What is the Alpha SL 23?
This pack is a super lightweight, durable backpack designed with minimalist climbs and Alpine adventures in mind. The stripped back approach doesn't compromise on functionality - it's a technical piece for climbers who believe every gram of weight counts.
What is it made of?
The Alpha SL is a technical climbing pack meaning, of course, it's made with technical fabrics. Using a proprietary Hadron™ LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) main fabric, you couldn't get any more minimalist than this!
Hadron™ LCP (liquid crystal polymer) is a grid fabric made of an incredibly fine-gauge LCP woven into the warp and weft of a nylon face. This material redefines the standards of lightweight durability in the industry, therefore providing exceptional protection against rough alpine environments, whilst feeling almost weightless and super comfy.
What backsystem does it use?
Due to its stripped back nature and streamlined design, the Alpha SL doesn't really have a specific backsystem like other packs. However, this doesn't mean it's not comfortable! Support is offered through a removable laminated frame sheet which minimises bulk and creates protection from gear digging into your back once mounted. This type of backpanel still offers carry options for those who want a little extra comfort.
What are its features?
The Alpha SL 23 has a hefty capacity of 23 litres, offering the perfect amount of space to carry climbing equipment for pushing to the summit on multi-day Alpine adventures without feeling weighed down.
For storage, this pack has a large main compartment with super easy access. The bag's top is a fixed lid which adds weather protection and convenience.
There is an external pocket on the lid with a key clip - ideal for attaching keys to keep them safe in the mountains or storing smaller items like a phone, wallet, and snacks. Another velcro fastened pocket sits inside the pack, again ideal for stowing away smaller belongings or even accessories like gloves and a hat when they're not being worn.
Specialised technical details sit across the pack for carrying climbing equipment safely. An integrated rope system helps keep the ropes in shape and prevents them from being stored insufficiently, slipping loose and dragging on the ground.
Dual dog-bone attachments also provide a safe and secure place to attach and carry tools comfortably, without them taking up too much space in the main compartment or being placed awkwardly on your back.
Features:
- Proprietary Hadron™ LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) grid fabric is incredibly light and exceptionally durable
- 23L capacity sized for summit pushes and superlight approaches
- Large, easy-access main compartment with fixed lid
- External lid pocket with key clip
- Internal pocket with Velcro closure
- Removable frame sheet provides carry options
- Integrated rope carrying system
- Dual dog-bone attachments for secure tool carry
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.