6. Arc’teryx Alpha AR 55: Best Mountaineering/Technical Hiking Backpack
The world knows Arc’teryx for its highly technical gear, and the Alpha AR 55 is the best backpack for mountain sports. This pack will serve as a worthy companion for you during hikes that are more technical like mountaineering. However, it’s also a decent jack-of-all-trades as Arc’teryx touts it as an all-rounder (AR).
The pack features 55 liters of gear capacity, along with three pockets, including a full-length side zipper perfect for storing and easily accessing water bottles or other equipment. The hip belt is sewn onto the pack with foam on either side, giving comfort while ensuring it stays in place for suspension.
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You can shed some weight by removing the top lid and frame sheet; this comes in handy during extreme inclines. There’s a security pocket for securing your phone, snacks, and other small items. The center back hydration compartment is an important inclusion here as you can bring more water to keep you hydrated during your mountaineering experiences.
The hoop-and-loop buckles are great if your challenge has been to find a pack with durable ones. Another benefit is that, despite its volume, it’s pretty lightweight—which is important for mountaineering.
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Versatile
- Great features
Cons
- Comfort isn’t the best
- Pricey
- Water-resistance capabilities aren’t that great