What you get from the Crux 3G AK70 (RT) is the best large expedition pack on the market. Weighing in at only 1.5kgs yet managing loads of up to 35kgs and with a capacity of 77 litres when fully expanded. This pack is light enough to be used for a summit dash but is easy to stuff bulky, frozen gear inside easily even when you are absolutely whacked from exertion and oxygen deprivation and encumbered by down clothing.
The excellent dual hip belt, harness system and removable tubular frame is the key to the comfortable carry when fully loaded as the weight is transferred to you hips extremely well.
As with all Crux products well thought out and designed simplicity is the key to great kit.
Features:Removable floating lid - for more versatile load optionsRoll-top closure sytem - bag is fully waterproofSide compression straps – quick and easy to fit or removeOversized back haul loop – easy to grab and clipExternal lid pockets with welded seamsTop compression strap40 mm webbing waistbelt with low-profile full-sized hip-finsTwo ice-axe holdersStretch wand pockets
Specifications:Capacity: 70 + 7 litresWeight: 1650 gFabric: 40% Kevlar / 60 % Cordura, 240 g/m²Frame: 7.00 mm tubular titanium, full frame (removable)
Sizes: 1 (short)2 (medium)3 (long)
The design of the Black Diamond Creek 50 Backpack has been heavily influenced by big wall haul bags and features gaping top-loader capabilities, eliminating the need for push-and-shove gear packing. It is constructed from ultra-durable, waterproof shell fabric to protect your gear from the elements, whilst the thermoformed back panel, padded shoulder straps and removeable waist belt ensure for a comfortable carry up steep approaches. The Creek's haul bag-style bottom, full-length side zip and rain hood that doubles as a helmet/rope holder round it out as a crag pack to rule all crag packs.
The well-trusted Black Diamond Express Ice Screw has been around for years and happens to be the easiest and fastest placing ice screw on the market. They have seen a few improvements in their time, the most recent being lengthening of the teeth, the addition of a second clipping point on the hanger and adding a bevel shape on the colour coded handle to improve grip. The handle allows the screw to be spun in or out of the ice with speed, and without changing hand position. The tube of the screw is tapered out so that the teeth cut a slightly larger hole than the tube - this reduces friction during placements.
The Black Diamond Mission 75 is a durable alpine-style toploader pack that's suitable for anything from summer multi-pitch routes to gear-intensive winter expeditions. Now featuring updated BD X-Rip 420d fabric with UTS coating, this is the toughest pack available from Black Diamond and will withstand season after season of mountain abuse. It also features attachment points for ice tools, a front crampon pouch and a tuck-away rope strap to secure gear from the outside.
The Black Diamond Viper has an adjustable upper hand rest which is easily secured or released with a quick Flick Lock system. The hand rest can be as low as the TPU hand grip or as high as the shaft mid-point. The hydroformed shaft extends through the grip for maximum rigidity and a responsive feel and as before the Viper still has a clip-able spike so it can be clipped with the Spinner Leash amongst other things. The Black Diamond Viper provides good all-round performance for ice and alpine climber.
The Blue Ice Warthog 40L has been built for serious alpine use and has innovative hybrid laminated shoulder straps that are inspired by climbing harnesses. This produces a carry system that is super low profile but offers high load distribution and comfort. Carbonate coated fabrics shed off snow and ice and make this bag ever more robust for intensive use in winter conditions.
The Boreal Arwa is constructed out of modern synthetic materials, providing a super lightweight boot. Insulated by a full internal single layer of Thinsulate® lining - even on the sole to provide a real warmth even in the toughest conditions. The boot is suitable for all sorts of mountaineering from 4000m peaks, Scottish winter routes, alpinism and mixed and ice routes.
The Boreal Drom Mid is a no-compromise mid-height shoe built for the mountains. The Drom packs all the performance features you need and will take you wherever you want to go. Perfect for at home walking to your local crag or high in the mountains, Drom is like a 4x4 for your feet.
The AK70 is a large expedition pack suitable for climbs in the Greater Ranges. It can manage a heavy payload of 28–35 kgs in tolerable comfort, but still remains light enough to be used for a summit push. Its large volume is ideal for stuffing bulky, frozen gear into. As well as being remarkably light for such a capacious pack, the AK70 is substantial enough to impart a feeling of solidity and security.
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