User Review: Granite Gear Alpine Light

Granite Gear Alpine Light
Above: The current Alpine Light, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed March 2, 2001 by an anonymous hiker

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Design: technical climbing rucksack
Size: 3200
Number of Pockets: 2
Max. Load Carried: 30
Height of Owner: 5'10"
Price Paid: $160

What a great pack! This is a brand that isn't that well known around my region. A few people recognize the company but not many. They don't know what they're missing. This is the best alpine climbing pack I've ever come across! It has the right features - the stuff you really need. And, it doesn't bog you down with stuff you don't. It's really well thought out, ruggedly made and of top-quality materials.

Your ice tools are sheathed in easy-to-access hypalon tubes. Your crampons lash between the tools on a reinforced back panel with nice, beefy hypalon straps. The waist belt is a simple no-frills band of webbing that doesn't interfere with your climbing harness (one frill: the waist belt includes plastic reinforced loops to act as holsters for your ice tools, or extra loops to hang biners off of). There is even a clever little hidden pocket on the outside to store a file for sharpening your picks. The main compartment is a good size for a day-and-a-half (if you pack light). It has a nice compression system that works well. The top pocket comes off if you need it to. The back pad comes out (z-rest). It has a hydration bladder pocket, it has haul loops front and back. The shoulder straps are curved and come in dramatically at the chest - I find this makes the pack more comfortable to climb in. There's a long extension sleeve so that you could stick your legs in up to your waist for an emergency bivvy (hope I'll never need this feature...). Everything's there, but none of it gets in your way when you're actually climbing.

The only problem seems to be finding a dealer that carries them. Try the 'Snow Leopard' online.

Where to Buy

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