First time on here and need some help please. I've narrowed pack choice for an alp's trip with bivi and via ferrata down to a Pod Black Ice and Pod Alpine 50. They both look like superb packs but the alpine is obviously fairly new to the market. Is there much difference in them and, if so, is one better than the other? Also, I'm 6'2" with a long back. The black Ice comes in three sizes and the Alpine in two. Would the alpine be big enough for my back?
The bast advice I can give is go and try them on and ask if they can load them up a bit for you.
I have just bought a POD Alpine 40 in a short back and after a couple of outings I love it, but saying that I had one on a loan last year so I knew what I was buying.
Thanks. I can't believe how few shops stock the Pod sacks. Cotswold stock the Alpine 50 but can't find the Black Ice anywhere. And it's not like we're short of outdoors shops either! Bristol has Oswald Bailey, Ellis Brigham, Taunton Leisure, Blacks, Cotswold and still no luck.
Or you could order one of each from online retailers, and try them on in the comfort of your own home with your own kit loaded in them. Then send back the one you don't want. The retailer has to refund you in full including any delivery charge, so the only cost to you is paying the return postage, which may well be less than petrol, parking (and time) to go and track them down somewhere.
Needlesports, The Climbers Shop and Outside are three good candidates for finding them (all good independent shops with online operations).
I've had a Black Ice for several years (and 3 or 4 POD sacks since about 1990) and think they're great, but I haven't tried the Alpine.
Good plan! Just ordered the two POD sacks and also the Black Diamond Predator 50 and Osprey Variant 52. Now just have to wait for the armchair fitting.
