Jul 10
12
Arcteryx Backpack – Axios 50 Review
ArcTeryx Axios 50 Pack
The brand-new 2010 Arc’teryx Axios 50 hiking backpack hasn’t received many reports from the field. But if you’re looking for a warm-weather pack that’ll keep your back comfortably dry, the Axios makes perfect sense.
This lightweight (3 lbs. 7 oz. average), internal-frame weekend or multiday backpack is built for fast-paced trekking. Its unique mesh lining — featured on the back panel, shoulder straps and hipbelt — circulates air to evaporate sweat on your warm-weather adventures.
That’s not the only notable feature of the Arcteryx Axios 50 backpack. There are seven pockets in addition to the top-loading main compartment, for optimal gear storage. The expandable lid is removable and four compression straps cinch down lighter loads for more secure carrying. You can also access the main compartment via a side zipper, lessening the need to unpack the bag for a particular item.
Among the numerous pockets is a front kangaroo pouch for quick access to rain gear or other essentials. There are also drawstring mesh pockets for side-stored water bottles — a nice addition to the reservoir sleeve (tube ports included) that will hold your own hydration bladder for hands-free refreshing.
Arc’teryx includes micro daisy chains on this hiking backpack, so you can lash gear to the outside with ease. There is no sleeping bag compartment, but minimalist hikers report no problems carrying their bags in the main compartment.
For hot summer overnighters, the expandable Arc’teryx Axios Backpack 50 with its mesh, ventilated support system will manage your sweat and your gear as you ascend the ridge to the campsite.
Among the few reviews available online are this one, by “joh3852277” on June 20, 2010:
“This pack has plenty of room for day hikes, or overnight trips. I can comfortably fit my sleeping bag, tent, clothes, and food into this pack. The fit is incredibly comfortable — way better than my Osprey — and the aeroform back panel kept things cool for me on a hike through the Smokey Mountains at 5,000 feet elevation in 93 degree heat.”
From Long Island, N.Y.: “The things I like best are the quality of the materials, the large zippers, and the comfortable padding. I find the divided pockets are more useful for organization than one big pocket. Lastly, the Regular expands to 56L. This comes to use. The side stretch pockets are quality material. I can fit the tent poles or an axe with no problem but not a water bottle. I can hook that anywhere. This is a great product and is well made.”
Arcteryx Axios Is Not For Everyone
Among the few reviews come some negatives. Says a user from the Canadian Rockies: “I have found that my Axios digs into the sides of my neck like all Arc’teryx packs so it’s getting returned … The funny thing too is no climbing features on a climbing bag. No ice axe holders, crampon pocket or racking features inside.” (A note: Arc’teryx recommends the Axios 50 as a trekking backpack, not a climbing pack. Consider your needs when comparison shopping.)
The Axios 50 hiking backpack did garner a “Best in Test” in Norway. One of the country’s largest newpapers, dagbladet, tested the pack for 6 months and gave it a 6/6. It was considered the best pack for light and fast trips.
Says the review (dagbladet.no): We have tested 50 to 60 liter bags. The starting point is that they will work well for trips that go over two or three days, and that they must cope with 15 kg pack.
The Axios 50 was deemed “Best lightweight [with] excellent carrying comfort
Top carrying comfort, good adjustment. Good compression system, but misses the greater attachment point to the mats on the outside. 13 kg is not a problem!”
You’ll have to give the ArcTeryx Axios 50 a try for yourself if you want a more thorough impression of the newest bag in Arc’teryx’s lightweight weekend backpack family. It’s available at Backcountry.com for $198.95.
