Climbing packs for alpine climbing

Cold Cold World Chernobyl, $165
Summary: Clean, smart, and utilitarian, the Chernobyl is a pack designed for climbing. There is no internal frame and the capacity is on the smallish end of the spectrum — but we didn’t mind a pack that reminds us to keep it light. Despite the no-frills suspension, the padded hip and shoulder straps are comfortable without being bulky. There are a lot of useful features built into this pack — a sleeve for a hydration system, daisy chains for lashing and hauling, hipbelt racking/holster loops, and secure tool and crampon attachments — but everything is so cleanly integrated into the design that they’re almost hidden. There are even a few bivy luxuries from which other manufacturers have moved away, such as a substantial sack extension (less useful for overstuffing due to the lack of a frame) and a thick, folded foam pad (23” by 23”), and yet the Chernobyl still tips the scales at less than three and a half pounds. A few gripes: First, the helmet clearance on the lid is barely adequate. The reversed adjustment buckles on the shoulder straps are less ergonomic than the typical configuration.
Pros: Clean, smart design. Hydration sleeve. Removable foam/bivy pad.
Cons: No internal frame. Lid clearance too small for some helmets.
Overall grade: A-
Cold Cold World: (603) 383-9021, www.coldcoldworldpacks.com

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