Berghaus Arete 45 (£50 1300g) Review

Overview

I bought this pack to be used as a climbing sack for day climbs with long walk-ins. As it happens, I tend to use this more as a backpacking sack.

My first reaction when I saw this pack was "here is someone who actually uses a pack when climbing". Everything that you need for a typical days climbing will fit into the pack. The pack itself is made of tough Esdura 600 D fabric and there is reinforcement at key points on the pack. Best of all the pack has its own integral reinforced gear loops.

Naturally it has ice-axe loops and wand-pockets and compression straps on the side. It can also take a H20 pouch and has a concealed hole for the tube and guide straps on the shoulder strap.

The closure for the main compartment has a reinforced ring (above) which prevents any wear closing the pack even when full loaded. It also has a closure strap that allows the top to be tensioned up even when not fully-loaded or used to retain a rope. The top-pocket has a tough zip closure with an over-size zip on it allowing it to be closed when wearing gloves.

The back (shown) is shaped with some generous air-channels. I was skeptical if they would be effective but they are.

The shoulder straps have several sliding adjuster buckles so both medium and tall people can adjust this pack to fit by playing with the buckles. My pack (right) is set on the tallest buckle but there is another a few inches below it that can be used.

The overall pack weight is a genuine 1300g.

Outdoor Testing

On 6 of my last 8 overnight trips I have taken this pack instead of my Kimmlite pack even if things would fit in the Kimmlite pack (which is less than half the weight).

I find the pack very comfortable to wear and I have been able to adjust it so that it fits me well and puts very little weight on the shoulder straps.

Early Conclusions

The bottom line for me is that if I am planning to carry 30+ litres of equipment into the hills then this is the pack that I take. It is comfortable and it is tough. I have not been climbing since I bought the pack but you can rest assured that my first trip will see my Karrimor HOT 30 being replaced with this much superiour Berghaus beauty.

Note: I have since bought a Golite Jam which is 700g lighter. It is a less rugged pack but almost as good for general backpacking. The difference in weight more than justifies the limitiations for me. Read review