How to Choose a Backpack

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Tough, streamlined and ready for multiday alpine routes, the Mountain Hardwear Alpine Light 50 L pack optimizes ultralight materials while still providing enough storage for essential gear.
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View the Mountain Hardwear Alpine Product LineView all Mountain Hardwear Backpacking PacksBest Use | Climbing Backpacking |
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Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Ultralight | Yes |
Gear Capacity (L) | 50 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 3,051 cubic inches |
Weight | 2 lb. 5.9 oz. |
Fits Waist/Hips | 26-46 inches |
Material(s) | 80% nylon/20% polyethylene |
Frame Material | 7000 series aluminum |
Number of Stays | 1 |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Pack Access | Top / side |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 4 + main compartment |
Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
Gender | Unisex |
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Used the 50L version for a 2 day ski trip up Rainier. The pack is super light and functional. It fit comfortably with 50lbs including skis and boots. I love the side straps designed for skis. the sides also held pretty well against the ski edges. My two complains are: 1. The durability of the top fabric. After the first use, it managed to have a few holes in there from the stove. I get that it's wear and tear but it seems like it should hold up a bit better than that. 2. Not super waterproof. We didn't even get snowed or rained on but my clothes and sleeping bag in the bottom of the pack got a bit wet. Based on that experience, I would not trust this pack if it's raining.
This has become my go-to approach pack for alpine climbing. Super-light and durable. The pockets on either side of the top of the bag are perfect for food, headlamp or a wag-bag. Anything you need to grab quickly without digging into the pack.
The bag is constructed using great materials but has limited features. There are no side or back pockets to hold water or other essentials. The bag is supposedly "hydration reservoir compatible". Although there is no port to run the hydration tube from the inside of the pack to the outside. As a result, it is very difficult to store water inside or outside the pack. The only option I see is to run the tube out from the main opening which negates one of the main features of dyneema which is it being waterproof. Water will run right through that main opening and into the bag. Additionally, the draw string closure is not the most waterproof method to seal a bag.
Thanks for the review. Good catch - there was an incorrect feature bullet assigned to this style. Though there is an internal attachment point for water reservoir, there is not a dedicated exit port. Therefore the tube does need to route through the main opening. The feature bullets should now be correct.
This pack, for capacity and weight is probably one of the best packs I’ve owned. Extremely comfortable and practical and very minimal weight. It is very functional for alpine ascents and mountaineering outings. I got the 50L to make sure I could haul enough for a few days without the pack taking up much of my weight capacity and space. When you don’t need the full 50L it cinches down nicely for single day approaches/ascents. I wish that it had a water reservoir port/and or water bottle sleeve on the exterior and a helmet net. Other than that greatest pack I’ve owned for weight to capacity and comfort.
I had the older vefrsion of this pack and loved it, and this newer version is even better. The ice axe attachments have been re-designed and are easier to use. The pack is still super light and durable with a narrow profile that climbs well and avoids snagging trees on the hike in and out.
Among the handful of lightweight dyneema alpine climbing packs on the market, I like the Alpine Light for a few reasons. The cinch closure at the top makes for quicker access when time is at a premium – as it often is when I'm out in the mountain with clients. There's no need to fuss with a roll top. I also like the added pockets on the sides and, importantly, on the waist belt, and the easily removable lid, which can be left at home on shorter days when I don't need that extra storage. Lastly, it's nice to have the cinch straps on the top of the shoulders and the lightweight interior frame. Both of those are standard on most packs, but lacking on some other lightweight dyneema models. They really can ease shoulder and neck strain on long days in the mountains.
Spent 30 days on AT using this pack. Excellent gear! Very waterproof, sturdy and pockets were great. The internal holder for water bladder made weight distribution perfect. Having everything packed inside and top pocket for water filtering storage kept minimal need too open pack during actual hike. Still using pack three years later! Weight distribution to hips keeps pack properly adjusted!
I use this pack for both recreational activities and SAR. It’s very light and has a good selection of pockets. However, I was sad to discover it’s no longer built with Dyneema like the older version of this pack. X-PAC is good but Im worried about the longevity of this pack with the abuse I will put it through. Bring back the Dyneema!
I did a ton of research and even bought three different mountaineering specific packs from three top outdoor brands so I could be sure of which one was the best for my needs. For my upcoming high altitude mountaineering trips this pack won out. I returned the other two. The Alpine Light 50 is quite comfortable even with a decently heavy load and it is incredibly lightweight even before you strip off the top lid and the waist belt. It can be striped down to a featherweight pack for summit days and the hip belt was the best I have tested when wearing a climbing harness. I was quite surprised at how well it carries since the suspension is fairly meager but that is perfect for a climbing pack. The material is super tough - much tougher than any of the other alpine packs I have seen. The way ice axes attach is also simple and secure. Opening the top lid with thick gloves or mittens is also very easy--much easier than the other packs I tested. Also, the generous turquoise strap at the top of the pack is big enough to fit a large mittened hand through so you can grab the pack and lift it up to put it on. Well done Mountain Hardwear! Overall, it is hard to think of anything that could be made better. It is the perfect alpine pack.