User Review: Arc'teryx Khamsin 50

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

Reviewed September 27, 1997 by Philipp C. Bleek

Rating:
Design: internal frame
Size: 50 liters (approx. 3,000 cu.in.)
Number of Pockets: toploader with inside and outside lid pockets, and crampon/ice tool pocket
Max. Load Carried: 30 lbs.?
Height of Owner: 5'10''
Price Paid: $209 Canadian

A fabulous pack. Although many people mock me for this, I think it easily rivals the Dana Bomb (for the record, I am a huge Dana fan).

Backpacker gave it a perfect score and called it the best weekend pack -- I couldn't agree more. I bought the pack for one to five day trips in the Alps this summer -- it's definitely one of the best purchases of outdoor gear I've ever made. The pack is incredibly comfortable, and remarkably well designed.

A couple examples: the hipbelt, which is removable, pivots, so it moves with the hips. This is great for hiking, and fabulous when climbing, because it allows extra flexibility.

Also, the pack is extremely modifiable -- the aluminum stays and also the framesheet can be removed. I generally use just the frame sheet for day trips, and add the stays for longer trips. No frame sheet would be for the summit dash -- I haven't had a chance to try that yet. The shoulder straps and hipbelt are thermoformed, which translates into great comfort. I could go on and on . . . anyway, basically a very well made pack, with excellent materials and great design. And Arc'teryx stands behind its products completely. You can't go wrong with this one.