Alpha FL 30 Backpack

I love this pack and everything about it. I have used this pack for both technical purposes (i.e., climbing and hiking) as well as just basic commuter/daily purposes and I find it works great for both. However, it clearly is designed, and excels the most, in the alpine environment. Pros: (1) The pack is amazingly lightweight for its size (there is a caveat to the size I will mention later). (2) It is incredibly durable and water proof. I personally have yet to tear a hole into this pack or managed to have any water permeate it whatsoever. (3) Simplistic design with just enough support in its frame and straps (4) The design allows it to hold tightly to your body, which is incredibly important in a pack while climbing. (5) Easy to manipulate (i.e., open the main and external compartments, put on/take off, adjust straps, unclip waistbelt) in the freezing cold while wearing multiple layers of gloves. Although I haven’t tried, you could probably do everything you need to even with mittens on. (6) Ice axe/tool attachments are easier to use than traditional attachments (7) Crampon straps work great. I thought my crampons would have cut these by now, but I have yet to have any issues. Also, you can use the straps for other things you need to attach on the outside (e.g., helmet, belay jacket) (8) I actually find the key hook in the external pocket quite useful most of the time. That said, I am not carrying my house keys on me for big alpine objectives and haven’t found a use for it then. Cons: (1) Expensive, but it find it is worth it (2) It lacks the external attachment points that are found on the Alpha FL 45. I found these quite useful for the 45L version, particularly for attaching boots for approaches. I don't see any reason why they couldn't add these to the 30L, besides that it would add a little weight. (3) The size is a bit deceiving, as the size in the name of the product is actually the size with the roll top fully expanded.

Habe mir den Rucksack letztes Jahr im Oktober gekauft und bisher so gut wie nicht verwendet. (2 Wanderungen 1x Klettersteig) Jetzt bin ich beim Abstieg in einen starken Regen / Hagle gekommen. Nach etwas über einer Stunde beim Auto musste ich feststellen, dass im Rucksack richtiggehenden eine Lacke stand. Hätte ich mein Gewand nicht zusätzlich in DryBags wäre alles Nass gewesen. (Übrigen meine 3 Jahre alte und immer nach Vorschrift gepflegte ALPHA SV Jacke hat auch nicht dicht gehalten :-( )

A really nice minimalist alpine pack. Not had any problems with weather proofing, but without a full roll top lid I could be skeptical in a downpour and could expect water to build up. When fully loaded the pack is comfortable and stable. Takes a good amount of gear, holds technical tools, crampons and a rope on the outside neatly. A few gripes: 1: the zipped pocket is difficult to access when filled and the pack is fully loaded. Makes getting small things, e.g. keys, headtorch, food etc difficult to get out. 2: It would be nice to have an extra layer laminated onto the front, where crampons attach. Not too keen on mixing sharp crampon points with only one layer of AC2. 3: The good old velcro loops for holding ice axe handles would be far better, the shock cord works, but you have to remember to attach the handle first before the axe head. Minor but would make using the pack easier. Please don't stop making this pack.

Just came back from Kilimanjaro, there were few days raining and snowing days. The bag couldn't stop the water came into it and got very wet.. the top is just badly design to absorb or collect rain or when the snow melt, it went into the bag. The bag is good for sunny or urban, not good for wet weather at all.

This is one of the most favorite things I own. Arc'teryx would be doing themselves a tremendous disservice if they ever stopped producing this bag. Simple, functional.

The pack is great for climbing on Sunny days. It has a Nice fit. The main "body" of the pack is very weather resistant however the top part is Not weather resistant therefore it gets soaked after 2 hours in the rain and clothing inside the pack gets very wet. The top part of the pack dries slowly. I would not recommend this for mountaineering.

Recently replaced an old Osprey day pack with the Alpha FL 30. Have used it in a variety of different conditions, from day hikes, snowshoeing, canyoneering, and also biking to and from work. The AC2 construction is bomber. I have been in a heavy downpour and everything inside has stayed dry. During a recent canyoneering trip to Utah I had this pack fully submerged and everything stayed dry. Super easy to attach ice tools and hiking poles to as well.

I have traveled on a few trips with this pack and it serves as a great all rounder. I wanted a smaller pack that would serve as a great carry on to a pack i would use on light ascents and day hikes, the alpha was a choice i had researched and decided to give it a go. Arcteryx does not skimp on quality and details for this more affordable pack in its lineup, the alpha fl was intended to be a climbing pack but it can serve many more areas of need given its weight and features. It is extremely lightweight compared to my other arc piece pictured, the bora 80 which is a feature packed backpacking beast which is around 6-7 lbs dry. The alpha fl is a feather weight and has enought features for multi sports. I have used it on day trip ascents, ski touring, using it for days at the rock gym, carry on luggage, and hiking in wet climates. The drawcords in the front allow for versatility in strapping down various tools - ice tools, shoes, crampons, helmets, etc. Aside from the main opening, the pack has one other front pocket small enough for tiny electronics, keys, snacks, and other quick grab essentials to be stored. The seams on the pack make it water resistant but after a year, like with most coated packs, the inner liner will start to crack and fade. Mine has started this process. The pack is very light, and easy to wash since its frameless and can contort/pack to a small foot print. Keeping it clean is a much easier process than my bora. Overall this is great pack, it has all the features i need for the described activities, I did not buy it intending it to be used out of those realms. Very versatile pack, looks great, lightweight, and at a reasonable price with arcteryx quality.

I tried this on in the store and it's amazingly light and super comfortable. I would have bought it except there's nowhere to put a water bottle or platypus, and I hate having to stop and take my bag off every time I'm thirsty. I wish this bag came with either water bottle holders or a hole for a platypus!

Outstanding backpack. Very good delivery. Optimal for "fast & light" devoted.

I first ordered this pack for use with camping, day hikes, and climbing. As of late I have use the pack for one entire week you're in Vail. The pack has proved extremely versatile, waterproof, durable, and intuitive in regards to the functionality of the pack. The pack is held everything that I need including multiple water bladders emergency rescue equipment and even extra layers for variable conditions. Although this pack is highly recommended for climbing I, I have found it extremely useful in functional for Alpine skiing. The pack has one main entry in the top that can be easily open and accessed via and included rip-cord-like-tag on the top, which then allows access to the waterproof membrane which can be rolled up and clipped shut. The front zipper pocket is extremely handy for snacks medication sunglasses keys and other personable's that need to be quickly accessed. The pack is designed to be unclipped, and removed extremely quickly and proved successful via the many lift lines in chairlift mounts that took place on my trip.

This was my favorite bag until I got the 35L duffle (which is made of the same material). The is bag has been abused, thrown around doesn't have a mark on it. It's water repellency was a huge factor for me getting it but was a little disappointed when a little puddle on the roll top let water seep in. Very comfortable on the back even when fully weighted.

Extremely light, but still very comfortable to carry even semi heavy loads. I like that the top is not a roll closing, so that you can decide yourself whether you need "completely" weatherproofing. It is really easy to attach axes, and the elastic wepping easily carries your crampons or a jacket. The material is quity sturdy, but I have some small holes in mine after some weeks of abuse. Maybe you could make a hole to a water hose above the inner closure, so you still have a very weatherproof pack. My exeperience with this bag is so good, that I now bought the 45 liters to cragging.

très bon sac: fonctionnel et sans superflu. en revance, fragile dans la pratique d'un alpinisme avec des rochers abrasifs. j'ai du rafistoler le sac (coupure) et je crains à terme pour les elastiques retenant les crampons, au demeurant très pratiques (évite de les rentrer dans le sac, après chaque usage)

Those are Mark twight words, In this case Arterix can't be beaten Perfect fit, size, quality at all I' d like to find the smaller one, but this is a orner teing Arterix Thinks in make easyer, faster and safeest things to alpinists , and I apreciats this commitment. A great product. Even I like that has not "top", something for me uncomfortable and that I used to hide inside

This is an excellent pack for climbing and all-round use. It can carry the essential climbing gear and carries a heavy load remarkably well. It has also been my daily bicycle commuting backpack and it handles the rain well. As to it's durability, I was recently in a cycling accident and was thrown off my bike at a decent speed and landed on my back, with the pack still strapped on. I was shocked to see no tears or visible scratches in the fabric and after a quick hand washing it looked as good as new!

I bought this bag in an attempt to become more fast & light with my hiking and I was not disappointed. The bag is super light and comfortable on long trips while still being burly enough to handle rubbing up against rocks, trees, ice - pretty much anything! I used it on several scrambles this summer and the waterproof roll-top was especially helpful when bad weather rolled in. Even if you're just using this bag for your rainy commute, the roll-top proves to keep the contents of the bag bone-dry. All in all - this bag has outperformed my expectations and is an essential piece of gear in my collection.