While most any backpack can hold your gear, not all backpacks are best for all outdoor adventures. For example, ice, rock, and snow climbing require special tools, and it makes a lot of sense to carry a backpack designed specifically for this specialized gear, not a generic backpack. And one of the best backpacks you can get for climbing is the Khamsin 62 from Arc'Teryx. While the Khamsin 62 has been designed for climbing use, it is not limited for use by climbers. In fact, it also makes a good pack for hitting most any trail.

Here's what makes the Khamsin 62 world class:

• Lightweight. Unlike many backpacks designed for climbing, the Khamsin 62 weighs about 1-2 pounds less, and carrying comfort is not compromised. Every less pound you carry while climbing makes the adventure less strenuous, and more fun.
  
   
• The Khamsin 62 is available in three torso sizes, and in three waist belt sizes. Here's the breakdown:
  
   
  • Short - Torso: 16-19 in. / Waist: 27-32 in. / 3,840 cu. in. / 3 lbs. 11 oz.
    
     
  • Regular - Torso: 18-21 in. / Waist: 32-37 in. / 3,790 cu. in. / 4 lbs.
    
     
  • Tall - Torso: 20-23 in. / Waist: 37-42 in. / 4,030 cu. in. / 4 lbs. 5 oz.
     

  One thing I noticed when selecting the appropriate size for me was that with the Khamsin 62, I was a "regular" torso and waist. In many other backpack lines, I am a "large". This is really neither here or there, but if you regularly get a "large" backpack, you may want to check out the sizes carefully before you buy, as you may end up being a "regular" like me.
  
   

• The carrying load of the Khamsin 62 varies with the size of the backpack that fits you best. I would expect most people to be able to comfortably carry up to 30-35 pounds in the pack.
  
   
• The Khamsin 62 includes many features to make the backpack more comfortable, even though it is a lightweight pack. Some of these comfort features include:
  
   
  • The pack uses an ultralightweight suspension system that includes an aluminum stay (which can be bent to fit your back), a polyethylene framesheet, and composite stabilizer rods for additional support and stability.
    
     
  • The hipbelt pivots and is made of a thermo-formed material, designed to better fit your waist. Also included are what Arc'Teryx calls SquashPods, which provides some extra cushioning for your hipbone. The belt is very comfortable and easily transfers the weight from your back to your hips.
    
     
  • The shoulder straps are made out of a dual-density material, and are contoured for extra comfort. Load lifters are included.
    
     
  • The back panel is designed for maximize ventilation. In a down pour, these panel will absorb water, but there is not much you can do about that, unless you protect it well with a backpack cover.
    
     
• The Khamsin 62 offers many features of particular interest to climbers. Some of these features include:
  
   
  • Adjustable ice-axe loops and retainers
    
     
  • Ski attachment loops
    
     
  • Hypalon front patch pocket for crampons
    
     
  • Front shock cord
    
     
  • Top lid daisy chain
    
     
  • Four external compression straps
    
     
  • Straps for carrying mattress pad or other gear
    
     
  • Wand pocket
    
     
• The pack itself has several nifty "generic" features, including:
  
   
  • A full-length size zipper is included to allow access to the backpack without opening the top. This can come in handy if you need to quickly get a jacket or other  gear in foul weather.
    
     
  • Hydration hose holder.
    
     
  • The lid is removable and turns into a roomy fanny pack that even has a mesh bottle holder.
    
     
• This backpack is built tough, out of a high-tenacity, laminated fabric and a polyurethane-coated nylon material designed to shed water and snow. The construction quality is top-notch, and the bag should last a very long time.

As you can see, the Khamsin 62 is a lightweight, but still full-featured backpack.

Using the Arc'Teryx Khamsin 62 Backpack in the Real World

The Khamsin 62 is well-sized for many climbing adventures, except, of course, for expedition climbing, which requires a backpack with much more capacity. I found that I could easily carry enough gear for a 1-3 day adventure, even when throwing in cold weather clothing and climbing gear. Of course, this assumes you are using lightweight gear, as I do.

When I first put the backpack on, the curvature of the back panel did not fit the curvature of my spine very well. But since the Khamsin 62 has an aluminum stay, it can be reshaped to fit your back perfectly. You may want the assistance of an Arc'Teryx dealer to help you reshape the stay, should this be necessary for you.

Once you have adjusted the pack for your body, it is very easy to make final adjustments each time you put the pack on to fine-tune the fit.

I found the backpack very comfortable up to about 35 pounds or so. Some people may feel comfortable carrying larger loads, but I imagine most people will want to keep the pack under 35, especially when climbing.

Recommendation

I recommend the Khamsin 62 for climbers looking for a new backpack, and for backpackers who are looking for a lightweight, mid-size backpack.

Product Notes

The Arc'Teryx Khamsin 62 is available in three sizes (as described above) and in two colors: inkspot (dark blue) and rust (dark orange red). The MSRP is $260.00. Besides the Khamsin 62, Arc'Teryx offers the same pack in several smaller sizes, including the Khamsin 30, 40, and 52.