Close Up - Osprey Mutant Pack

Gorilla Grip reinforced patch protects pack fabric from ice tool pics with minimal weight gain.

Shock-corded axe upper ice tool loops use cunning ergonomically shaped mouldings for snow and glove-friendly use.

Hypalon racking loops on hip-belt look neat but we found that the nose on karabiners fouled them badly. Then again, maybe we were using them wrongly?

There are tough grab loops front and rear - the rear one pictured above - plus two side loops to allow for a stable three-point sac-hauling set-up. The lid floats to allow overloading and accommodate a rope or can be removed completely as part of the strip-down process - the triple folded internal bivvy pads and frame sheet can also be jetissoned for that hard summit push.

The hip-belt can be folded back and fastened securely behind a Hypalon tunnel to allow easier access to harness gear loops when climbing.

Standard issue rope compressor allows easy carriage of climbing ropes under the floating lid.

Quick release buckles on Z-Compression straps make for quicker stowage of skis, snow-pickets, poles and so on.

Thermoformed EVA back panel gives clean lines and more importantly, sheds snow more easily than fabric and mesh back panels which can clog easily, plus EVA doesn't absorb sweat. Lightweight removable frame sheet improves load carrying. Removable bivi pad inside.

Removable lid has external and under-lid pockets for quick storage.