Did Arc’teryx Accidentally Make the Ultimate Ultralight EDC Pack?

Cashing in on its somewhat recent partnership with futuristic materials maker ALUULA Composites, Arc’teryx has introduced a beyond worthy successor to the already excellent Alpha FL Backpack.

The big step forward with the Alpha SL Backpack is the introduction of ALUULA Graflyte, an innovative fabric that helps it deliver similar performance and dependability to its predecessor with a weight reduction of more than 50 percent.

Arc’teryx

While this is huge news for the technical rock, ice and alpine climbers for which this pack was designed, there’s no reason the rest of us can’t be a little stoked, too. 

Because if your EDC pack needs are of the lightweight, minimalist variety, you can hardly do better than this streamlined superstar. 

Featherweight champ

It is worth noting, as excited as we’ve been about the reinvention of the brand’s iconic shell, as well as its rapid rise in the technical footwear space, Arc’teryx’s roots are in climbing. 

Heck, its very first product was a harness, and it continues to make top-notch options such as the beloved AR-395a to this day.

Those bona fides and Arc’s rep for pushing the envelope of innovation come together with the introduction of Graflyte to this pack. 

Triple-layering ultralight, ultra-light polymer films in a patented fusion process results in a single material with what the brand calls “unrivaled tear strength.” 

Graflyte is also highly abrasion- and water-resistant, with a smooth surface that excises failure points, yet can also be repaired with self-adhering patches, which will be offered for free in Arc’teryx ReBIRD service centers beginning this fall. 

Arc’teryx

The real magic of the material, though, is just how it turns the 30L Alpha SL into the lightest technical alpine pack Arc’teryx has ever made. 

All told, it weighs just over 15 ounces. Detach the waistbelt and compression straps, and that figure drops to just over 11 ounces.

Daily use case

Of course, these qualities make the pack a godsend for serious climbers, as do the additional features that specifically address their needs.

But honestly, who doesn’t want a pack that’s insanely light and durable? If on the daily and/or during travel, you like to keep things lean — with the flexibility to bulk up — and don’t blink twice at the ($400) price, bear with me and read on. 

As streamlined as it is, this pack still features a rigid, thermoformed back panel that offers support and structure for a balanced carry, complemented by lightly padded thermoformed shoulder straps that add comfort to the mix. 

Arc’teryx

Granted, the vast majority of your stuff must be stashed in the top-entry main compartment (with a drawcord for easy opening and closing, even with gloves on).

However, the pack also has an external waterproof zippered compartment with a key clip and an internal security pocket to keep small essentials dry, safe and easy to access.

There pack also has what the brand calls an “integrated mini lid” which clips over the top for extra protection and “more secure rope carry,” but I can easily see a towel or an extra layer such as a jacket or hoodie taking the place of said rope. 

Arc’teryx

That’s just one example of how this pack can adapt to fit additional carry requirements. Another? The six integrated lash points, which let you customize your external carry and or pack compression. 

Snag some handy reusable zip-ties, and there’s practically no limit to the extra crap — cap, water bottle, outdoor speaker, PackTowl — you can attach to this thing. 

Last but not least, the Alpha 30 SL offers two dog-bone attachments for securing ice tools. To be honest, I don’t know wtf else to use those for, but get this pack and I’m sure you’ll think of something. 

Availability and pricing

The Arc’teryx Alpha SL Backpack is available now for $400.

Arc’teryx

Arc’teryx Alpha SL Backpack

• $400 at Arc'teryx

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