Vertex 32

The perfect bag with a few notes.

I imagine many people coming to this pack once had the Acteryx alpha FL 30 backpack. This pack is superior in many ways and different in a few others. A few notes for anyone looking to make the switch. The price tag is hefty, almost twice as much and really the only macro difference is the size zip. Having said that the side zip is well executed and makes the bag infinitely more useable in a number of situations. Notables for anyone looking to come to this from the arcteryx bag. - The medium back panel is similar in length to the only back panel length that the arcteryx bag comes in. - I have used the arcteryx bag forever and with the sizing guide on HMG I decided to go with a large (5'11") and was surprised at how much better the longer panel felt. -The pack volume is somewhere between the current (2026) Alpha FL 20 and 30, but closer to the current 20. -If you use the bag with an ice axe, the two orange handle holders can be removed if you use if the way the Arcteryx bag does by pulling out the center shock cord and wrapping the handle. -There are spots on the waist belt for ice clippers. -The shoulder straps feel a bit big and clunky compared to the sleek fabric welded shoulder straps of the arcteryx bag, having said that, I put a large duffle on top of the bag for a short carry and was surprised at how well the bag feels under a super max capacity load, definitely something to consider as the arcteryx bags would easily get overwhelmed when laden and become less comfortable. -There are a few more attachment points in the lid of the bag that make it easy to tidy away the roll top section. I'm not sure I'll use them as just inverting the tube into the bag is a clean option as well. - the full length daisy chains on the back seem a bit more robust. I'm hoping to put a small loop of rope for a diagonal ski carry. - The woven dyneema on the back is more fabric than plastic feeling. I'm hopeful it is as durable as is claimed, I'm hoping this will be the last alpine pack I have to buy in my life. - The back panel is removable and is in a pouch, I often use those as an emergency leg splint, and I'm happy to have that instead of the welded in one on the arcteryx bag. - The small pocket above the nape of the neck is well placed and big enough for a compass, snacks and an inreach type device. The only negative I have found so far is the finish of the bag has felt a bit underwhelming threads un-trimmed, a bit sloppy on the finer details, but I'm hopeful that means that human beings made the pack, and people recognized the difference between the functional seams and the small thinghs that don't affect function. **** I waffled on the purchase for awhile. I'm hopeful it lasts, and means I don't have to scour the internet for the perfect alpine pack anymore and i can spend all that time in the mountains instead. Hope this helps!