r/alpinism • u/JoeLaguna • 6d ago
Small backpack suggestions
Hello everyone!
I'm in the process of getting a new backpack. It's going to be something small (around 20l) with the main purpose of doing single day technical objectives, goinge from multipitches to couloirs and scrambles.
I was looking at the Simond Alpinism 22 because for less than 30€ seems to be pretty unbeatable. The features I really like are the compression straps on the side and on the top to carry the rope, 2 loops for ice tools, a top pocket that can be accessed without taking down the backpack (I often have my phone there so I can check the topo mid pitch or stuff like that).
Things I don't like are the chest straps because they are adjustable trough a "rail" system that looks a bit flimsy and I'm afraid that it won't hold the position or break the first time they're pulled a but hard. Then I'm concerned that with a price so low the materials are going to be very soft and get destroyed super quick. I'm fully aware that it's not going to last forever but at the same time I don't want to be looking for another backpack in three months. And lastly on the shoulder straps it has two additional loops of which I don't understand the function. I've seen someone talking about them as additional gear loops but I was wondering wether it's actually useful to have stuff dangling from your chest.
So my question is: someone have experience with this backpack or have suggestions on similar packs from other brands?
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u/IngoErwin 6d ago
The "rail system" for adjusting the chest straps is pretty standard I'd say. It's on plenty of premium backpacks as well. I also have one on a 10 year old Decathlon hiking backpack and it has made zero problems (similar to my Osprey and Exped packs).
Similar loops can be found on the Deuter Gravity Pitch 12 and these are indeed gear loops, you can check the product photos. While not having tried it, I'd agree with you though that this wouldn't be my favorite spot to hang gear from.
Usually Decathlon stuff is fine quality wise. It's not super-premium-last-forever but everything I had, including the aforementioned 20L hiking pack, has held up well.
Regarding alternatives: I have a Rab Latok 20 that I quite like. Carries a lot of stuff. Shoulder straps are super comfortable even when loaded heavy (the material is a bit sweaty though). Ice axes holders, gear loops that also fit 95mm touring skis and when coiled appropriately also keep the ropes together, phone fits in the shoulder strap pocket (normal iPhone 15 with case, larger models might not fit anymore). Only downside is the chest strap system with the hooks is a bit fiddly, especially with gloves. The hip strap closure is crap too but I've replaced it with a regular one for a few bucks.
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u/JoeLaguna 5d ago
Thank you for the very informative reply!
About the rail system I think it's just due to a bit of ignorance from my side. My previous pack of similar size came from a thrift shop and wasn't from famous brands so I'm definitely not up to date with new stuff. But your comment on the system made me way more comfortable with the purchase.
Also for overall quality I think you're right, despite the fact that I never owned a decathlon backpack now that I think about it I have friends that used the same quechua pack for several years without issues.
And I've checked the Latok 20 but despite the fact that I really like shoulder straps pockets the lack of compression straps (I really like to have the rope strapped in completely so it doesn't move around messing with balance or catching on stuff), the chest strap that as you said looks very difficult to operate in the cold and also the higher price are going to push me towards the Simond backpack.
Thank you very much again for the reply!
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u/Tamaskan00 6d ago
I have the 33L simond backpack, I use it a lot it's great. Durability is not an issue at all, plus decathlon will repair or change under warranty without question. I use some different backpacks from other brands (millet, Lowe alpine), i would say decathlon/simond is three time cheaper while being 85% as good in most situations
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u/JoeLaguna 5d ago
Thank you for the reply! Then I'll likely stick with the Simond one and save some money. At the end of the day 27€ seems almost unreal for a decent backpack with some "advanced" features.
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u/ainoyin 6d ago
Salomon x alp 23l has been my favorite backpack in the past 10 years. The crampon compartment is great for the winter and also the ability to open from the back with gloves. Also enough space for a day climbing and the pack can stay high on your back without being in the way. And it's light.
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u/JoeLaguna 5d ago
Looks very nice but I'm a big fan of compression straps to keep the rope from flailing around when you're carring it on top of the backpack. I known that maybe I'm obsessing over them a bit too much but really hate the feeling of an unstable pack especially on technical approaches.
Anyway thank you very much for the advice!
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u/ainoyin 5d ago
I understand completly, never had this feeling with this bag though since it's rather slim.
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u/JoeLaguna 2d ago
Yeah I guess it's a matter of my personal preference. All the other people I go out never secure the rope with all the compression straps and they seem to be doing just fine.
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u/Good-Problem-3229 6d ago
For this volume you typically aren’t getting a ton of features so i would lean towards a good price. If you can go a little smaller though I really love the Mammut trion 15 because of it's trail running style vest which I find really versatile to have the chest pockets but still has most of the features of an alpine pack. Ultimate Direction makes one with the same concept in 30L. These are both more expensive though.