User Review: Arc'teryx Khamsin 50

Arc'teryx Khamsin 50
Above: The current Khamsin 50, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed January 4, 1998 by an anonymous hiker

Rating:
Design: Internal
Size: 3000
Number of Pockets: 3
Max. Load Carried: 3b lbs.
Height of Owner: 6'
Price Paid: $163

Super Pack!

Suspension: Despite the pack's small size, its shoulder straps are thicker and more comfortable than those on my Gregory Wind River, which is twice as large. The Khamsin 50's hip belt would rival any expedition pack's hip belt in comfort - a rare attribute for a weekend pack! The pack's lumbar pad is about average for a weekend pack, though. For superior load control, the pack utilizes two stays instead of one. The pack is incredibly adjustable and the sculpted foam backpad is chanelled for ventilation.

Features: The best feature on this pack is the side access zipper which makes loading and unloading a snap. The heavy duty side zipper and the reinforcing side compression straps ensure that there won't be any blow-out disasters with this pack. Another nice feature is the zippered, external pocket that can be removed to reduce the pack's weight (4 lbs, 10 ozs.). The external pocket hinges away from the pack so that items such as a sleeping pad or rain shell can be carried externally; it acts very much like a Shove-It pocket, but it's much more versatile. The pack also features a pair of wand pockets large enough for water bottles.

Usage: If one packs carefully and carries a bivy sack instead of a tent and a highly compressible sleeping bag, the Khamsin 50 can hold enough gear to comfortably sustain a person in the wilderness during the spring, summer, or fall for four days and three nights. BEWARE that the bottom of the Khamsin 50 is tapered and that it will not accomodate a fat synthetic bag.

Craftsmanship: The craftsmanship on this pack is superior. The pack is MADE IN CANADA and it shows.

Complaint: My only major complaint is that the zippered, external pocket is a bit small.

Price: The pack lists for $233, but I picked mine up a few weeks ago at Climb High in Shelburne, Vermont, on sale for $163.