Specialist rope brands unleashes a range of technical climbing packs for 2012.
You may know Edelrid as one of the top manufacturers of climbing rope, but for 2012, they've expanded into packs and that there great big thing above is the range-topping Helix 25, a technical day pack aimed at fast and light climbing nutters.
It's designed to be effectively bomb proof, but at as light a weight as possible with a combination of ballistic nylon reinforced areas and rip-stop nylon elsewere. As is the modern climbing fashion, it weighs in at 1065g complete, but can be stripped down to just 780g by jettisoning fripperies like the waist-belt, ABS system - it has anti-lock brakes? - and the ice-tool attachments.
Eventually someone will come up with a pack that senses when you're tired and simply pings extraneous bits off into the void automatically. Anyway... the pack has a classic design with one big central compartment and zip-pocketed lid - closure is by an alloy Lid-Locker-type buckle for ease of use with gloved paws.
Side compression straps should keep contents under control and we're intrigued by the lightweight mono-mesh waist belt which, despite being pared down to save weight and removable too, still incorporates a pair of gear loops. There's a padded back system for comfort and support too.
Interesting, sensible weight and, it looks like, most of the essentials you need. It retails for £90. More details of the Helix 25 and the rest of the small range of Edlerid packs at www.edelrid.de.
