Arc’Teryx Alpha AR 35L - Review
Being the owner of a similarly designed pack (the MH Scrambler 37) was essential for me to understand the necessity of a better pack around that size. The Arc'Teryx Alpha AR 35L fulfilled my needs entirely. After using the Alpha 20L for few years I realized that the Alpha AR 35L could seriously be the definitive pack I was looking for, especially something able to carry a load of camping gear + climbing gear comfortably, without making me wanting for a bigger 50L pack.
This pack is very versatile, from long heavy approaches to multi-days alpine climbing, to quick fast&light days of ice climbing. The Alpha AR 35 is definitely an all-arounder backpack which means despite his technical feature can be used as a city-pack, gym pack, or travel pack as well.
BACKPACK Features
High-tenacity nylon with a liquid crystal polymer ripstop grid stands up to heavy use on rough terrain (N315r HT nylon 6,6 LCP fabric is high tenacity nylon with a liquid crystal polymer ripstop grid)
Top lid with water-resistant zipper can be extended or removed
Security pocket with a key clip under the lid stores your phone, keys, and other small items
Top strap securely holds a climbing rope
Pull-to-open, pull-to-close drawcord allows easy access to the main compartment
Ice-axe capture webbing accommodates a range of angles
Custom webbing daisy chains let you lash gear to the outside of the pack
Dimensions: Height: 63cm, Width: 28cm, Depth: 24cm
Construction and materials
Being the owner of a similarly designed pack (the MH Scrambler 37) was essential for me to understand the necessity of a better pack around that size. The Arc'Teryx Alpha AR 35L fulfilled my needs entirely. After using the Alpha 20L for few years I realized that the Alpha AR 35L could seriously be the definitive pack I was looking for, especially something able to carry a load of camping gear + climbing gear comfortably, without making me wanting for a bigger 50L pack.
This pack is very versatile, from long heavy approaches to multi-days alpine climbing, to quick fast&light days of ice climbing. The Alpha AR 35 is definitely an all-arounder backpack which means despite his technical feature can be used as a city-pack, gym pack, or travel pack as well.
Performance
I've been using this backpack for about a year, from multi-pitch climbing in humid Japanese summer to winter mountaineering and ice climbing. On few occasions, I had multiday backpacking trips with it.
In every situation, I loved how comfortable is the backpack on the shoulder, especially when loaded with winter alpine gear like an ice-tool, crampons, and hardwires.
This backpack is engineered for mountain activities; I can fit in the essentials for a day climbing at the crag or on ice. The axes are easy to release from the attachments; a drawcord can hold crampons or a helmet.
The overall capacity is 35; I could push it to the limits but for multiday winter expeditions I recommend upgrading to the 55L version.
The shoulder straps are the most comfortable I ever experience on a backpack; to be honest, I would love to install them on the Arc Teryx Alpha FL series too.
The organization of alpine rucksacks is usually reduced to the basics, and it's pretty much into the user's abilities to pack gear in a smart way.
The Good
This pack has everything you need to find in an alpine rucksack:
It has built-in ice tool holders, with a useful drawstring system to keep the head in place. Straps will secure the shaft to the body of the pack.
Compared with other similar alpine backpacks, the positioning of those straps (or in some cases drawcords) is just perfect, so your technical curved ice-tools won't cross on top of each other (making it hard to strap crampons in the center of the pack).
The top lid is generous, and I could fit winter gloves, snacks, ski goggles, and headlamps.
The backplate is removable if you want to make the backpack even lighter, although it would sacrifice comfort when fully loaded.
The Not So Good
The only design flaw I found is the hook type of barbed buckle that catches a loop on the lid; it's the same closure system of the AR 20L.
I’ve found that other companies like Mountain Equipment with the Latok, Built To Send with their X series achieved the alpine pack closer systems way better of Arc Teryx buckles.
Another negative point is the back panel could feel slightly too hard on your lumbar area when the pack is loaded to its limit.
Picture courtesy of Arc’Teryx
Who it suits?
Alpinists, ice climbers, rock climbers will found the spectra fabric (light and resistant), the design's versatility, and the easy access the three main reasons that make this pack iconic. Of course, the pack allows many other purposes like trekking and cragging. It also suits those folks looking for a very light backpack without compromising the classic top lid closure system.
Who it doesn't suit?
First of all, the pack comes in two colors, grey, and red, leave it or take it. Also, it is not suited for the roll-top minimalists, traditionalists of multi-accessorized backpacks, or anybody looking for a budget alpine pack.
Value
This pack cost about 190 dollars. It is not a low price, but consider it as an investment into something that's well crafted and could last for a long period of time under stress. You pay for the expertise of the Arc'Teryx R&D department, the testing with alpinists, the experimental materials, and the insane attention to detail. In a nutshell: you pay for quality.
In conclusion
I believe this pack is meant for those who prioritize simplicity and lightweight. It is an alpine pack, and the features are designed for a specific activity so that alpinists would use the Alpha AR features at 100% of their potential. I would recommend it to people who need an excellent backpack for single or multiple-day commitment outdoor activities.
The AR 35L on the Mt. Tsurugi in the Japanese North Alps
