ARC'TERYX Khamsin 50
For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.
Brand: Arc'Teryx Gear Reviews
Model: Khamsin 50
Killer Deal
Get a lot of pack for a little money with the Manang. “I hauled more than 40 pounds on a 35-mile trip through the Wind River Range,” said one tester, “and this top-loader performed way above its price range.” How? The Manang’s well-padded suspension includes shoulder straps with extra-cushy gel inserts, and the frame is plenty stiff for big loads, thanks to two aluminum stays and a rigid U-shaped tube.
The packbag is easy to load and organize, with a cavernous main compartment that has a vertical access zipper, lid and hipbelt pockets, and plenty of lashing options. Even more impressive: The mix of 840- and 420-denier fabric is bushwhack-durable, yet the pack is reasonably lightweight for the capacity. The catch? No sleeping-bag compartment, and the ladder-style, adjustable harness is not as stable as the best in this category. $180; 5,190 cu. in.; 5 lbs. 2 oz. Lafumausa.com
Ideal for gear laden daytrips and overnight forays into the alpine, the Khamsin 50 is a well balanced mid-sized mountaineering pack. Loaded with alpine features and highly strippable, this pack can deliver a payload and then be compressed for a close to the body fit when traveling light to the summit.
NEW Spring 2008.