When you’re bagging peaks, the last thing you need is your pack getting in the way. Salomon has created what I feel is the perfect mountain summiting pack (summer or winter) in the S-LAB X ALP 20. What makes this pack stand out is the fact that you don’t have to take it off your back to get stuff out. I’ve used it on trail runs in the Wasatch, and climbing to the top of Kings peak in the Uintas, and came away impressed with Salomon’s mountain-minded work. I’ll tell you why, but first, the details:
The Salomon S-LAB X ALP 20 pack features:
- Protective Extreme Gear Box
- Removable ski-carry system
- 2 ice axe loops
- Front flask storage
- Back panel zipper access
- Stretchy chest strap
I first tried out the pack while trail running in Big Cottonwood Canyon. One of the things Salomon touts with this pack it that it allows you to have freedom of movement. So I chose a steep-as-hell run up Mineral Fork to break the pack in. Immediately, I was huffing and puffing up loose rocks and over streams. Normally I have issues with chest straps on packs because it constricts your chest when breathing heavy… not so with the S-LAB X ALP 20. The chest strap is flexible, making breathing easy while keeping the pack secure on my body.
The shoulder straps are also flexible while retaining a snug fit, which is nice when you are swinging your arms, or scrambling over scree to reach the Mineral/Mill B divide.
But what really gives the S-LAB X ALP 20 its wow factor is the technical features. This pack is loaded with them. While I didn’t test it in winter, the pack has tons of mountaineering and/or backcountry skiing specs such as ice axe loops, ski carry system, and a protected pocket for sharp objects like crampons. You can also use the external straps to carry other gear like a climbing helmet for example. Since I didn’t have a need for crampons, I found that the protective pocket was an ideal place to store a water bottle.
I also took the S-LAB X ALP 20 pack on a recent hike to Kings Peak. The pack is small enough that I was able to stuff it into my backpacking pack, then pull it out as a day pack on summit day. Once again it was comfortable for the long hike with freedom of movement, especially when scrambling down from the top to escape a lightning storm.
But what really got me excited is the back-panel access. Salomon caters to mountain athletes (racing types) and those guys do not stop for anything. Well, I didn’t have to stop on my hike on Kings to get out food, water, or a rain shell, because you have total access inside without ever taking the pack off. You simply undo the chest strap, slide your arms out of the shoulder straps, and use the hip belt to rotate the pack around to your front. Up zip the back panel and you’re in. I could access whatever I needed while walking, which is awesome when you’re racing against unpredictable summer mountain weather.
The Good: Back panel access is the bomb, lots of technical features, excellent freedom of movement.
The Bad: Maybe a bit too “techy” for the average day hiker
Final Word: The Salomon S-LAB X ALP 20 pack is a well thought out mountaineering bag with all the features you need if you’re a hardcore guy/gal who sets speed records on big peaks.