Osprey Europe - Archeon 45 Mens, Stargazer Blue

Product Information

It actually works quite well, keeping the harness straps in position while allowing chest expansion when breathing hard. It has a good sized main compartment and a floating lid that can be raised a little to allow extra gear to be accommodated if necessary. The base of the duffel has another zip opening giving access to a separated compartment that is useful for a pair of shoes or similar. This keeps them apart from the contents of the main area, though it does share the space.

All spring 2020 products are PFC-free. Carryover items are switching from C8 to less hazardous C6 DWRs. Osprey hopes to eventually make all its offerings PFC-free. The fabric of the Craghoppers Duffel is robust feeling polyester with a polyurethane coating. It contains recycled materials – the brand says about 14 plastic bottles were reused in its manufacture. In this section, you will be able to see all the external attachment points the Archeon is equipped with. Dual Ice Axe LoopsSustainability” is an oft-spoken buzzword in the outdoor industry these days, and I’m wary of undeserving platitudes. But the Archeon 45 isn’t a poser.

It coped with carrying a substantial load on a wild camping expedition, with good weight bearing and just enough capacity for such an outing. Comfort was good, even though there isn’t a huge amount of foam padding on the harness and hipbelt.There is no hipbelt or sternum strap, so all the weight is borne on the shoulders and the straps can slide if you’re moving over anything like technical terrain. There are two movable foam pads on the straps to provide some comfort, but carrying a full load over any long distance without the support of a hipbelt caused some discomfort. Capacity was good too, and quality was good. The ripstop nylon, felt robust and resisted scuffing well. An ice axe is a must-have equipment for those nasty winter climbs, but it’s a nightmare to have to carry it around everywhere. And it can be pretty sharp, so you can’t exactly store it inside your main compartment – it will go Freddy Krueger all over your stuff. Access to the main compartment, in addition to the side zip, is via a top opening with drawcord fastening. Inside it is a pouch for hydration bladder, with webbing hanger. Drink tube exit is to the right shoulder. The lid is a floating design, enabling it to be raised a little to allow extra space to be used in the main compartment. There’s also a strap for retaining rope under the lid.

There’s another external compression strapthat attaches the front panel to the top lid. So, even if the zipper of the main compartment comes undone accidentally, the compression strap will keep the panel in place and ensure that your stuff doesn’t just spill out on the trails. That is, as long as you take your time to adjust all those straps to your body and make use of the hipbelt. Sternum Strap And Hipbelt Those metal clips are very easy to use, even when wearing gloves. And there are hooks to carry ice axes and walking poles along with a carry handle on the top of the sac so you can hook it up to store or to carry it around by your side.The hipbelt is broad and has padded foam. Adjustment is from the outside inwards. The padded section can be slid out, leaving just the webbing, if required, to save more weight. If you’re not putting your bag up to the ultimate tests, you may not need the extra protections offered by Osprey and can focus on something more stylish. The sternum strapon the Archeon doubles as a safety whistle; a convenient feature to have in case of an emergency.