Sierra Designs Ministry 40

For a climb, ski tour, day hike, or overnighter this pack is hard to beat. Simply tough.

FEATURES:

• Hefty 630D/840D nylon reinforcement  
• Hydration Ready
• Top Loading
• Fleece-lined Optics Pocket in Lid
• Crampon / Shove-it / Shovel Pocket
• Emergency Bivy Pad
• Gear-Racking on both hip belt wings
• Ventilation Conduit Back
• Snow-shedding Backpanel
• Removable Hip Belt
• Removable HDPE/aluminum frame
• Radio / GPS attachment point; ice ax loops; ski carry loops; security pocket with key clip
• S/M 40L/WEIGHED MINE AT 4lbs/8oz.

As a well designed pack the major load is born by the hip belt, which is removable and is the method of adjusting the torso by moving it up or down. The shoulder, sternum, and load lifter straps are quickly and easily adjusted and along with three pads on the back make this very comfortable as well as controllable.

The back was designed to afford great air circulation and Sierra Designs has carried this over to the back design of their newest pack; the Flex Capacitor 40-60L. It follows the lead well staying firm against the back. Rather than being flat the bottom is upward angled, so it doesn't get snagged and rubbed when scooting over rocks and trees.

The smallest capacity of my three backpacks it comes into the ring as the best welterweight contender and winner by knock-out. The 3-in-1 capacity is 40 L, but a big main is able to carry additional gear, as the top extends and the snow collar closes with a drawstring; a common feature to many packs. The four straps that secure the lid are long enough to accommodate the extended load and more; like a climbing rope, tent, or foam sleeping pad; which is then secured by a clipped cinch strap over the top under the lid.

There are no zippers on the pack body and as far as I'm concerned none are needed. The only zippers are those for access to the lid; one topside with the largest glove pulls I've ever seen and two zippers on the bottom of the lid. Within one there's a zippered fleece lined optics/goggle pocket.

There's no rain cover, but between the heavy inner waterproof urethane coating and double-layered fabric of the expanding crampon shove-it pocket on the front it might only be needed in the most relentless rains. I'm buying a rain cover from China on ebay for $4, just in case.

Of course, it's obvious that this pack was aimed at those that go backcountry snow touring and cragging. The lower yellow ski loops are indestructible, the lid zipper pull and all the snap lock clips were designed to be easily handled with insulated Winter gloves worn, and the gusseted front crampon pocket is a full doubled thickness of the 840D nylon; built to take on those spikes.

I like a tough pack and from the design to the rugged materials to manufacturing I consider the durability of this pack will be on par or better than my Arc'teryx Bora 65L. Originally priced at $240 and worth it, Sierra Designs got this one right. Four years after production ceased I bought mine new for a song.