Osprey Europe - Archeon 45 Mens, Stargazer Blue

Product Information

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.

The Archeon is a hybrid top-loader. It’s easy to load and compress gear through the top opening, which is especially effective for trad climbing gear. The sternum strapon the Archeon doubles as a safety whistle; a convenient feature to have in case of an emergency. It benefits from a simple design with a roomy main area, while the front zip opening was very useful for digging out items without having to undo the lid and main drawcord. Other features include a sleeve for a hydration bag (Osprey's own Hydraulics Reservoir obviously fits well) and a whistle on the sternum strap. It actually works quite well, keeping the harness straps in position while allowing chest expansion when breathing hard.This season marks the latest milestone in our sustainability journey. For Archeon 45 have moved towards C0, PFC free DWR coating. The updated chemistry provides a sustainable yet high-performance approach to the hardiness of this series. The fabrics used throughout the Archeon 45 are 100% recycled and durable enough stand the test of time. Tough metal componentry completes the durable design ensuring longevity on the trail. Capacity was good too, and quality was good. The ripstop nylon, felt robust and resisted scuffing well. The recycled content, PFC-free treatment and expected longevity give the Archeon 45 good marks for green credentials. The great thing about the Archeon is that it features dual ice axe loops, which let you stow this handy piece of equipment when you’re not using it. These are at the bottom of the front panel, so you will be able to access the items inside the main compartment even when the axes are stowed. Trekking Pole Loops For men there’s the choice of the Archeon 25, Archeon 30, Archeon 45 and Archeon 70. While for women there’s an Archeon 25, Archeon 30, Archeon 45 and an Archeon 65.

There’s good capacity which, with the addition of the lower compartment, easily accommodated my gear for extended walks. 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 manufacturing process follows responsible chemical management strictly audited for compliance and adheres to the Bluesign Restricted Compliance List. Additionally, Osprey updated its Factory Code of Conduct following standards set by the Ethical Trading Initiative and audits factories to enforce compliance with Worldwide Ethics Alliance guidelines. 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. 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.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 harness straps are quite wide and have ventilated foam padding. The sternum strap’s height can be adjusted using four different daisy chain loops. This involves unhooking each side and repositioning in an alternative loop, which is less convenient than anchors that slide up and down on rails. The hipbelt is a wide webbing strap with elasticated retainer loops for excess length. The metal frame can be removed to save a little weight by unfastening a hook-and-loop strip in the main compartment and sliding the frame out. 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 Cholatse has a good sized main compartment, accessible from a top opening with conventional drawcord. There’s also a compression strap across the top opening which can be used to secure a rope or other gear. The main compartment contains a hydration bladder pouch with hook-and-loop strip hanger. Drink-tube exit is to the right shoulder.