Aimed at both mountaineers and climbers, the Berghaus Alpine 45l pack is claimed to be durable, lightweight and adaptable. Berghaus states: “Whichever peak you’re heading for, this 45-litre pack has all you need for an easier, comfier climb. “
And the Berghaus Alpine 45l rucksack is: “Extremely versatile”, “super light and strong” and “streamlined”.
Features include:
- Weight: 955g
- Removeable aluminium frame to lighten the load further
- Water resistant fabric
- Roll-top closure
- Slim-line hip belt and gear loops
- Dual side compression straps
- Shed snow feature on back panel and shoulder straps
- Ski carry to keep both hands free top strap for security (and doubles as a convenient place to secure a rope)
- Reflective front bungee system
- Tough YKK side release buckle so you can adjust while keeping gloves
- Aluminium ice axe holder
- Zipped front pocket
- Unisex fit
- Price: £110
- Berghaus.
My climbing and Munro bagging fanatic husband, G, is the tester for this pack.
What’s great about the Berghaus Alpine 45l pack
It feels and looks to be really well made. It is durable but has nothing on it that’s not essential so that keeps the weight down. I like that is a lightweight bag with all the essential stuff, but still robust.
My last Berghaus pack was my first and it has lasted far longer than I thought it would. In fact, it has lasted so long that I have not needed to buy a new one!
It has a 45-litre capacity and is an ideal winter-size rucksack for hiking and climbing. My usual is 38l and requires careful packing, but with the 45l all winter kit and extra layers are easy to fit in.
Despite being a bigger bag, it still feel very comfortable to carry.
The opening is the roll-top type as seen on many dry bags. This means it has no lid. I am slowly becoming a fan of this type of feature because it doesn’t require straps and clips. These were often an issues in the wind, when trying to close the pack.
The roll-top allows for simple size adjustment by just adding an extra roll when closing and it means you can can reduce the size of the pack to a mid-size at around 30 litres. It’s easy and no hassle – and I appreciate that.
The bag has a flap in the roll section, which contains the only separated compartment. This is useful for anything you need access to but don’t want to open the main compartment for. I used this for snacks and a map.
The same access flap acts as a rope retainer and adds compression to the bag’s height.
The side compression is from horizontal straps, rather than the more traditional laced system. I far prefer this because it allows for easier attachment of kit, such as further rope restraint, poles, tents or roll mat.
The axe attachments are fairly minimal – they look and feel light – but I’m sure do the job.
What’s not so good about Berghaus Alpine 45l rucksack
There is a metal frame, which helps keep the bag’s shape, but in truth this doesn’t look to be much more than a wire coat hanger. I took this out and I noticed no difference in comfort or weight but I did notice the bag compressed easier without it, so it won’t be going back in.
Although I like the tougher materials, the lid felts bulky when rolled and folded. I guess this is a small compromise when thinking about the durability. I have owned a super lightweight pack that didn’t last a full season.
The lack of compartments might not suit everyone because getting gear from the bottom of the pack requires the stuff on the top to be removed.
The strap clips are a new type. I’ve not taken to them, but not for any particular reason. They do work fine but they just feel a bit flimsy.
There is no emergency whistle and on almost all packs these days this is standard. It is a bit of an oversight in my opinion.
I have yet to find out how the rucksack copes in wet weather, but Berghaus don’t make any waterproof claims. They state it is water resistant so I will be packing all my stuff in dry bags inside the pack if it’s going to be severe wet weather.
Conclusion on the Berghaus Alpine 45l rucksack
Over all, I liked this bag for comfort. It can adjusted every way I needed to. I used it on a three Munro, seven-hour day on first use and had no complaints about comfort and use. I have also used it for climbing outings and enjoyed having it with me.
I much prefer the lack of faff in this rucksack and how lightweight it is, as well as ease of access. I am not a big fan of bags with lots of pockets. It’s simply my preference.
See Berghaus.