Versalite 50L NZ$245

Mont Bell Ballistic Versalite Pack 50L

All over this site you'll see references to Ballistic nylon - 3 x stronger than conventional nylon that is 20% heavier. Mont Bell again uses Ballistic to make the 50L Versalite pack.

The weight? 1.13kg.

Features include an ice axe attachment, water bladder compartment, side pockets for carrying trekking poles and an extendable lid allowing over-loading and a rope to be carried.

The pack is especially designed for alpine trekking, where you might carry one axe, trekking poles and perhaps a rope. It is less suited to full-on mountaineering because the side pockets aren't tough enough to carry sharp snowstakes and there isn't a second axe attachment. You would need to have your crampons in their crampon bag within the pack rather than attached to the outside. Very thin fabric is used for this pack so it's not suited for bushcrashing-type activities.

Alpine 60L NZ$340

Mont Bell Ballistic Alpine Pack 60L

The Alpine pack is another Ballistic pack and weighs 1.86kg. Mont Bell used to make the exact same pack out of Cordura nylon and the new version is 500g lighter yet stronger and more durable. To put that in perspective, the change in material means you can now carry half a litre more water, a lightweight bivy bag, or a down jacket and pants, without an increase in the load.

The Alpine pack is suited to general and technical mountaineering, having two ice axe attachments, side pockets for snowstakes or skis, and an extendable lid to permit over-loading and a rope to be carried. It is intended that crampons are carried within the pack but there are attachments for rigging straps or bungy cord to the top of the lid that would allow crampons to be attached to the outside. The detachable lid has an Aquatech waterproof zip.

The curvature of the pack can be custom fitted by adjusting three aluminium rods and a back plate.

Granite 40L NZ$240

Mont Bell Granite Pack 40L*

The Granite pack is made from Cordura nylon and weighs 1.61kg. It is suited to general and technical mountaineering, having two ice axe attachments, side pockets for snowstakes, crampon straps on the lid, two daisy chains for clipping gear and an extendable lid to permit over-loading and a rope to be carried.

* Mont Bell capacities are rather conservative. This pack would suit most weekend climbing missions.