What is the La Sportiva Challenger 28 Climbing Backpack?
The La Sportiva Challenger 28 is a climbing backpack built for big objectives and wild conditions. From knife-edge ridges to steep ice and deep powder, this rugged, all-season pack thrives where the mountains demand your best.
With excellent organisation, rock-solid support, and enough space for all your alpine essentials, it keeps your gear secure and accessible, ready for whatever the climb throws your way.
What is it made of?
Challenge Sailcloth Ultra Fabrics
The Challenger 28 uses Challenge Sailcloth Ultra 400 for the main body and Ultra 200 for the roll-top and front panel. These advanced fabrics are exceptionally strong and lightweight, designed to withstand abrasion from rock walls, ice, and demanding alpine environments.
Protection That Doesn’t Weigh You Down
By combining the tougher Ultra 400 with the lighter Ultra 200, the pack strikes an ideal balance between durability and weight savings. Reinforcement is placed where wear is highest, while lighter materials are used where reduced weight matters most.
PFAS-Free Construction
The Challenger 28 is completely PFAS-free. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals commonly used in outdoor gear for water and stain resistance but are known to persist in the environment.
By eliminating these so-called “forever chemicals,” the Challenger 28 delivers high performance without leaving a lasting environmental footprint.
What back system does the La Sportiva Challenger 28 use?
Removable Thermoformed Back Panel
The Challenger 28 features a removable thermoformed back panel with a structured insert, designed to provide the right balance of support, comfort, and adaptability. The thermoformed shape follows the natural curve of your back, improving weight distribution and reducing pressure points during long days in the mountains.
When carrying heavier loads such as ropes, skis, or a full winter kit, the structured insert adds rigidity and stability. For lighter missions, the insert can be removed to reduce weight and increase flexibility, making the pack feel more agile for fast ascents or technical routes.
This customisable back system is paired with fully adjustable shoulder straps and a waist belt with removable hip pads, ensuring a comfortable and supportive fit in a wide range of conditions.
What are its features?
Expandable Roll-Top Access
The Challenger 28 offers top access via a roll-top closure that expands the pack’s capacity from 28L to 32L when extra space is needed. This tubular design seals out snow and moisture while providing flexibility for larger loads.
Side-access water-repellent YKK® zippers allow quick entry to both sections of the main compartment, so you don’t need to unpack everything to reach essential gear.
Smart Storage and Organisation
Inside, a drawstring divider splits the main compartment into two sections, making it easy to separate wet gear from dry layers. The pack also includes an internal pocket with a key clip and a dedicated avalanche compartment for snow safety equipment.
Externally, removable straps and daisy chains allow you to attach ropes, skis, ice axes, or a helmet. A helmet holder is included and clips securely to the pack for quick access.
Compression and Carry Options
Adjustable, removable compression straps let you stabilise your load as conditions change. Additional features include an adjustable front elastic cord, ice axe holders, an A-frame or diagonal ski carry system, and an alpine tool sleeve.
These options make the Challenger 28 highly adaptable for climbing, ski touring, and mountaineering objectives.
Weather Protection
While the Challenger 28 does not include a separate rain cover, its roll-top closure, water-repellent zippers, and weather-resistant Challenge Sailcloth Ultra fabrics provide excellent protection against snow and light rain.
For prolonged exposure to heavy rain, a dedicated pack rain cover is recommended.
Features
- Roll-top expandable closure (28L to 32L)
- Dual-section main compartment with drawstring divider
- Water-repellent YKK® zippers
- Removable thermoformed back panel with structured insert
- Adjustable waist belt with gear loop and zip pocket
- Fully adjustable shoulder straps with chest strap and safety whistle
- Helmet holder attachment
- Ice axe holders and ski carry system
- Internal key clip pocket
- PFAS-free construction