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Backcountry Access Stash Alp55 Backpack - 3356cu in

Backcountry Access Stash Alp55 Backpack - 3356cu in description

Shoulder the Backcountry Access Stash ALP 55 Backpack and set out on a multiday alpine climb or overnight backcountry skiing trip. BCA's Stash hydration system runs the drinking hose through an insulated shoulder strap and down into the pack where it connects to a Nalgene bottle (not included). Outlast insulation inside the shoulder strap stores your body heat and releases it to warm the water when you're not movingyour water won't freeze on a long belay, or when you stop to dig a snow pit. A plastic frame sheet with aluminum stays comfortably supports the load while you're climbing up. BCA even gave the Stash Alp 55 Backpack a side zipper so you can see if your water is running low or pull out your belay jacket without unclipping the top pocket.

Pros:Nice size for an overnight trip; skiing or climbing. Expands to hold a ton of gear. Lots of compartments make organization a breeze. I like the drinking system. I trust a nalgene in my pack way more than any bladder. Separate shovel compartment, dedicated probe/Shovel handle sleeves, and hip pockets are sweet. And the side zipper makes getting at your gear easy.Cons:The padding on the waist belt and shoulder straps is too thin. Overall I would like to have more support for hauling all of the gear this pack can hold. The material is way too thin to take any abuse. Two climbing trips and the pack already has several small rips in it. Definately not a cragging pack.I think this will make a good ski pack but for climbing it's a dud.

Previous review got the high points. I have an older version before they added the hip pockets; those are a nice feature! The neoprene ski carier straps are great. This is one of the most stable ski carrying platforms I've used -- the BCA Stash BC is also a great ski carrier. Hydration system is great; I have never had it freeze up in the 3 seasons I have carried this pack. The side zipper to access the nalgen bottle is very nice; overcomes the usual problem inherent with top-loader packs. Great compression straps so that it carries skis well whether loaded or empty. But -- there are some problems. The material is flimsy. 2 of my friends all got this pack at the same time. All of us have blown-out seams and/or rips in the fabric. Nice to trade off light weight materials for some toughness, but maybe they went too far. Also it does not carry large loads well. The hip and shoulder straps are very thin. 2 of us were carrying this pack last weekend and both felt the pack was OK handling the load until we added boots & skis for the 7-mile approach. The pack does not support the weight of a 3-day base camp plus skis & boots. Prior weekend with just bivy gear and skinning rather than carrying the skis it seemed OK. I guess anything over 50 lbs is just too much for this pack. Carry less than that and it's great.