For a lightweight simple well constructed pack with a very comfortable suspension, it is top notch. I use it primarily for backpacking in the mountains with superlight gear which typically is around 20lbs. Only problem I see is if you overload it. Even so, I think it is more comfortable that larger packs. Does what I want it it do, feels very stable, and will probably last a very long time. No need to spend $400 on a pack. Save that for the extralight gear and save your back.

Customer Service

Reasonable

Similar Products Used:

Arc'Teryx Khasmin 30, Bora 65, TNF Inversion, EMS packs

Nice pack. Great for traveling light (it weights apx 2.5 pounds). The Khamsin has a decent frame (1 aluminum stay with a plastic/fiberglass"Y" frame support. The hipbelt - is a decent combination of mesh and foam. The shoulder straps are comfortable without being bulky. The top pouch and side compression straps all seem to work well. The removable ice tool loops and holders appear to work well. Have not used the shock cord on the front. Have not used to pack to carry skis (yet), but based on the fully loaded stability experienced during the approach to a climb, I'm expecting the Khamsin to carry boards fairly well. The only concern is possible damage from ski edges. The pack fabric is protected from ski edges by some hypalon looking patches but the ski carry straps? Not sure. They're a bit narrow and not very beefy. Construction looks to be adequate - quality material and workmanship. The fabric/seams aren't entirely waterproof, but the the fabric DOES seem to shed most light raih - at least so far. Have used my Khamsin on several hikes up to 7 hours long. This is NOT a pack that I would want to drag up a rock climb; that fabric is not robust enough for that sort of treatment. But, as a lightweight day / ski pack, it's superb. Loaded with food, water, extra layers, first aid kit, miscellaneous other stuff, I barely knew the thing was on my back - it's very unobtrusive. As noted, I used it on one climb. It was a stable carrier of full equipment, but... that the suspension isn't designed for that sort of weight (IMO); it was a tolerable load, but nowhere near as solid as Dana packs. The 4 rating for value is because, at $155, the Khamsin 38 seems "average"; there are other options in that price range that also look promising. I'm giving a 5 overall primaily because of the carry stability vs the weight of the pack. I like the Khamsin every bit as much as my two Dana packs - which I purchased for their suspension and load hauling abilities. I'm planning to use the Khamsin for almost all outings except those that require more than 2400 cu in of space or that that involve hefting heavier loads. I'll probably try the pack on an ice climb but, in all honesty, I don't think that is in the "sweet spot" for this pack: It will probably handle the volume/weight of the gear for a moderate apporach, but I'd be concerned about puncturing the fabric with

Customer Service

No experience

Similar Products Used:

Dana BigHorn Dana Glacier Several EMS products

Simply excellent constuction and very comfortable with a load at the 20 lb range.

Perfect when you have tuned your gear down to essentials. The size is perfect for a three day load in non-winter in 8k feet and below.

Ever weigh your pack? We seem to weigh everthing but the pack. My other pack is almost 7 lbs. This is more comfortable in the 20 lb range and weighs 2lbs 7.5oz. It is made in Canada.

It has a good but light basic hip belt and good shoulder straps. The shape is somewhat narrower than some packs since it is aimed at climbing also, but that narrowness, in this size, just makes it much more centered over your feet, and less on the sides to snag rocks or vegetation.

The compression straps are perfect for snugging down the load, and there is a strong shock cord for shoving miscellaneous stuff, like a vest, on the outside of the pack.

It has become my favorite pack.

I strongly recommend it.

Customer Service

They responded to my email quickly and professionally when I had questions prior to buying.

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I have an arcteryx fanny pack also.

This is new Khamsim 38 (different than in the photo) that was released this year, and only weights 1.1 kg (standard). I purchased it for alpine climbing and scrambling, primarily for it's light weight. I had some misgivings at the store about whether the frame was TOO light, and sure enough, when I got home and went for a long walk around the neighborhood with about 18 pounds in it, decided to return it. There is just not enough padding to protect your back from the hard plastic frame and aluminum stay, and becomes quite uncomfortable very quickly. I also noticed the composite stabiliser arms make it quite hard to fit the aluminum stay properly to your back. Lightweight is nice, but I don't think an extra pound or so is a huge price to pay for a back that isn't killing you at the end of the day.

Similar Products Used:

None

Excellent pack. I am comming back from a fractured Talus, and went on my first cragging trip since the accident, with this pack, loaded with about 30 pounds of gear. i was extremley concerned about the hike in, and my pack shifting, since any stress on my ankle above the normail was not fun, but this pack rocked! (not literally) i've had a hard time getting packs to fit & not shift, but this one felt totally awsome, and i plan on using it on an untralight hike in a few weeks with no concerns

Customer Service

not needed it yet

Similar Products Used:

Kelty, Northface

This is about as good a pack as you can get for the money. If you keep the weight below 30lbs, you will hardly know it is on your back. I especially like the many lash points and packing options. The size is perfect and because of the packing and lash points can easliy add more gear than the stated 2700 cc.

I have only used this for lightbackpackping (2-4 days), but think it will really shine for ski-touring this winter.

Similar Products Used:

Lowe Alpne 35, Marmot Glissade

This pack rocks! After reading the many negative reviews, I was a bit skeptical about purchasing a controversial pack such as this. At the end of my travels however, I was convinced that Arc’teryx was on the ball. As a perfect example of how durable this pack is, I give you this story…
My regular Black Diamond crag pack was out with my friend out in Red Rocks, Nevada. I wanted to climb, but it was either my North Face book bag (1500 cubic inches) or my Khamsin 38. I loaded it up with a full set of hexes, nuts, cams, webbing, beaners, and a 60-meter Sterling marathon rope. All in all the pack plus the gear weighed in at 41 lbs (I actually weighed it when I got home, no joke). The 30 min hike was not at all uncomfortable. Well, maybe a little, but I was completely impressed with how the Khamsin 38 performed under such extreme conditions. I have owned it now for many months, and subjected it to all kinds of torture, without mercy. All this and it has not ripped, or gotten a hole in the fabric. I don’t know what these people are doing to it in SE Asia, but jagged rocks with 41 lb loads hasn’t hurt mine yet.

Customer Service

Arc'teryx is very reasonable with repairs and exchanges.

Similar Products Used:

Many

In response to Brad. What are you talking about? I usually carry 15-20 lbs. in my Khamsin and NEVER even feel the thing on my back. Are you tightening the hip belt so that 80% of the weight rides on your hips? Take my word for it folks, this pack rocks with weight at 25 lbs. or less. The materials and workmanship are pure Ferrari. Remember, there's always ONE whinny-baby out there, that'll knock any product.

Customer Service

Unbelievably with YOUR program.

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Many

I needed a lightweight yet robust pack for traveling and 2-3 day hiking trips. I was dismally disapointed with this pack. I tested it during a mellow, 12 day trip to SE Asia

Yes, it's lightweight but that's about it. The construction is lacking and not durable. I had a rip within first week of use. During a 2 day jungle hike, I found that I had to constantly adjust the pack to compensate for it not fitting well. It was very uncomfortable. The internal frame kept poking out the top and didn't seem to be attatched well.

I didn't like the overall design. Fully packed, it would not accomodate traditional Nalgene bottles in the side pockets. It would have been grate if the top flap pocket could be adjusted to accomodate larger loads.

I'm selling mine.

Customer Service

They are often behind in manufacturing. The local sales rep rocks.

Similar Products Used:

Lowe Alpine Vision 40. It's super cheap but absolutely comfortable and durable.