Great pack. Ideal combination of capacity vs weight for the gram conscious. Great quality construction, side zipper is a big plus. Detachable fanny pack is nice, but I find the bottle holder gimmicky since I prefer bladders. Overloaded it up to 40 pounds and did 23 km of class 3 to see if i liked it, no issues. Note that there is a greater amount of pressure on the lumbar contact area of the pack. I did get some chafing right where my spine meets the pelvic bone. I also found that the pack has a slightly pronounced tendancy to sag to one side if the straps aren't properly tightened (esp around the hip belt). Proper fitting fixed this. Weight savings also means that use of smaller diameter clips and webbing is endemic. One of the clips holding the compression strap on the side broke after firm tensionning. This was easily replaced, but don't go caveman when conpressing your straps. Overall I'm very happy with this pack, used properly it will serve you well.

Similar Products Used:

Osprey Xenith, Arcteryx RT45

Most of the rest of the packs I've owned I've started out liking and grown to detest after many uses. The Khasmin is the only pack I've owned that I've had the reverse experience with. The more I use it the happier I am with it. It is a mountaineers pack. ( The patch on the back is for crampons) and it definitely has a weight limit of around 40-45 lbs, however it is great for mobility. If you climb or ski and are looking for a light multi-day pack, I highly recommend it.

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Mountainsmith, Lowe Alpine, EMS

Picked up this pack last summer; was looking for something durable but lightweight. This pack is perfect for me... lightweight and much more comfortable than my previous pack. I particularly like the pack-length access zipper for those 4-season-weather-days. An added bonus is the lid that converts into a roomy fanny pack, complete with bottle holster. I''ve used this on many occasions to carry my camera gear on day-hikes away from base-camp. My small tripod actually fits in the fanny pack. Lots of mobility with this pack on, which is handy when climbing over steep trail. What can I say.. fits very well; best pack I''ve owned yet.

Customer Service

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Kelty

Lately I have been cutting my pack weight and purchased this pack when my 8 lb external frame was overkill for 17 lbs of gear. The Khamsin handles this amount of gear and 6 days worth of food (~35 lbs pack and all) well and in good comfort. But dont expect to throw 45 pounds of stuff in it unless you want the central stay to impale your spinal column. I did notice that the lumbar curve on the frame sheet is quite dramatic, causing bruising that other owners have noted. I removed the frame, bent the aluminum stay to my liking, though on this pack it was more difficult than usual. Also, underneath the lid is a patch of foam made into the fanny pack belt. Knowing that I dont need any back support for the fanny pack, I removed this foam and cut a strip to fit inside oval that holds the main hipbelt to the body of the pack. This has increased comfort emmensely. Overall a superb pack for loads under 35 pounds.

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Kelty continental divide-excellent for heavy loads, but too much for light trips

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What you really notice about the Khamsin 62 is how light it is, exacly one kilo less than the Bora 62. However, its carrying capabitlities are nothing short of fantastic. The thermoformed hipbelt cups your hips like a new pair of jeans, and its shoulder straps have just the right amount of padding. The Spectra Hardline fabric sheds water and snow with ease. Nice features include a full-length zipper running down the side for easy access (believe me, it doesn''t add that much weight), a top lid that converts into a fanny pack with a bottle holder, and loops to attach skis. As usual, the construction and attention to detail are first-class.

Similar Products Used:

The North Face, Serratus, Lowe Alpine.

This pack is the larger version of the Khamsin 52. It adds a little over 500 cubic inches is full expanded size (ranging from 4000 to 4500) over the 52 (3500 to 4000). What attracted me to the pack was its exceptional lightweight design. Also, the outer fabric is water repellant.

The fit was exceptional, and the contoured hipbelt fit me perfectly. The bottom of the back board (near the small of the back) does flare outward somewhat. This, I think, it what is causing the small bruise on the Khamsin 52 user's back that was reported in that review. However, it fits my back perfectly.

The shoulder straps are the perfect medium between comfort and mobility, and the range of adjustments make the pack very versitile to fit. The pack has the removable lid which converts to a fanny pack, and an external pocket on the side for maps, small gear, or a water bottle. But the rest of the outside is fairly streamlined with two ice axe loops, and to bottom loops for rolled gear. It compresses nicely too.

As foir the mystery pocket on the center back made of hard rubber: The best information I have is that it is there to hold a pair of skies.

Customer Service

One comment, the cinch straps at the top end of the pack are held together by a metal bracket. I have found that the strings easy can come out of the bracket if enough force is applied. If it does not come from the factory this way, then I would suggest making a small loop knot in the strings up near the bracket, and holding that knot when cinching up the top straps.

My first Khamsin 52 broke in this mannor when I loaded it the first time. I sent it back, and exchanged it for a 62 since I decided a litle more room would be nice anyway.

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