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Wilderness EquipmentOur Gear

Mountain Expedition

S/M Red WE04417

$499.95AUD

The monster volume alpine expedition pack with the capacity and comfort for long approaches to remote peaks, multi-week ski traverses and all base camp carries - no more dangling overload gear around the outside of your pack. At camp it can then be stripped down and compressed to less than 20 litres for ascents and day circuits. The Mountain Expedition is constructed from snow-shedding synthetic fabrics with low moisture absorption. It features a versatile alpine racking system, quick-access side zip, draw-string throat, removable top cover/bum bag module and advanced abrasion resistant design. It can be configured to virtually any mountaineering backpack requirement. Synchro-FORM hip and shoulder harness assemblies complete this performance pack system, simultaneously delivering brilliant dynamic comfort and stability

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  • Features+

    • Single-compartment, high-volume, high-tenacity polyester bag
    • Ski carry, plus alpine racking
    • Detachable, dual-compartment top cover converts to waist pack
    • Overload pocket houses a snow shovel, or adds ten litres of capacity for extra gear
  • Specifications+

    • Additional Information+

      This pack is probably the most versatile, big-trip alpine backpack available. With features closely mirroring the Lost World canvas model, the Mountain Expedition bag instead uses high-tenacity, ripstop polyester for excellent snow shedding, minimal water absorption by fabric yarns and reduced weight. When you need extra capacity for big approaches or even just a short hop into base camp this pack has it. How often have we seen ice climbers, tele-skiers and snow boarders heading out onto the Main Range in Kosciuszko National Park with gear dangling all over the outside of inadequate volume packs? Once the carry-in is done, the Mountain Expedition bag can be stripped down and fully compressed to firmly hold just the essentials for day ski touring and ascents. The thick, 3-D pads on the Synchro-FORM hip harness can be quickly detached leaving just a comfortable lumbar pad. Further weight reduction can be achieved by detaching the top cover and rolling down the bag throat, dry bag style. In this mode, and for other times, instant access is provided into the pack bag by a long, heavy-duty side zip. Managing clothing layers and gear requirements on the go, couldn't be simpler.??The generous top cover is scalloped to improve look-up head clearance and can be easily adjusted vertically when really absurd loads need to be carried. When you do detach this module from the pack (easily done) simply extract the built-in hip straps and it becomes an effective, comfortable, 13 litre capacity waist pack. Located on the underside, an expanding 3-D zipped pocket is the place to carry bulky clothing layers in bum-bag mode. Externally, the shockcord lacing on the big 'camera' pocket and the compression straps adjacent to this pocket also serve for attaching extra stuff if the situation demands.

      The pack bag itself has many unique features. Of course there is complete alpine racking for ice tools, crampons, snow stakes, snow shovel, skis and skins. To reduce weight and improve abrasion resistance we have chosen a special, 600 denier bulked filament nylon Kodra for external reinforcing layers. Its high-density weave is a substantial improvement over the ubiquitous 1000 denier version. In addition, the base of the Mountain Expedition incorporates a layer of closed-cell foam. The resiliency provided by the foam dramatically reduces abrasion damage.

      The twin side-compression straps are circular (you get a 2:1 force advantage), progressively inclined and removeable (and able to be used for any number of emergencies). The straps now work from stress relieving fabric side carriers so webbing has been eliminated from the bag's main seams. The compression strap geometry is designed to work best on a relatively empty pack bag. The bottom straps draw up the base, and so on upwards.

      The Synchro-FORM harness used on all our big packs deserves a page of its own. To understand this simple yet sophisticated harness system follow the link above.

      Options and Accessories

      If you require hip pads with a longer reach, size Large pads are available and can be exchanged for the standard Medium size fitted (provided these are not soiled or worn). If you are particularly slim and require smaller reach hip wings both the standard medium hip pads and medium hip plates need to be changed to size Small. (Small pads do not fit on the standard medium length plates).

      The Mountain Expedition pack can be fitted with our universal side pockets, supplied in pairs. They mount on the side compression straps. Mount the pockets with the outer band of our circular compression straps running over the pockets. This will stabilise them nicely.

      We recommend Sea to Summit brand pack liner bags and dry sacs. The use of a dry-sac type pack liner bag will make this pack suitable for river-crossings and the wettest weather.

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