Purpose-built alpine expedition packs deliver additional features whilst remaining extremely lightweight and durable. Extra loops for Ice Axes, roll top closures and versatile back panels are just a few features alpine packs have to offer.

FAQs

What are some features found in Alpine Packs?

Alpine climbing packs and expedition travel packs are often a single, large cavity with an optional trap floor to create a double-cell storage unit. Additional loops and specifically designed hooks for Ice Picks and Ice axes offer a quick draw option for your snow tools, with top rope carry features to keep your ropes organized. Adventure packs for the alpine environment commonly have compression straps, daisy chain loops and external helmet stow away, saving internal space in the main compartment. Ski bags and snowboard-specific bags offer heavy-duty straps to carry heavier snow equipment. When wearing large alpine ski gloves, larger buckles on your travel backpack go a long way, with pronounced zipper handles and buckles helping functionality. 

How do I know my pack size?

It’s always a great idea to head in-store and try out your new alpine adventure pack, as the back plate length determines how the bag sits. Depending on the type of alpine pack, there may be a level of adjustability, and being fitted by a professional will ensure you get the maximum out of your expedition bag. Though we recommend coming in, sometimes that’s not possible, so getting a measurement of your back length is the next best thing. Follow our online size guides to get the perfect fit for your alpine backpack.

What capacity-sized pack do I need for an Alpine Expedition?

When deciding what sized pack to bring on an alpine expedition it is important to understand what your expedition will entail. Some expeditions are only day trips while some are multiday trips where lots of gear will be needed. If you are only planning a day trip into the alpine, a backpack with a volume from 30-40L should be sufficient to carry all your gear and cold-weather clothing. If your alpine expedition involves you solely carrying your entire gear for the whole trip, you will need to bring a pack that has plenty of capacity. If you are carrying all your gear for your expedition choose an alpine backpack that is at least 65L+ as this should sufficiently be able to carry all your alpine gear. On some alpine expeditions you will have a porter, so in these cases bringing both a duffel bag for the porter to carry and a daypack for you to carry is optimal. The size of these pack vary depending on the alpine expedition but a duffel bag 70L+ and a daypack 30-40L should be sufficient. For some alpine expeditions when attempting to summit a mountain bringing a packable backpack is great for the day of the summit. This allows you to only bring the essentials like food, water and additional warm clothing without being weighed down by a heavy pack. However, this will depend on the alpine expedition as some summit attempts will require you to bring technical gear which will require a full-featured daypack to accommodate it.

What brands of Alpine Packs does Paddy Pallin stock for expeditions?

At Paddy Pallin, we stock a wide range of high-quality pack brands designed for all your alpine expeditions, perfect for snowshoeing to mountaineering and everything in between. These alpine pack brands include Osprey, Arc’teryx, The North Face and Wilderness Equipment. If you are in need of a duffel bag for an upcoming alpine expedition we stock durable duffels from leading outdoor brands like Patagonia, The North Face, Sea To Summit, Cotopaxi, and Osprey.