Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Alpha SK 32 Backpack

je pratique la randonne skis dans les Alpes ; en ce moment, la journe. mon ge (58 ans), j'ai dj eu de nombreux sacs. celui-ci comble mes besoins, mieux que ceux que j'avais eu auparavant. sa simplicit me ravit, et son grand zip latral est extrmement pratique ; en clair, c'est quasiment le seul accs que j'utilise, pour le remplir, comme pour y chercher ce dont j'ai besoin, pendant la course. maintenant, je voudrais temprer divers commentaires, qui certes, dans un premier m'avaient un peu perturb, savoir, au sujet de l'absence de porte piolet sur l'extrieur du sac. en fait, il est trs simple d'installer le piolet (le mien fait entre 50 et 55 cms) dans la poche destine au matriel de secours : la sonde dans la glissire de droite, le manche de la pelle dans celle de gauche (ou vis versa, pour les puristes) et le piolet, au milieu, manche dans la glissire/tube ; il suffit de prvoir la protection pour la lame. en plus, rien ne dpasse, ce qui me semble tre dans l'esprit du sac : dpouill. voil. bien vous tous.

Great ski pack, well designed in every aspect except for the straps (belt and chest), logo and maybe a lack of helmet storage. It's very slim for the amount of stuff it can hold so you don't feel like you are falling off the chair lift. I love the pack lid straps, side zipper access and straps for skis. It is really not designed to hold a helmet, maybe as some others have mentioned, wrap the chin strap around the pack lid. It can't hold a helmet inside unless you have a very small head. Also the logo should be embroidered, especially for the price. My biggest complaint is the waist belt and chest straps. The waist belt straps don't hold their position (e.g. like the northface straps) and the releasing the chest strap is not as simple as it should be. It's actually best if you use your right hand and even then it isn't obvious where the release is.

Great ski pack, well designed in every aspect except for the straps (belt and chest), logo and maybe a lack of helmet storage. It's very slim for the amount of stuff it can hold so you don't feel like you are falling off the chair lift. I love the pack lid straps, side zipper access and straps for skis. It is really not designed to hold a helmet, maybe as some others have mentioned, wrap the chin strap around the pack lid. It can't hold a helmet inside unless you have a very small head. Also the logo should be embroidered, especially for the price. My biggest complaint is the waist belt and chest straps. The waist belt straps don't hold their position (e.g. like the northface straps) and the releasing the chest strap is not as simple as it should be. It's actually best if you use your right hand and even then it isn't obvious where the release is.

One of the many things I love about Arc`teryx is that when they design backcountry gear they keep their splitboarding friends in mind! This pack is great! The only thing I would change would be the addition of permanent ice axe attachement points. You can however make it work with the ski strap attachment points.

i used today the pack for a short skinning trip, amazing fit, you do not feel to have it on. could not try the ski carry system , but it looks quite promising, side zip work really well

I love this bag! It is designed perfectly for back counrty skiing and simple enough to main tain versatility for trips that dont involve snow. If you werent taking it in a ski trip its functionality is diverse enought that ypu wont feel out of place with it. The diagonal cary still allows access through the side zipper and you can even access the side sipper by dropping one arm out of the back strap with out taking the bag off your back. The helmet feature allows for the helmet to be backed down low enough that you can still maintain full movement of your head for more vertical climbs without your helmet pushing your head forward. Perfectly designed bag, if your in the fence, buy it

I really enjoyed using this pack last winter. I found it to be great for single day backcountry skiing objectives. I though it skied really well. It never felt cumbersome while skiing. The weight always felt well centered and the simple shoulder straps and waist belt added to the great ski-ability of this pack. It is super easy to get to your snow study kit for quick observations and with the side zipper it is also fast to get a bite of food and water. One of my favorite things about the pack is how well it carried skis. On most ski packs it seems hard to get the skis on as secure as I want, but with the super burly ski straps that are on the pack it was easy to get even my 114s on as snug as I like. I never did move the straps to the side so I could A-frame my skis, I just left them in the diagonal carry mode. This pack was great for Teton Pass dawn patrol missions, big days backcountry skiing in Grand Teton National Park and I even managed to use it on some lightweight ski mountaineering missions if I packed it well.

I used the Alpha SK 32 Backpack for several day trips of randonee skiing lately, and I can recommend this highly. It is extremely lightweight, rooms are easy accessible and it sits very comfortable at the back - both up and down. It easy to mount skis with the provided straps and its dry in heavy snowfall. I would personally prefer if it would be possible to carry the helmet on the outside of the backpack. I find it to be easier, more secure to just put the helmet in the main compartment rather than trying to stash it under the lid. As the size is, intentionally, kept to a minimum - the option of holding the helmet on the outside would give more room on the inside of the bag. Arc'teryx, do you sell helmet net separately?

I used the Alpha SK 32 Backpack for several day trips of randonee skiing lately, and I can recommend this highly. It is extremely lightweight, rooms are easy accessible and it sits very comfortable at the back - both up and down. It easy to mount skis with the provided straps and its dry in heavy snowfall. I would personally prefer if it would be possible to carry the helmet on the outside of the backpack. I find it to be easier, more secure to just put the helmet in the main compartment rather than trying to stash it under the lid. As the size is, intentionally, kept to a minimum - the option of holding the helmet on the outside would give more room on the inside of the bag. Arc'teryx, do you sell helmet net separately?

Just got this pack so can't really evaluate it too much. However, I will say that the color isn't the same as depicted online. I have the blue pack (Dark Firoza). Online it looks light blue, however it's more like a dark teal.

Great pack. Lightweight and doesn't have too many pockets and knick knacks like most other ski packs, but still has an avy compartment. Really comfortable to wear, almost don't feel it skiing. Only complaint is the lack of ice axe/tool attachments

Great pack. Lightweight and doesn't have too many pockets and knick knacks like most other ski packs, but still has an avy compartment. Really comfortable to wear, almost don't feel it skiing. Only complaint is the lack of ice axe/tool attachments

This bag is pretty sweet and overall I'm pretty excited about it. It's super light, low profile, water resistant and so far feels pretty tough. I like the simple waist strap, no need for extra bulk there. Designated area for avalanche tools is great too. I carry my skis diagonally, the system makes it feel very secure and solid. The side zip is good as well to access items at the bottom of the bag. I love how there's no straps dangling all over the bag, makes for a very clean look. Where this bag hasn't excelled for me is the helmet carrying system, lid closure, outside (goggle?) pocket, and lack of ice axe carrying loop. These all are kind of related to one another. Trying to close the lid over a helmet doesn't feel secure at all and falls out. Maybe if there was nothing in the bag and outside pocket it would work. Even so though the lid straps are wide-spread and a helmet can slip through even when cinched tight. The outside (goggle?) pocket doesn't help the situation because it bulges on the inside of the lid giving less room for the helmet to sit. That pocket it also kind of awkward trying to use with goggles. you have to wrestle them in and out. And they have to be oriented the right way to fit. The opening should be a bit bigger, or maybe I just shouldn't put my goggs in there and not wear a helmet like a bad boy... Next, and this isn't that major, is that you really need to cinch the lid straps tight. If not, the hooks will slip out of the loops and your lid will be open to collect snow and god forbid, lose your avalanche tools. So strap 'em tight! I wish there was a way to carry an ice axe with this bag and I'm pretty surprised that Arcteryx left it out. I guess I'll carry it in the avalanche compartment. Unfortunately though people won't be able to see my axe and won't realise how rad I'm about to get on my big ski mission out to Husume....

This bag is pretty sweet and overall I'm pretty excited about it. It's super light, low profile, water resistant and so far feels pretty tough. I like the simple waist strap, no need for extra bulk there. Designated area for avalanche tools is great too. I carry my skis diagonally, the system makes it feel very secure and solid. The side zip is good as well to access items at the bottom of the bag. I love how there's no straps dangling all over the bag, makes for a very clean look. Where this bag hasn't excelled for me is the helmet carrying system, lid closure, outside (goggle?) pocket, and lack of ice axe carrying loop. These all are kind of related to one another. Trying to close the lid over a helmet doesn't feel secure at all and falls out. Maybe if there was nothing in the bag and outside pocket it would work. Even so though the lid straps are wide-spread and a helmet can slip through even when cinched tight. The outside (goggle?) pocket doesn't help the situation because it bulges on the inside of the lid giving less room for the helmet to sit. That pocket it also kind of awkward trying to use with goggles. you have to wrestle them in and out. And they have to be oriented the right way to fit. The opening should be a bit bigger, or maybe I just shouldn't put my goggs in there and not wear a helmet like a bad boy... Next, and this isn't that major, is that you really need to cinch the lid straps tight. If not, the hooks will slip out of the loops and your lid will be open to collect snow and god forbid, lose your avalanche tools. So strap 'em tight! I wish there was a way to carry an ice axe with this bag and I'm pretty surprised that Arcteryx left it out. I guess I'll carry it in the avalanche compartment. Unfortunately though people won't be able to see my axe and won't realise how rad I'm about to get on my big ski mission out to Husume....

Been using the Alpha SK 32 pack for about 3 weeks now. Bag is super light weight & versatile for small touring missions. At only 32 liters you need to be conservative when packing the bag as it's a tight fit when trying to pack for full day missions. It's an ideal size for slack country ski touring from a resort. Probably not the bag to try & bring when setting out on a big day or when it's super cold & extra layers might be needed. I found that when snow would get into the gear stash pocket it would soak through into the main part of the pack making my extra layers/gloves wet. I started stuffing my extra layers/gloves into dry sacks to keep them dry. If planning on using the "A" frame style ski carry remember to pack yourself another 3 ski straps in additional to the 2 the bag comes with.

Been using the Alpha SK 32 pack for about 3 weeks now. Bag is super light weight & versatile for small touring missions. At only 32 liters you need to be conservative when packing the bag as it's a tight fit when trying to pack for full day missions. It's an ideal size for slack country ski touring from a resort. Probably not the bag to try & bring when setting out on a big day or when it's super cold & extra layers might be needed. I found that when snow would get into the gear stash pocket it would soak through into the main part of the pack making my extra layers/gloves wet. I started stuffing my extra layers/gloves into dry sacks to keep them dry. If planning on using the "A" frame style ski carry remember to pack yourself another 3 ski straps in additional to the 2 the bag comes with.

I'm really into this pack, it's inherited from the original FL series' minimalist design. I like it's great looking, tough fabric, the way that holds skis, etc. However, I can't find a way to put my ice axe. A typical ski touring trip here in PNW require an ice axe. When I ski down, I need a slot to hold it outside instead of putting it inside the pack. Other than this, I think it's a perfect ski touring pack for a day trip.

Overall, this is an inovative, robust and well-executed product with classic Arc'Teryx design details. It skis & carries extremely well. The SK 32 provides everything needed for low-bulk gear hauling on backcountry day missions, assuming one's kit is kept to an absolute minimum. Overall, it's a great little sack, albeit at a premium(!) price point. The top loading system is clean and minimal, although the metal tab ARC buckles take some getting used to and are not entirely winter-glove friendly. Due to the pack's relatively small volume (a svelt 32L), my avalache safety gear is somewhat difficult to remove/deploy quickly from the dedicated gear pouch. Packing skins in this wet/safety pouch is a joke (rarely do they fit easily once safety gear is in place & pack loaded); so best plan on stowing skins in the side zip instead since going though the top is less than convenient, especially for multiple or fast transitions. The side zipper is well placed and proportioned, and essential for routine access/entry to pack contents. Sadly, the zipper only has one slider that closes in the up position. Designers should strongly consider changing this to a 2-slider zipper; a far more versatile access design with minimal weight gain. Double sliders gives better bag access, especially when an A-frame ski carry is used. I really hope the pack is someday offered in a 38L or 40L size. The 32L is sadly just too small for all but "FL" packing habits & missions, IMHO. Add a skinny/short rope, light harness, and/or glacier kit for "Ski Alpinism" and the pack's limited volume would likely fall short. I would also advise tall & long back users that the (one-size) pack length is relatively short, thus the waist belt rides a bit high. Just the same, the pack rides close and comfortably. You hardly know it's there on up and down. A small point, but the pack should really be sold stock with at least four lash straps. Up-selling for lash staps needed for an A-frame ski carry seems odd, at best. The pack seems quite robust and waterproof, even under PNW moisture. Love the welded seams. Great job!

Overall, this is an inovative, robust and well-executed product with classic Arc'Teryx design details. It skis & carries extremely well. The SK 32 provides everything needed for low-bulk gear hauling on backcountry day missions, assuming one's kit is kept to an absolute minimum. Overall, it's a great little sack, albeit at a premium(!) price point. The top loading system is clean and minimal, although the metal tab ARC buckles take some getting used to and are not entirely winter-glove friendly. Due to the pack's relatively small volume (a svelt 32L), my avalache safety gear is somewhat difficult to remove/deploy quickly from the dedicated gear pouch. Packing skins in this wet/safety pouch is a joke (rarely do they fit easily once safety gear is in place & pack loaded); so best plan on stowing skins in the side zip instead since going though the top is less than convenient, especially for multiple or fast transitions. The side zipper is well placed and proportioned, and essential for routine access/entry to pack contents. Sadly, the zipper only has one slider that closes in the up position. Designers should strongly consider changing this to a 2-slider zipper; a far more versatile access design with minimal weight gain. Double sliders gives better bag access, especially when an A-frame ski carry is used. I really hope the pack is someday offered in a 38L or 40L size. The 32L is sadly just too small for all but "FL" packing habits & missions, IMHO. Add a skinny/short rope, light harness, and/or glacier kit for "Ski Alpinism" and the pack's limited volume would likely fall short. I would also advise tall & long back users that the (one-size) pack length is relatively short, thus the waist belt rides a bit high. Just the same, the pack rides close and comfortably. You hardly know it's there on up and down. A small point, but the pack should really be sold stock with at least four lash straps. Up-selling for lash staps needed for an A-frame ski carry seems odd, at best. The pack seems quite robust and waterproof, even under PNW moisture. Love the welded seams. Great job!

Very well designed pack, however, I'd love it if you made the same pack in a 45-50 liter version. Just need a little more space for multi-day ski tours or more gear intensive ski mountaineering.

why have a zip up the side with no zipper garage? theres always a hole at the top of the zip to let water in. also when the bag is packed there's also stress on this zip forcing it open...

why have a zip up the side with no zipper garage? theres always a hole at the top of the zip to let water in. also when the bag is packed there's also stress on this zip forcing it open...

arcteryx

arcteryx...

It's a decent pack, but a lot of the features strike me a solutions looking for problems. Simpler design to eliminate potential snagging? In more than 300 days of touring (and more of mountaineering) with my old Khamski this has happened maybe twice. As cool as it looks the new design really limits the potential usefulness of this pack and the emphasis on simplicity drops a lot of really useful features. Size is an issue, it's too small to be useful for anything other than short day trips and even then it's awkward to stuff a helmet inside. In the event that I'm on a glacier or doing anything technical it gets even harder to put everything into this bag. Most importantly there's no place built in to hold an ice axe! This is supposed to be a pack for ski alpinism but I have to come up with my own solution to carry the axe? This thing doesn't meet my needs. I went back and forth between a two and three star rating and opted for three based on the quality of the build, but I'm quite disappointed by the design choices.