Arc'Teryx Altra 65

Bottom Line

The Arc'teryx Altra 65 is a lightweight, durable and spacious hiking backpack with even weight distribution. The backpack uses load-transfer discs for increased flexibility and comfort. It comes with a lifetime warranty and high praise for responsive customer service. It's pricier than competing models, but many reviewers say it's worth it. It also comes in 35-, 50-, 75- and 85-liter sizes.

Performance

You get what you pay for. The Arc'teryx Altra 65 is widely considered one of the best packs on the market. At just 5 pounds, this is a relatively lightweight pack for its size. "Comfort originates in a slightly flexible framesheet with 6005-T6 extruded aluminum stays that provide plenty of rigidity to support loads up to around 50 pounds," says Michael Lanza of TheBigOutside.com.

The pack utilizes what are called load-transfer discs, which allow the hip belt to swivel in order to distribute the weight of the load evenly. While many find this very effective, one user on Backpacker.com found the discs annoying, saying, "The swiveling hip support SQUEAKED the entire time. With EVERY step it squeaked. Constant complaints from co-hikers." The packs suspension is considered its most prominent feature. It uses a peg-in-hole GridLock shoulder adjustment system that allows hikers to fine-tune the pack's fit.

Ease Of Use

Easy access. Most users agree that the Arc'teryx Altra 65 is easy to pack and to access. One review on GetOutsideMore.com said, "The bag is a wizard with regard to packing and all the different access points you can actually use to pack it." The pack's main compartment is accessible through a U-shaped zipper. This is one of the bags main selling points, although some users say they could live without it. "Most experienced packers don't need mid-day access to the main compartment; they'll put the stuff they might need in the lid or kangaroo pouch," said one review on GraniteMountaineer.com. What's more, getting to the main compartment means unclipping eight buckles, which can be a hassle.

Some users complain that the hydration pouch is too small and inconvenient. As one person on Backpacker.com wrote, "The only problem I have with it is that the hydration pocket is ridiculously narrow … and it's on the right side of the pack, rather than along the back panel."

Durability

Leaky zipper. The U-shaped zipper to the main compartment on the Arc'teryx Altra 65 is convenient, but reviewers say it's less than watertight. However, many owners are more than satisfied with the pack's rugged durability. While there are more durable materials on some competing bags, they are significantly heavier.

Customer Service

A life on the trails. The Arc'teryx Altra 65 has a lifetime warranty. Many people praise Arc'teryx for their excellent customer service. "I feel lucky to be able to deal with a company of such high caliber," says one owner posting at BackpackingLight.com.