Exped

Expedition 80 Backpack

When you're headed for the land of the ice and snow on a mountaineering expedition, there's no doubt in your mind that you're packing up the aptly named Exped Expedition 80 Backpack. This behemoth of a pack not only boasts plenty of room for the food, clothing, and gear you need on lengthy big peak adventures, it also features a thoughtful, hardworking construction. Pre-shaped aluminum stays offer superb load bearing properties, and they're directly connected to the hipbelt, while the base of the pack is double layered for extra durability. The waterproof nylon construction is equipped with fully sealed seams and a roll-top closure to keep your gear dry in harsh weather, and the top section uses a waterproof AquaSeal zipper to keep any and all precipitation out.

When it comes to comfort, the generously padded shoulder harness offers a counter to the heavy load on your back. Anatomically shaped, the shoulder straps are secured to the base with webbing so you remain in complete control when you're digging your crampons into icy slopes. A couple sturdy anchors on the hipbelt come in handy if you're pulling a pulk across a frozen lake on your approach to the next peak, two ice axe loops carry tools or trekking poles, and there are plenty more ways to use the myriad of daisy chains and compression straps in order to bring everything plus the kitchen sink into the wild. Exped even includes a waterproof map pocket that you can detach from inside the pack and attach to the shoulder straps with toggles, giving you constant access even as you're pole planting through tricky terrain.