What is the Instinct Alpi 40L Backpack?
The Instinct Alpi 40L is a high-performance alpine backpack built for versatility and endurance. Whether tackling steep mountain trails, skiing through backcountry powder, or setting out on a multi-day trek, this pack adapts to your needs. Its unique high-sitting design ensures stability and balance, making it ideal for fast-paced adventures in rugged terrain while providing easy access to essential gear.
What is it made of?
The Alpi 40L is built to handle harsh alpine conditions without weighing you down. It's made from a premium four-layer nylon diamond ripstop, which means it's extra strong against scrapes and rough terrain while still lightweight enough for fast-moving adventures. This fabric also resists tearing, so it won't easily rip apart if you snag it on sharp rocks or ice. The pack features 3mm perforated EVA padding in the back panel and shoulder straps for all-day comfort. This lightweight but cushy material reduces pressure points, making heavy loads feel more manageable. The shoulder straps and back panel also use 3D mesh, which boosts airflow and wicks away sweat, keeping you cool and dry even during intense climbs. To ensure the Alpi 40L lasts through countless trips, all webbing points are reinforced with bar tack stitching, a technique used in high-stress areas to prevent wear and tear. This extra reinforcement means you can confidently haul heavy loads, secure gear with tensioned straps, and navigate rugged terrain without worrying about seams giving out.
What type of back system is used?
The Instinct Alpi 40L Backpack is designed with a back system prioritising stability and mobility, ensuring a close, body-hugging fit that moves with you. The anatomically cut, one-piece back panel and shoulder straps create a seamless connection between your body and the pack, reducing bounce and improving weight distribution. It provides better control when navigating technical terrain, whether scrambling up a ridge, skiing through tight tree lines, or covering long distances on foot. Load adjuster straps allow you to fine-tune the fit, helping you position the weight higher or lower depending on the activity and load. This adaptability prevents strain on your shoulders and lower back, keeping you comfortable even during extended adventures. The ergonomic design also maintains freedom of movement, so you can reach, stretch, and twist without feeling restricted. With a balance of snugness, breathability, and weight efficiency, the Alpi 40L is built for high-intensity alpine activities where stability and comfort are essential.
What are its features?
Lid Type
The Instinct Alpi 40L Backpack features a Roll-Top Lid with an Independent Roll-Top Pocket (12L). Additionally, it has a Removable Floating Lid (Top Pouch), which provides extra storage and can be detached when not needed. This combination allows for volume expansion, compression, and versatility, making it ideal for fast-and-light missions and multi-day adventures.
Entry options
The Instinct Alpi 40L Backpack's primary access is through a large back door opening. This design allows instant access to the main compartment, making retrieving or organising gear easy without digging through the top.
Storage and Organisation
The Alpi 40L pack features dual upper bottle pockets at the front, accommodating 750ml bottles or 600ml soft flasks. This design ensures hydration is always within reach, eliminating the need to stop and rummage through the main compartment.
Below these, two extra-large vertical zippered pockets provide secure storage for essentials such as energy bars, maps, gloves, or a lightweight shell jacket, keeping them protected yet easily accessible.
Complementing these are two extra-large pre-shaped mesh pockets made from a stretchy yet durable material that expands to hold additional soft flasks, snacks, or even a pair of lightweight gloves.
Fully utilised, the front system allows for carrying up to four bottles or flasks, making it ideal for long days in the mountains where staying hydrated is crucial.
The adjustable sternum straps, which can be moved along a piping rail, provide a customisable fit to ensure stability while running or hiking, preventing bounce and unnecessary movement.
Additionally, pole and ice pick attachments are strategically placed at the front, allowing for secure yet rapid access to trekking poles or an ice axe when navigating challenging terrain.
At the back, the pack offers a dedicated, independent 3L hydration bladder pocket, covering the entire backside surface to distribute weight evenly.
The large back door panel allows instant access to the main compartment, making gear organisation quick and efficient. At the same time, an overlapping mesh pocket inside provides an easy stash spot for small items like gloves or sunglasses.
Side straps allow for secure ski carrying, and additional daisy chains on the back, along with interchangeable straps, create a versatile system for attaching crampons, snowshoes, or even a snowboard.
A webbing strap loop at the top of the shoulder strap ensures an additional ski attachment point, keeping everything locked in place for technical ascents and descents.
The independent roll-top compartment provides an extra 12 litres of storage, expanding the pack's carrying capacity for multi-day trips.
The removable top pouch, featuring two zippered compartments, is perfect for storing smaller essentials like a first aid kit, a knife, or a headlamp.
A stretch mesh pocket over the top automatically closes, creating an instant-access space for a jacket, poncho, or even a solar battery panel.
Compression Options
The Instinct Alpi 40L Backpack is designed with a highly adaptable compression system, allowing for a secure and stable load.
A key feature is the double "V" side straps, a design that uses elastic lacing to create a bounce-free fit. This design is beneficial for fast hiking or running, as it keeps the pack snug against your back, eliminating unwanted movement.
By tightening the nylon webbing, the entire system locks in place instantly, ensuring that the pack maintains its streamlined, close-to-body fit even when carrying a lighter load.
For additional control, adjustable side compression straps work to reduce bulk and stabilise the load, preventing shifting weight that could throw off balance, especially on uneven terrain.
This system is further complemented by interchangeable straps on the back, which help manage volume and provide secure attachment points for crampons, snowshoes, or a snowboard without adding unnecessary bulk.
The independent roll-top closure adds flexibility to adapt to varying load sizes. When the extra 12 litres of storage in the roll-top are not needed, it can be compressed down for a more compact shape, preventing excess fabric from flapping and keeping the pack as streamlined as possible.
For fine-tuned weight distribution, load adjuster straps on the shoulder harness allow the pack to be pulled closer to the body, ensuring better balance and reducing strain on the shoulders and lower back.
By bringing the load inward, this feature helps improve stability during technical climbs or when moving at speed.
Is the rain cover included?
No, the Instinct Alpi 40L Backpack does not include a rain cover. However, the four-layer nylon diamond ripstop fabric provides high water resistance, offering some protection against light rain and snow. A separate rain cover is recommended for heavy downpours or extended exposure to wet conditions.
Features:
- High-sitting ergonomic design for stability and comfort
- Double "V" side straps for a no-bounce fit
- Large back door access for easy gear retrieval
- Expandable 12L roll-top compartment
- Removable top pouch with zippered pockets
- Hydration-compatible with a 3L bladder pocket
- Multiple gear attachment points for poles, ice picks, and callipers
- Side ski/snowboard straps and daisy chains for extra storage
- Breathable 3D mesh back panel and straps for sweat dissipation
- Reinforced bar tack stitching for durability