What is the Alpha FL 40?
Ultralight, weather-resistant and about as tough as it gets, the Alpha FL is a stripped-back climbing pack designed for moving fast and light in high-altitude mountainous environments.
What is it made of?
This sublime pack is made using Arcteryx's amazing AC² (Advanced Composite) technology. AC² uses a lamination and coating process to create extremely strong, lightweight and highly water-resistant fabrics. This process allows Arcteryx to create an almost seamless construction and allows direct placement of components, such as straps, eliminating stitching. This amazing fabric is then turned into product using complex 3D patterning, heat-sealed seams and micro seam taping resulting in strength, stability, structure and minimal weight. The result is a featherweight, extremely water-resistant and massively tough climbing and ascent pack. The main body of the pack is made using a high denier ripstop nylon that is exceptionally durable with a high tenacity tear strength and coated on both sides with urethane to create an air-permeable fabric that is 100% waterproof.
What is the backsystem?
There isn't necessarily a back system on the Alpha; neither are there any internal stays! Everything stays incredibly stripped-back and minimalist to ensure the highest levels of durability and lightest weight. The load is supported by a laminated HD 80 high-density polyethene foam that also protects your back from protruding contents. The shoulder straps use a laminated construction of burly double weave nylon and soft-edged Hypercell foam to distribute the weight without causing hot spots.
What are the features?
The minimal design of the Alpha does not include a traditional top pocket closure; instead, a canoe bag type closure is used to create an internal watertight seal. An internal roll-top secondary collar is bonded to the main pack and seals the contents, this is then protected by a tough nylon ripstop external primary collar with a drawcord closure. These collars can both be extended to provide additional storage (up to 52 litres). A single lightweight webbing strap clips over the top to secure the load and can be extended to carry ropes. Crampons and ice tools are stored using webbing loops and a simple elastic bungee system that also compresses the load and adds additional external storage. Storage is taken care of by two zipped external WaterTight pockets and one internal pocket.
-
AC² Advanced Composite technology
-
Weatherproof Roll Top extension collar adds additional carrying capacity
-
Thermoformed shoulder straps with soft edges
-
6 integrated front lash points for crampons etc
-
4 integrated side lash points
-
Twin ice tools attachment system
-
Elasticated compression system
-
External zipped pocket with key clip