Arc Teryx Khamsin 50

Review Date
September 28, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Tim(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Athens, Ga USA

Price Paid:  $150.00 at Whole Earth, Austin Tx

Summary:
I bought this as an employee at an outdoor shop in 1996 (now: 9/00). It has been used all over North America for mountaineering and backpacking. No complaints. Not a single stich has popped nor a zipper burst. It has been dropped, dragged, submerged, and left with rotten bananas for weeks.
A few things:
-those pockets on the side are for skis, not water bottles.
-The floating pocket on the back is best replaced with some webbing for holding stuff on.
-The fit is amazing, and handles huge loads as comfortably as my (now gathering dust) Dana Terraplane.
-The material for the back padding has not worn out after years of heavy use. Top notch.
-BUY IT.

Customer Service:
Called once to inquire about some products. Very knowledgable with a hearty Canuk accent.

Similar Products Used:
Dana Terraplane

Review Date
August 29, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Rob(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Adirondack

Summary:
This is the most versatile pack I have ever used. From canoeing, mountaineering, skiing, to being the family pack mule. The suspension is incredible for a pack this size. Easily overloaded. This year while in Maine I had to carry my 50lb son out. He actually sat on the top of the loaded pack, to my surprise it carried better than other large packs I've used. Maybe I am just lucky but the medium feels like it was custom fitted for me. I am surprised its discontinued. No negatives here. Awesome pack.

Similar Products Used:
Dana Bridger

Review Date
July 16, 2000

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: CHL(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Manila

Summary:
The Arc'Teryx Khamsin 50 is one neat backpack. I purchased mine from REI-outlet.com at a reasonable price. Suspension is the best. Size is perfect for the weekend adventurer with just enough space for some extras. Arc'Teryx does make quality backpacks and the the Khamsin 50 is no exception. I do wish though that these backpacks were made of waterproof material. A backpack cover would definetly be a good investment.

Customer Service:
The Arc'Teryx website does need some overhaul. Never got to call on customer service

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
April 22, 2000

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Louie(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Rapid City, SD

Summary:
I use this pack mostly for rock and ice climbing. It is a really simple pack. There is a zipper going up the side that I never use. The pouch on the back is really small. There is no drainage holes in the pack. Considering that it is geared towards ice climbing it would be a wise addition. The water bottle holders are a tight squeeze for bottles when the pack is full. I have dropped a bottle more than once.
On a good note, the construction is bomber. The pack defiently performs!

Similar Products Used:
Bora 70 and north face

Review Date
April 15, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Art Cheng(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Toronto, ON, Canada

Summary:
I have had this pack for about three years now. I've used the Khamsin 50 for long day hikes, and even overnight summer trips. Also a great sized pack for two-week long city travel vacations in Europe.

Pros: amazing build quality, simplistic, clean design, diff. sized packs for people with diff. back lengths, huge side-access zipper lets you get to your stuff deep inside your pack without having to open the top of the pack, large zippers throughout, lots of shoulder strap, and hipbelt padding...and the bag looks just as good and expensive as the price you've paid for it!

Cons: the two water bottle holders won't hold Nalgenes, the external removable pack is useless
(no drainage hole for wet gear, too small to hold anything bigger than a fleece sweater, just ruins the simplistic design of the bag: I recommend just taking off the thing!)

This is my second Khamsin 50 pack. My brother liked my first pack so much that he wouldn't give it back...so I had to buy another one!

Customer Service:
This is the "Toyota" of backpacks! Never had any problems with it.

Similar Products Used:
- Mountain Hardwear 1st Dimension Standard Sleeping Bag
- Mountain Hardwear Micro Mesh Bivy
- Arcteryx Bora 80 backpack (all of the great reviews by Outdoor Review and Outside Magazine on this bag influenced my recent decision to buy it)