Walk through the ins and outs of the CRUX 40 with @CodyTownsend. For full specs and dimensions, head to the site: hyperlitemountaingear.com/products/crux-40
Hyperlite: you are ALMOST there, as other comments have noted, I don’t want to have to touch FOUR separate clasps/buckles to get to my Avy kit when seconds count saving lives. It would have been very simple to use the same front pocket from the Headwall 55 pack for dedicated Avy Gear storage…how CT was ok with such an unsafe design, I don’t know?!?! I would happily spend the $550 you guys are asking for the Headwall 55 if it had the same quick ice axe carry system as the Crux AND a radio cable pass through hole. And I would Happily pay the same price for the Crux if the Avy Tool Storage was safe (the same as the Headwall). Unfortunately I won’t be buying either until they are fixed/redesigned…or combined. It really does amaze me that CT had input and “signed off” on this design. One of the drills they teach in almost EVERY Avy I class is the “Tool Deploy Speed Test”…..students dress in their full kit: boots, pants, jackets, helmets, goggles, gloves and pack (on their back and buckled up like they would be skiing) and then have a race to see who can deploy shovel and probe the fastest. I can guarantee that you would come in dead last with this pack every time no matter how much you practiced with it. Fingers crossed you guys get it right on the third try. Thanks for continuing to develop and release new products! Lastly: charging an additional $25 for diagonal ski carry ability is just flat out insulting/greedy for a $550 pack. Be better than that guys!
I teach avalanche classes and practice rescue and watch client’s practice rescue several times a week all season. I can say with certainty that rescue pockets inside the main compartment are not ideal. Imagine that your wet rope or skins or helmet is in that double cinch bucket on top, now those have to come out to get at rescue gear, if they don’t go back in, they contaminate the scene, that is added time. Also, if you dig pits regularly (which you should) it’s more of a hassle to get at the gear and wet gear goes back into the main compartment of your pack. You could keep the same pockets and ad an extra external zipper that solves these problems. Sure it’s a few oz of zipper and another few seams to sew, but when it counts it will be a better design.
I think it would be awesome to put that zippered back panel on more packs, especially on packs that people use in technical terrain. The ICE Packs would benefit from this feature, so that gear could be accessed without exploding the pack because at a belay ledge, it is not really feasible. If not a zippered back panel, maybe even a side zip. Thanks for making the A+ gear year after year!
Skimo back panel access is for use on very steep ski slopes. You slightly loosen the waist strap, slip the shoulder straps off, and rotate the pack around to the front of you with the waist strap still fastened around your waist. The pack is mostly supported by the waist strap and you can dig into the back panel access for what you need. Afterwards, close the panel, rotate the pack behind you, slip your shoulder straps on, and tighten the waist strap. The waist strap is never unbuckled and the backpack stays attached to you the entire time, so there is no chance of dropping the backpack or dumping it out.
Back access is awesome. Axes access seems solid. As Cody mentioned Avy tools inside is an interesting compromise, I wonder how that will shake out in use. (Am I counting 5 steps at least to get to them with lid on and then move anything maybe in the way? I wonder how that will go versus just one zipper that I'm used too) I am curious how hydration would go with a pack laid out this. Pockets on the side seem too small for most water bottles (usually tour a wide mouth to scoop snow with). The back access makes internal hydration pack inside not realistic, which is fine, but I'm curious how has Cody been storing water while on climbs? Putting a bottle inside and removing it every time? I ordered one and I'm curious to see what it feels like in the hands. I also ordered a water bottle pouch to attach to the shoulder strap.
I really like the Avy gear set up. I have noticed exactly the problem you mention with shovel shaft and probe sitting behind the shovel blade, taking up lots of space.
This is sweet! I think I spotted it in the video, but haven’t seen it mentioned anywhere, is there a rope strap across the top of the pack and is it removable?
Well, they’ve essentially gone and designed my ideal pack! I ended up going with Osprey. I might have gone with Hyper-light had this been out a year ago. Good work
Does this particular pack happen to come in any other colours other than white? For example, in a colour that stands out against the snow. Thanks for a really comprehensive review of this pack Cody.
Been using Prism 40 for several years and absolutely love it but wish it had avi gear pockets. I find the external crampon pouch a must have. Often in and out of crampons and on mixed terrain, if inside pack transitions are slow and they get dirt and snow which melts and makes a mess inside pack even if crampons are in their own case. Crux 40 would have it all if it had external crampon carry pouch option in lieu of stretchy pouch.
Definitely not enough packsnout there with back access, so i'm happy to see that! Because i like to do some photography aswell, i currently often use a Lowe Pro Powder something... But it's heavy af. My other backpack, an Exped needs replacing though, definitely a contender...
Is the forty litre size calculated with or without the expansion collar? I assume the base pack is forty litres and the expansion collar would add another 5-8 liters? Or is the base pack 32-35 litres and you only get the 40 litre size everything is used to the max?
@@HyperliteMountainGear so 40+15? that’s a great size. Like Cody says, small enough and close enough to the back to pack tight and ski well, but still expandable to a pretty big size when needed.
Still trying to figure out the best helmet carry. I’ve been using the ice toggles to attach it to the back, and I see Cody sticks it below the lid- any better ideas?
I was looking for a guide which way to put the backstays into my Crux 40 Alpine backpack. But this is a different brand? Is this brand in cooperation with Carol? I hope you can answer.
Can anyone explain how to replicate Cody's helmet attachment system? (The version we see where he has the helmet on the back of the back, NOT in the bucket.)
Same boat but for me the Headwall was to fill void I had for a 2-3 day overnight trip vs. a technical day pack. It is annoying though just when you think you don't need anymore stuff.
I really want/need a new ski pack. I was hoping for more information on how well the pack carried the weight and skied. Really didn't see any features that my current pack doesn't have except for the short attachment loop for steep terrain, I've just used my prussic cord for that application. My buddy's Vortex pack from the mid 1990's has the access panel incorporated into its design. I don't recall the review addressing how to attach a helmet, It seems like most packs are lacking a good way to attach your helmet and it requires some dumb add on.
White is cool and all,but for a winter pack designed for avalanche terrain.....some more colorful options might be desired by many for visibility reasons in a monochrome world. At 500$ a pack....there has to be plenty of profit margin to allow for other color options to be produced....maybe...?
The fabric that the pack is made of, UHMWPE (Dynema), has a lot of benefits, including strength and water resistance in a light fabric weight, but it is extremely challenging to dye. Very few, if any, fabric makers create this fabric in anything other than white and black. I do appreciate visibility concerns in the backcountry, so most of my outwear is brightly colored (bright blue bottoms, bright red or orange tops). Another benefit of light color pack fabrics is that it is really easy to see inside your pack because it lets a lot of light in!
