The Alpinist Mountain Standards reviews apply Alpinist's tradition of excellence and authenticity to gear reviews by providing unbiased, candid feedback and anecdotal commentary to equipment tested (hard) in the field. Our panel is comprised of climbers who use the gear every day as part of their work and play. Only the gear they would actually buy themselves, at retail price, qualifies for the Alpinist Mountain Standards award. The five-star rating system is as follows: One Star = Piece of junk. Two Stars = Has one or more significant flaws, with some redeeming qualities. Three Stars = Average. This solid piece of gear is middle-of-the-road on the current market. Four Stars = Better than most comparable gear on the market. It has one or two drawbacks, but still 90% positive. Five Stars = Is there such thing as perfection? An Alpinist Mountain Standards award-winner. Review Panel Adam George Caroline George Larry Goldie Blake Herrington John Race Bert Severin Jed Workman The rest of the MS Team |
 Mammut Ice PacksPosted on: July 30, 2005 
Mammut has scored big with the Butterfly suspension system in its 2005 Ice Pack line. Available in 35 and 45 liter options, the Ice Pack delivers in performance, weight and value. The Ice Packs "winged", butterfly-shaped frame, made of small tent like poles that actually pivot at each interface, provides superb support, minus the weight. I keep trying to come up with reasons to carry more gear to warrant the use of the 45-liter sample. The simple rucksack design keeps the pack light (1500 grams at 35L), yet it still has everything to carry rope, ice tools, skis, crampons, helmet, whatever. This pack rules when you need to carry it all and want to shave weight as well. |
