User Review: Arc'teryx Sebring

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

Reviewed November 11, 2004 by Griffo

Rating: rated 4 of 5 stars
Size: 1700ci
Number of Pockets: 4
Max. Load Carried: 25lbs
Height of Owner: 6'2"
Price Paid: don't remember

I bought this pack with the intent to use it as a summit pack and a day-use backcountry ski pack and it has served that purpose well. It has a couple internal pockets that are great for organizing but nothing that is overbearing.

The Pros:
At 2lbs, and 1700ci this pack is super light and can carry everything you need for day hiking or skiing. Other packs I was comparing this to weighed in at 50% more. This not only means that it is good and light for day touring but it also makes it feasible to bring along on multi-day backcoutry trips for the purpose of a summit/day pack without adding too much weight to the already heavy 30-40lb pack.

The Cons:
Minimal straps--I bring along another strap for A-framing skis. This is almost a Pro because this pack is able to do this without too much effort. But there is a noticable lack of external straps for say a shovel or a quick place to throw a jacket.

2 Compression Straps--Pretty much useless as compression straps, but they are usefull for A-framing skis. The bag really doesn't have compression mechanisms in this regard. Although the pack is only 1700ci, so there isn't too much of a need for this.

Frame--It only has a flexible plastic sheet as an internal frame. The only purpose this serves is to stop your crampons from poking you in your back. By no means is it form-fitted or does it create a nice flat surface against your back, or provide support as far as I can tell. To counter this, I inserted a small aluminum stay. This gave it a means for support and form--major improvement.

Summary:
I was looking for a pack that no one made and this pack was the closest thing to it. Then with a couple of modifications that only increased pack weight by a fraction, I ended up with something that is workable and exceeds all of the other packs out there.

I am now looking for a pack for backcoutry skiing day trips and summiting that is designed for this, but as far as I can tell I don't think anything out there is going to replace this light of a pack for the day pack use on expeditions. It will continue to be included in my small quiver of packs.

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