Ski Club Great Britain test out the Orion pack

Discover the Alpkit's Orion 40, a multifunctional rucksack reviewed by the Ski Club of Great Britain. Ideal for diverse mountain activities, from skiing to climbing, it offers durability, comfort, and style.

The Ski Club of Great Britain commends the versatility of Alpkit's Orion 40 daypack. Although it isn’t primarily designed for snowsports such as skiing, they find the Orion is a well-crafted rucksack suitable for a range of activities including winter climbing, mountaineering, and summer hillwalking.

For anyone who enjoys a range of mountain sports, it’s a good value daypack that’s well worth checking out.

In their test they find this packs durability and build quality score highly. Also comfort and fit are standout features, with the bag boasting a robust back system equipped with an internal stiffener to assist load-bearing. This, coupled with amply padded shoulder straps and a hinged hip belt (designed to be conveniently clipped out of the way while climbing), ensures optimal user comfort.

Accessibility and storage are other strong suits of the Orion. Its top-loading main compartment is expansive and contains a designated hydration sleeve. Though it lacks a specific section for avalanche equipment, it compensates with capacious zippered compartments in the lid for easy access to essentials like gloves and snacks. While it doesn’t feature a built-in ski/board carrying system, skis can be effortlessly attached using side compression straps. Moreover, the inclusion of anodised aluminium retainers for ice axes, a central pick guard, gear loops on the hip belts, and additional haul loops offer various attachment options.

Visually the Ski Club like how the Orion strikes an appealing balance with its vibrant blue and orange colourways. For enthusiasts of multiple mountain sports, it stands out as a valuable daypack, combining versatility, durability, and aesthetic appeal.