Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Alpha FL 45 Backpack

I've had this pack for around a year now, so I feel like I've spent enough time with it to give a well-rounded review. This pack is great and terrible for one reason: how specific to alpine climbing it is. It is light and durable, and makes for a great climbing pack. However, it has a few downfalls. The pack is uncomfortable if you load even 10-15lbs in it. The shoulder straps are super light, which makes the pack feel light, but then the load feels heavy. After half an hour of wearing the pack with moderate weight, the shoulder straps feel like they are really digging into your shoulder. The light straps make climbing easy, but carrying gear on the approach brutal. Secondly, this pack is terrible when it rains (surprising for a pack designed in Vancouver). The body of the pack is "weather resistant" which means it's fine if it showers a bit. The worst part is that water will pool in the opening to the main compartment which is right on top of the pack. This pool of water will leak into the pack through the thin cover, even if the bag is cinched tight. Rain obviously falls down directly to the top of the pack, not the sides where the weather resistant material is. My suggestion would be to add a removable top part to the top of the bag (a light brain) that is waterproof, or include a rain cover for the pack, or stop billing it as "highly weather resistant". Otherwise, the pack looks clean, performs well when loaded lightly in dry conditions. I wouldn't recommend this pack to people who would like to do other things with it other than light and fast climbing.

Really appreciate it, I always use it to carry my climbing gear. Will use it for alpines activites for sure. Love it!

I've used this pack for 5 years now and I'm still amazed by it. Perhaps this is partly due to me not using and abusing it as a daily driver - it only comes out for bikepacking and ski touring. Still looks new.

Dieser Rucksack begleitet mich das ganze Jahr. Bei Nsse und Schnee, bei Sonne und Wind. Der Sitz ist stabil, das Packmass einfach zu variieren. Ich benutze den Alpha FL 45 fr alle Aktivitten. Nichts dran, was unntig ist. Nichts, das ihm was anhaben kann.

My daughter invited me to hike Havasu falls- 3 days. As an alpinist this was my first low altitude trip. I am all for light and fast and she is not. I got all my gear (UL tent, jet oil and fuel, pad, sleeping bag, layers, food, water) and her 7 lbs tent (placed in the crampon/axe elastic) I put more than 48 liters of stuff in and on this pack and it performed great- no discomfort. Rained like heck on first night with no problems. It was versatile and I used it as a day pack the next day. Can't wait to use it on Rainier and Andes peaks. My 70 liter alpine bag may be retired!

My daughter invited me to hike Havasu falls- 3 days. As an alpinist this was my first low altitude trip. I am all for light and fast and she is not. I got all my gear (UL tent, jet oil and fuel, pad, sleeping bag, layers, food, water) and her 7 lbs tent (placed in the crampon/axe elastic) I put more than 48 liters of stuff in and on this pack and it performed great- no discomfort. Rained like heck on first night with no problems. It was versatile and I used it as a day pack the next day. Can't wait to use it on Rainier and Andes peaks. My 70 liter alpine bag may be retired!

This pack is part of every trip or vacation...it can be a surfing trip, a family trip or most likely a ski or splitboarding trip. I really like the no nonsens design with good comfy straps, buckles and easy clothing system. It is spacy and waterproof. It saved more than a kilo with my last backpack WoW.... the only thing you need to do yourself is Arrange your stuff inside..i really love this one!!! And now i use Some extra straps to Carry ski's on my back...so maybe a small tip to integrate this for ski and splitboarding addicts?

This pack is part of every trip or vacation...it can be a surfing trip, a family trip or most likely a ski or splitboarding trip. I really like the no nonsens design with good comfy straps, buckles and easy clothing system. It is spacy and waterproof. It saved more than a kilo with my last backpack WoW.... the only thing you need to do yourself is Arrange your stuff inside..i really love this one!!! And now i use Some extra straps to Carry ski's on my back...so maybe a small tip to integrate this for ski and splitboarding addicts?

I have to second all of the good things that have already been said about this pack. I've used this pack this past summer for long alpine glacier and rock climbs, and this is where this pack shines. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a lightweight (yet super durable), no-frills climbing pack. I am rough on gear, and the fabric has impressed me with its abrasion resistance and waterproofness. Some things to note: - Because of its lightweight suspension and lack of side compression straps, the pack forces you to pack carefully. You can put straps in to the side lash points that can help with this, as well as aid in lashing a rope on. - My partners and I use the CAMP Corsa ice axes, and the pack attachment point for the head slips out very easily from this style of ice axe. We've nearly lost ice axes this way. You can probably fashion and attach your own ice axe holder to the attachment point on the pack that's there though. - Sizing - Because I'm beyond the lower end of the sizing range of this pack (38.1 cm torso length and have narrow shoulders), this pack is quite uncomfortable and I can no longer use it. The interior part of the shoulder straps abrade my neck because of their wide width, and the top of the suspension hits the back of my head when I'm climbing. I love this pack, but I wish it came in more sizes.

I have to second all of the good things that have already been said about this pack. I've used this pack this past summer for long alpine glacier and rock climbs, and this is where this pack shines. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a lightweight (yet super durable), no-frills climbing pack. I am rough on gear, and the fabric has impressed me with its abrasion resistance and waterproofness. Some things to note: - Because of its lightweight suspension and lack of side compression straps, the pack forces you to pack carefully. You can put straps in to the side lash points that can help with this, as well as aid in lashing a rope on. - My partners and I use the CAMP Corsa ice axes, and the pack attachment point for the head slips out very easily from this style of ice axe. We've nearly lost ice axes this way. You can probably fashion and attach your own ice axe holder to the attachment point on the pack that's there though. - Sizing - Because I'm beyond the lower end of the sizing range of this pack (38.1 cm torso length and have narrow shoulders), this pack is quite uncomfortable and I can no longer use it. The interior part of the shoulder straps abrade my neck because of their wide width, and the top of the suspension hits the back of my head when I'm climbing. I love this pack, but I wish it came in more sizes.

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. (9) I find the external straps on the 45L very useful, particularly when attaching my mountaineering boots on approaches. Cons: (1) Expensive, but it find it is worth it (2) 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.

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. (9) I find the external straps on the 45L very useful, particularly when attaching my mountaineering boots on approaches. Cons: (1) Expensive, but it find it is worth it (2) 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.

The backpack is excellent, the first test was for 100 km of tracking for 2 days. If you tighten the valve, the water inside the backpack does not fall (rain). I would like that the side pocket would be more waterproof. I used online translator

The backpack is excellent, the first test was for 100 km of tracking for 2 days. If you tighten the valve, the water inside the backpack does not fall (rain). I would like that the side pocket would be more waterproof. I used online translator

I received the newer revision just recently from a drawing and it is not much different compared to the previous version minus the reversal of the rope strap location. It does not get in the way now with the newer revision. The pack is very durable and weather resistant with ac2. However where it might not be weather resistant is the top rolling cover but this is expected. Aside from that It is very minimal and ideal for lots of situations. I use it for almost if not all my hiking outings if it warrants the needed capacity and it serves as a great travel carry on. The inside like with the previous pack has not change and will wear/crack with age and continuous abrasion - this is not new since most packs that have this type of lining do so. Keeps gear dry, unless you are hiking near waterfalls and whatever is near the top will get somewhat wet through long exposure of rain/ water. Pack is comfortable, and can be fitted for many needs with the cord system on the pack. I have used it so far to carry large tripods, crampons, ice axe, and snowshoes without it tearing - so far. The pack is indeed very durable and probably can even be used as a flotation device if needed. Some improvements for future packs or revisions could be even further reduction in weight through even thinner fabrics? ac2 is nice but i think arc will with time develop something just as durable and weather resistant. The straps are comfortable and given its size could be reduced in size to eliminate a few grams? Front storage pocket could always get larger, to accommodate more easy to access items. I know these are nitpicky suggestions but they are a few i can spot that can even further enhance revisions. Great pack, I am getting my moneys worth of use. Overall an improvement over last gen.

This is probably the best pack I've used for alpine day trips. I love the fact that it's stripped down and lightweight makes it my go to pack for heading into the mountains, but better than that it's built out of such a durable fabric that I'm convinced it's going to last longer than any of pack I've had. The zippered pocket on the outside of the pack fills the role that I usually use the lid pockets for and the buckled strap that closes over the top of the pack has proven useful clipping in a helmet. The pack is comfortable and carries a load well. The one downside I've found in the pack is that the bungee strapping at the back of the pack can get hung up in bushwhacking.

I think there are enough great reviews about this pack so i am doing this simple review focusing on the updates on the 2016 model. This is my 3rd Alpha FL pack. I purchased it simply because of the 2 significant updates. 1. The rope strap is revised. It is now buckled on the side of your body so the long strap does not get in the way like the previous model when you do not carry your ropes or the pack is not full. On last years model the strap just kept swinging around when you climb or move. Maybe thats just me but i found it pretty annoying. However it is fixed on the 2016 pack. 2. The updated shoulder straps. They are now softer and very very comfortable when you load your pack with a reasonable amount of weight. There is nothing wrong with the shoulder straps on the previous model but If you have tried on the 2016 pack you will immediately feel the difference. Other than the above 2 updates the pack remains the same. If you are planning to get one of the Alpha FL packs i strongly recommend the 2016 model over the previous model. Thanks Arcteryx for creating an epic pack.

Reviewing this pack after 3 dedicated ice/mixed climbing trips. First of all, you must know before buying this pack, that unlike many other backpacks on the market -where you can get away with using them for other purposes-, this one is specifically designed for alpine (climb, mountaineer, ski) activities ONLY. If your general theme is more into trekking, backpacking or anything similar; I'd strongly advise you to look elsewhere! I'm not saying you can't use this one, but honestly, it is designed for alpinists! Now coming to this absolutely genius pack: Extremely lightweight. I can't think of anything that even comes close. Now with this massive loss of weight in designing this pack, you'd clearly be thinking about the durability and comfort? -Durability: again, to shock you, the material is not only durable, it is THE most durable outer material I've ever seen. It's just incredible how they managed a single lightweight bombproof layer (or at least that's what we see!). I did abuse this pack to every possible limit that I willingly could, caught a sharp axe many times, sat on it, thrown it on ice/rock... Nothing really matters. -Comfort: now surely there are more comfortable packs. But remember, that comes at the cost of weight (a well-padded system is designed in the back). Despite being so light, I still felt it was comfortable enough to carry/climb around. It has all the necessary elements you need - nothing fancy! However, my sincere advise to Arcteryx would be to have the side straps (or an additional webbing for the sides) as a built-in option. The problem occurs when you've 2 poles and 2 axes. Now you might say that either of these two are going to be in your hand at all times. But that's not always the case with me. I sometimes had to get rid of both and focus on something else... I understand that Arcteryx suggest to use ski straps -bought separately- for the above problem. But I mean really, would you not rather provide the full package? You've got it 95.87% right so might as well just nail it! To conclude, if you're into serious quick climbing, this is the answer!

Reviewing this pack after 3 dedicated ice/mixed climbing trips. First of all, you must know before buying this pack, that unlike many other backpacks on the market -where you can get away with using them for other purposes-, this one is specifically designed for alpine (climb, mountaineer, ski) activities ONLY. If your general theme is more into trekking, backpacking or anything similar; I'd strongly advise you to look elsewhere! I'm not saying you can't use this one, but honestly, it is designed for alpinists! Now coming to this absolutely genius pack: Extremely lightweight. I can't think of anything that even comes close. Now with this massive loss of weight in designing this pack, you'd clearly be thinking about the durability and comfort? -Durability: again, to shock you, the material is not only durable, it is THE most durable outer material I've ever seen. It's just incredible how they managed a single lightweight bombproof layer (or at least that's what we see!). I did abuse this pack to every possible limit that I willingly could, caught a sharp axe many times, sat on it, thrown it on ice/rock... Nothing really matters. -Comfort: now surely there are more comfortable packs. But remember, that comes at the cost of weight (a well-padded system is designed in the back). Despite being so light, I still felt it was comfortable enough to carry/climb around. It has all the necessary elements you need - nothing fancy! However, my sincere advise to Arcteryx would be to have the side straps (or an additional webbing for the sides) as a built-in option. The problem occurs when you've 2 poles and 2 axes. Now you might say that either of these two are going to be in your hand at all times. But that's not always the case with me. I sometimes had to get rid of both and focus on something else... I understand that Arcteryx suggest to use ski straps -bought separately- for the above problem. But I mean really, would you not rather provide the full package? You've got it 95.87% right so might as well just nail it! To conclude, if you're into serious quick climbing, this is the answer!

This is a fantastic alpine pack. Its slender shape carries well on steep and technical terrain. I was originally worried about the unpadded hip belt but, after several months of use, the lack of padding is not an issue. The unpadded hip belt actually allows for a more comfortable system when using a harness with ice clippers attached. The durable material and taped seams make this a well performing pack in rough and wet environments.

J'utilise ce sac pour la randonne. Le port est excellent, et mme le meilleur parmi tous les sacs dos que j'ai test. La ceinture qu'on pourrait croire sous-dimensionne comprend deux petites boucles qui permettent d'accrocher une gourde ou un appareil photo. On peut fixer btons, piolets et vestes grce l'ingnieux systme d'attache. Le seul dfaut est dans le systme de fermeture du haut du sac. Pourtant, Arcteryx a dj utilis avec succs ce systme pour d'autres sacs et mme pour des gants. Mais ici ce n'est pas une russite: dj, la languette (ce n'est pas une boucle) qui permet la fermeture est trop courte, mais quand on tire sur le cordon pour fermer le sac, celui-ci est bloqu une fois sur deux par la doublure qui se coince dans le trou. Exasprant. La doublure devrait tre renforce... Sinon, les dimensions de ce sac (30 litres + 15) en fait un sac polyvalent que j'utilise pour les randos de plusieurs jours avec hbergement en refuges gards.

Lger, plus que prvu, et trs commode. Il n'y a qu'une petite poche extrieure mais le volume intrieur est immense. Lorsqu'il est vide on ne se rend pas compte qu'il est au dos. Je suis sorti faire les courses avec mon vlo et je l'ai pris: le bonheur. Mme avec un poids considrable l'intrieur (on ne le ferait pas lors d'une sortie en montagne) il est trs maniable et robuste. Je l'ai pris en couleur noire pour pouvoir l'utiliser en ville et c'est russi, il est considrablement discret. En un mot: POLYVALENT.

This is a great pack for what it is intended to do.. fast light alpine, but do not let that deter you to buy one for whatever else reason. i got mine in chayenne, love the color, was really bright though at first, but faded a little to a softer red/orange-ish color. Pesonally i've used my pack mostly for cragging and some multipitching trad climbs, and i can fill it up with some soft gear, water a full set of BD Cams, and nut set, harness, and cram down a 9.6 60m rope... this thing swallows ALOT, but yet remains within it boundaries. now we already know that this thing works great for fast & light alpine pushes.. so i wont rant about it, it was what it was built for needless to say, arc'teryx hit the nail on that one. so can it perform out of that box? i'd dare to say yes, but i wont say that it will properly excel at for example long hikes, since it does not have a rigid frame, more or less a foam pad to protect the back, and it does not have any kind of ventilation for the back. so there are some shortcomings to it. one thing id like to see arc'teryx do is the roll closure, to have some stiffer lips, so that you can roll it up to have it open when you don't need the rolltop. but for multipitch sessions, id buy one more! for alpine id buy 2 more, and one for my dog!

I've found this to be a very well designed and robust bit of kit. Its dead light - it weighs a kilogram less than my old 45 litre rucksack which it's replaced and it holds just as much as that one did! It's basically a cylinder of nylon canvas. The regular shape, as much as the white interior, means that I have had no trouble finding and retrieving stuff. It'd probably be waterproof if I didn't keep opening it and shoving my wet gloved hands inside. The shoulder straps and back padding are certainly minimalist but work well. I've bivvied overnight in the Cairngorms and Lochaber this summer with this sack and found it to be more comfortable to carry than sacks with elaborate - and heavy - suspension and back systems. I'm used to rucksacks without a lid and I like the dry bag type opening on this one. If you enjoy painstakingly adjusting straps in bad weather then this 'sack probably isn't for you. Its seems to have been designed 'from the ground up' and for that reason perhaps doesn't have some of the features that you might expect but I reckon it has all the features that you'll need.

I've found this to be a very well designed and robust bit of kit. Its dead light - it weighs a kilogram less than my old 45 litre rucksack which it's replaced and it holds just as much as that one did! It's basically a cylinder of nylon canvas. The regular shape, as much as the white interior, means that I have had no trouble finding and retrieving stuff. It'd probably be waterproof if I didn't keep opening it and shoving my wet gloved hands inside. The shoulder straps and back padding are certainly minimalist but work well. I've bivvied overnight in the Cairngorms and Lochaber this summer with this sack and found it to be more comfortable to carry than sacks with elaborate - and heavy - suspension and back systems. I'm used to rucksacks without a lid and I like the dry bag type opening on this one. If you enjoy painstakingly adjusting straps in bad weather then this 'sack probably isn't for you. Its seems to have been designed 'from the ground up' and for that reason perhaps doesn't have some of the features that you might expect - but I reckon it has all the features that you'll need.