small and tight or loaded more that the 75L and up to 82L for the REG and 86L for the Tall version. The top 2 zippered pockets on the lid are water sealed and I just tested it this morning in the rain for over an hour every thing was bone dry. Getting the female version for my wife[...]. FYI other pack that I was looking at: the Arc'teryx Waterproof Naos 85L pack. My other pack that I currently use for work: Kifaru EMR 123L pack that I had custom built for my body. I highly recommend the Altra pack for anyone looking for the best.

Comments about Arc'Teryx Altra 75 Pack:

I originally went with the Bora 80 and was happy but I had to switch a part that wasn't in stock and wouldn't be for some time and had to switch for the Altra 75L. After seeing a video on the altra I had to have it. The u-zip system is phenomenal and packs like a suitcase. The harness adjusts horizontally and vertically so it will fit anyone, and the hip belt pivots. It is around 2lbs light than the bora 80 which made me happy also! This pack has a pocket for a bladder where you can run your hose to your harness (right side).

The only thing I would add to this pack is water tight zipper on the front of the pack (just to match the top zippers).

Comments about Arc'Teryx Altra 75 Pack:

I purchased this pack to replace my 12-year old Dana Terraframe, a supercomfortable external frame pack that weighs twice as much as the Altra. I used the Altra on a 23-day, 310-mile hike on the Continental Divide, from the Canadian border south. Loaded, it was 60 pounds.

Although it took me some time to make friends with my new pack, I did, and I'm not sorry I bought it. But a couple of issues remain. Like other reviewers, I had trouble with a slipping hip buckle (thanks to the reviewer who recommended writing to the maker for a replacement!). And I agree about the odd placement of the bladder storage sleeve -- inside the pack, along the side, and very narrow to boot. Instead, I used the compartment in the lid that's nearest the neck; it nicely held my 2-liter bladder, gravity made the delivery of water easy, and it's totally waterproof (which I discovered when I heard sloshing -- the water that had leaked out of my poorly-tightened bladder stayed in the compartment).

But my most serious quibble with the Altra is its hipbelt. I'm a slender woman, and became more so as my trip progressed. Specifically, I lost some of the padding on my lower back (the spine), and when that happened, I really felt the pressure from the rotating disc, right on the spine. Combined with the slipping buckle, this required constant adjustments. I think the problem could be addressed with a better, ie stiffer, hipbelt (my Terraframe has a really stiff belt that never resulted in pressure/pain in specific places). Arc Teryx ought to consider beefing up the belt. If you are slender (especially guys, who tend not to have much padding in that area), or have a tendency to have low back pain, this could be a problem for you, too.

Comments about Arc'Teryx Altra 75 Pack:

I think I like this pack despite some shortcomings. First, I think the suspension is well-designed and supportive. When loaded correctly it balances the load and is an extremely comfortable pack to wear. Additionally, the pack is huge, but it can easily be adjusted for smaller loads. I use it everyday for training, and I carry 35' over varied terrain. Once adjusted I rarely touch any of the straps which is unusual for me as many packs are uncomfortable for me due to a broken back I suffered years ago.

Things I like:

Suspension
Pack size
Split pockets on the lid
Padding
Load comfort
Pivoting hipbelt - really like!!!

Things I don't like:
Most pack makers have gone to ergo-pull hipbelt straps; Arcteryx did not on this pack and they are a pain in comparison.

By getting rid of a few things the overall weight of the pack could have been a good half pound or more less without affecting comfort or load capacity.

I agree with others about the hydration sleeve. It should be centered in my opinion. I use it to store stuff I want to find easily.

The hipbelt loosens sometimes, and I cannot figure out why.
I do wish the shoulder straps were one to two inches longer than they are, but I like longer straps as a rule.

Oh, on another note the fit is interesting. According to Arcteryx I should require a regular, but I found a tall to be a better fit. The hipbelt and the shoulder straps are the same on both packs (I measured them).

Overall, having tried many packs in an effort to find something comfortable I think this is a keeper.

Comments about Arc'Teryx Altra 75 Pack:

I was downgrading from Arc Teryx Bora 95, which I really liked, but was a monster of a pack. Needed something a bit smaller and easier to manage.

I fell in love with the Osprey Aether 70. Juts loved it and really wanted it, but in the end had to let it go because the hipbelt never felt quite right.

So returned to Arc Teryx once again. I have yet to take it on the trail, but extremely antsy to do so. It simply fits like a glove. The hip belt curves perfectly w/ amazing padding and the Load Transfer adjusts well w/ the body. The zipper access is awesome. So many ways to access to get at your stuff from the top, sides, total U, etc. You should never have to dig and dig to find a thing.

The only few downsides - I am gonna miss the fact the top pouch comes off, but does not seem to work as a hipbelt. Was a great feature in the Bora and not sure why they got rid of it.

The hyrdation system is poor design from what I can tell. Must use a bladder htat sides in side-seam pocket only on the right side of the pack rather than down the middle/spine of the back, which would more evenly distribute the weight. Since I rarely used hydration packs before and tend to use bottles, I guess I will continue doing the same. STill this disappointed me.

Also felt like needs a few more straps around hte pack for cinching things on.

Otherwise, its SUPER comfortable. Just amazing. REally mobile/agile pack and really cannot wait to get on the trail with it.

While big, it does pack down well when not filled w/ gear so yo ucan feel lke its a bit smaller pack than it actually is.

It may be pricey, but worth every penny I am sure.

Comments about Arc'Teryx Altra 75 Pack:

I gulped at the price but went ahead and purchased this pack based on "Backpacker" magazine's rave review. I took it on some weekend trips and last summer a two week trek. The hip belt buckle broke very soon on. A call to the manufacturer was responded to "You can buy a replacement at REI. A [$] pack and they can't replace a defective buckle? The sternum strap has four slot adjustments with all worthless except the bottom most and it is really not low enough as well. The pack has a pivot feature on the hip belt. Neat idea except that it pivots so much it swings. The water bladder zipper pouch is just stupid. It will hold a three liter bladder in a squeeze but it's sewn on the far right side in the pack. Six pounds of water on one side is impossible to balance out, at least with the gear I carry. Dumb. The pack has a "U" shapped zipper that runs down the sides and across the bottom. Nice except that when its loaded and even laying flat on the ground and it is opened, it is very difficult to get re-zipped. I guess that's why they used a monster zipper with four, count 'um, four zipper pulls. At least a half pound of zipper that could have done in a more realistic manner. But the deal breaker is the hip belt that will not stay tight. Every 15 to 20 minutes it must be re-tightened. And no, I'm not a "jogger" hiker. A call to the manufacturer got an answer of "We haven't heard of that" even though reviewes above obviously have brought it to their attention. There was no explanation given or offer to take care of the problem. This thing is going back.

Comments about Arc'Teryx Altra 75 Pack:

I've used this pack for both backpacking and traveling. It excels at both but some may find the hip belt to be the ultimate deciding factor.The pack itself is beautiful. I opted for the red version and couldn't be happier. The build quality is outstanding as you'd expect from Arcteryx (and a pack costing [$]). I've been using an old Gregory since 2001 and it's unbelievable how packs have changed. Some of my favorite features are:Mesh pockets in the hip belt that are completely invisible unless used, but stow GPS / Cameras securelyWater bottle holders on the side that actually secure a Nalgene properly!Two huge pockets w/ waterproof zippers on the top of the lid and one underneath for compartmentalizing frequently used itemsThe U-Zipper option for packing the main compartment (more on this later)The suspension system is amazing for customizing your fitThe compression system on the sides is great for cramming gear on the side of your bag like fishing rods and, when traveling, the hip belt (more on this later). I cranked on these straps as hard as I could and my gear was stored extremely securely and I never felt like there was undo stress on the pack or my gear.Really solid compression system on the bottom of the pack for putting your therm-a-rest or whatever elseThe pack is easily the most comfortable i've ever worn and I absolutely love it. That being said, there are definitely some issues Arcteryx needs to address. 1) The hip belt! After putting the pack on fully loaded for the first time after hitting the trail I was in heaven (for about 15 minutes). It's unbelievably comfortable and was a pleasure to climb with but it squeaks like crazy. This pack was brand new and hadn't been put down in any dirt so it's not like it needed to be cleaned. I don't know if this is a manufacturer's defect w/ my particular pack or if everyone is experiencing this but it's pretty annoying. My old pack squeaked as well and there are few things that can ruin a scenic hike like your pack squeaking w/every step. 1b) The hip belt! You cannot put this backpack down w/ more than 20lbs in it and expect the hip belt to stay on unless you place it down ever so gingerly. The hip belt comes off for cleaning / storing / traveling which is super convenient, especially when getting on a plane. The issue is that when you're taking your pack on and off constantly for traveling or if you're doing some seriously hard climbing, unless you place it squarely down, the belt will pop off. This obviously increases the amount of dirt that can get in the disc and is a real pain if you've had to put it on multiple times per day. 2) The U-Zipper system they have is a great idea. I love packs that can be accessed from the top and the front. The two gripes I have are that a) if you have your pack tightened down with the compression systems on the sides and bottom, you've got 6 clips to undo before you can access the inside of your pack completely. There's probably no great way around this but it definitely removes some of the benefits of having a front pocket. b) There are four zippers. That seems like an easy way to cut weight and clutter.The saving grace of all this is the kangaroo pouch in front. You can store your high-need items like rain gear and food in the kangaroo pouch without having to undo too many clips. All in all, I love the pack. The few quips I have about the squeaking and U-Zipper system are more than made up for by the fantastic build quality, aesthetics, and comfort.

Comments about Arc'Teryx Altra 75 Pack:

k, first off i loved this pack. i could load this sucker up with anything i wanted and it would just swallow it whole. large and heavy loads are a dream in this pack. but...... god forbid you actually go backpacking and get it dirty. the pivoting hip belt is super annoying and squeaks like a sun of a gun when it gets dirt in between the 2 plastic disks. at least 2 or 3 times a day of my 3 day trip i took with it i would have to remove the hip belt, throughly clean out the two disk sections, then apply generous amounts of chapstick ( as that was the only thing i had to use) and put back together. sad thing is i was pretty cautious about trying not to get dirt on it but it would always happen and you can also already see that it is scratching up the plastic disks. so, by waisting large amounts of precious chapstick and time to clean it out sent me over the edge. i'm going to return it. if it were not for the the pivoting hip belt disks i'd keep it.