Presenting, after years of hard work, Arcteryx's Alpha SK! Adaptable, cleverly put-together, weather-resistant, versatile, gnarly and damn sexy, the Alpha SK is something we're very excited about, indeed. Originally aimed at the ski tourers amongst us, it soon became clear that with its incredible ability to adapt to be able to carry any sort of load. The Alpha SK is far more versatile than anything we've seen before.
Starting with the outer material, Arcteryx uses N400-AC² nylon 6 ripstop fabric which is not only incredibly tough and highly abrasion resistant but is also weatherproof. The AC² construction is laminated, lightweight and has taped seams to make it highly waterproof.
The pack is also incredibly comfortable to carry - the high-density padded back panel with internally laminated HD80 foam frame sheet ensures that the load is carried as close to your body as possible without compromising on comfort - no matter what you have in your pack, you won't feel any discomfort.
The first thing you'll notice when picking it up is that it's incredibly light for its size - at a 'generous' 32 litres, the pack comes in at bang on 1kg. The second thing you'll notice is just how simple and well thought out the storage space is. The storage space in the pack consists of:
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The main compartment, which has a large side zipper for easy access and will comfortably carry all of your bits for a day out
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One large AC² waterproof front pocket, which has space to store a shovel, saw and probe with space for skins
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A generous top pocket in the lid, which (due to the highly adjustable rear clips) also doubles up as a space to carry a helmet or a rope under the lid
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A small exterior pocket with a key clip
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Two 50cm long Alpha SK straps (included) for attaching skis or ice axes to the exterior
These straps are one of the things that got us so excited about this pack - they are incredibly clever. If you look closer at the pack you'll see that there are several places that these straps can be moved/attached to, meaning you can totally customise the layout of the exterior load you wish to carry (for example, skis can be carried diagonally or in an A-frame by adding 3 more straps, or snowboards vertically with longer 65cm straps - all sold separately).
To further add to the stability of the pack, the Alpha SK features a low-profile, forward pull waistbelt that is easy to adjust when you're wearing gloves, and a fully adjustable sternum strap
The Alpha SK is the perfect solution for the do-it-all and do-it-well pack you'll need for all of your crazy mountain adventures this season.
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Highly weather resistant
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'Generous' 32L capacity
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Durable
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Versatile
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Hard-wearing
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N400-AC² nylon 6 ripstop fabric
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Helmet-compatible lid
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Large side zipper for easy access to the main compartment
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One large AC² waterproof front pocket
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A generous top pocket in the li
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A small exterior pocket with a key clip
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Two 50cm long Alpha SK straps
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High-density padded back panel with internally laminated HD80 foam frame sheet
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Forward pull waistbelt
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Adjustable sternum strap
Getting the correct fit for your rucksack is as important as getting the fit right for your boots. A badly fitting pack can inflict misery and discomfort and completely ruin your adventure. This guide is designed to help you get the best fit and comfort from your chosen pack so that carrying all your kit becomes a pleasure and not a chore.
ADJUSTING THE BACK LENGTH
If the pack has an adjustable back length, adjust this to your correct level. Your back length is not related to your height but your torso length. Many packs, and specifically the bigger and more technical packs are available in different back lengths or feature adjustable back systems. Contrary to popular belief, your torso length and not your overall height is the key to getting a well fitted pack. Tall people don’t necessarily have long torsos, just as shorter people don’t always have a short torso length.
Your torso length can be found by measuring from your C7 vertebra (the bony protrusion at the back of your neck when looking down) to the height of your iliac crest (top of your hip bones, where you put your hands on your hips). This measurement will give you an idea of which pack back length to choose.
Once you've got the back length sorted, either by selecting the correct size pack or adjusting the back system, you can begin to follow these simple steps to help achieve a comfortable carry.
LOOSEN OFF ALL STRAPS
Before you start fitting the pack, loosen off all the straps as this will make it easier to get the correct tension later.
TIGHTENING THE HIPBELT
Fasten the backpack hipbelt, the general position is the same as where you’d put your ‘hands on hips’ This area is called the pelvic girdle, and what you can feel when you rest your hand on the area is the bony protuberance, the iliac crest. The iliac crest can support the weight from a pack comfortably, and for sustained periods. The padded section of the hipbelt should encompass this and fit securely.
Tighten the straps so the hipbelt feels secure and held firmly around your body. Ensure that the lumbar pad is centered to your lower back to give you maximum support. Remember that your hips carry most of the weight of the pack, so this should be firm but comfortable.
ADJUSTING THE SHOULDER STRAPS
Next, adjust the shoulder straps, pull them until they start to become snug, but ensure that they are not too tight as to lift the pack off your hips. Remember tightening them will stabilise the pack but will increase pressure over the shoulders. If the back length of the pack is correct the shoulder straps will be flush to your shoulders whilst the hipbelt sits in place comfortably. The point where the shoulder straps attach to the main body of the pack should be roughly half way down your shoulder blades; this ensures that the shoulder straps rolls evenly over the top of your shoulders to distribute the weight correctly.
FASTENING THE CHEST STRAP
Fasten the chest strap and pull until taut but not tight, the elastic section should not be extended. This helps keep the shoulder straps from catching in your shoulder joints and keeps the stability of the pack when moving over rough ground.
ADJUSTING THE TOP TENSIONERS
Top tensioner straps link the shoulder straps to the top of the pack. When tightened, their main function is to stabilise the top part of the pack. The optimum angle for these straps in 45º, but they will stabilise the load even when horizontal or at a more obtuse angle. Tighten them until you feel the top part of the pack rest against your pack, over tightening them will create excessive pressure on the front of your shoulders.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE TENSIONERS
Side tension straps are linked to the hipbelt. By tightening these straps you can stabilise the load but reduce the hipbelt flexibility. Where balance is critical tightening them can help you feel more secure. However, if you are striding out over easy terrain it’s better to loosen these straps to allow full hip flexibility.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE COMPRESSION STRAPS
Side compression straps come next, pulling these tight does two things: firstly, it stabilises the load, secondly it can lift the lower part of the pack, repositioning the load closer to your back.
ADJUSTMENTS ON THE GO
Following these steps should give you a comfortable but secure fit on your pack. Sometimes adjustments will need to be made on the go depending on the terrain or the load you are carrying. The perfect fit is very much a personal preference so experiment with different tensions on the pack to find what suits you best.