The rather minimalist design of the Force Ten Alpinist 25 will appeal to more serious hill goers who like their equipment to be functional and simple.
It has one large main compartment accessed by a large, waterproof zip, within which is a hydration reservoir sleeve (although curiously we couldn't find a port for the drinking tube), and the outer is made from tough 500D Cordura nylon, which has a hydrostatic head of 1000mm.
Outer buckles are likewise pretty bombproof, being made from sturdy Duraflex, and there's a rugged overall feel to the Alpine 25.
The lid has a pocket accessed via a waterproof zip, and with the large inner pocket that's it in terms of storage. The moulded EVA back panel is comfortable, lightweight and well-ventilated, and the shoulder straps are wide and comfy too and come with an adjustable chest strap and a removable waist belt - this has no padding but is reasonably wide and supportive.
There are two full-length daisy chains and full-length compression straps either side of the pack as well as walking pole/ice axe attachments, and you also get additional attachments in the form of ski straps, compression straps and elastics which you're left to attach to the pack yourself in order to carry everything from skis and sleeping mats to ropes and helmets, as you require.
All of which makes the Alpinist a pack that will appeal to more self-sufficient outdoor types looking for something that will work in all conditions and for most mountain activities.
