Samaya Ultra 35, a committed high-end climbing pack
The stripped down durable pack is the perfect choice for your alpine objectives in 2023
Samaya is a French company whose name means “commitment” in Sanskrit, which is fitting since the company only produces high-end gear for serious alpinism. So far, they have built their reputation on lightweight tents, but now they offer the unique and well-designed Ultra 35 pack.
The bag is made from woven Dyneema, the same material used in slings. Despite its light, crinkly hand, this fabric is both stronger, gram per gram, than steel, and extremely abrasion-resistant. Despite the Ultra 35’s alpine (and ice climbing) features, it is so tough and streamlined that it would make a great multi-pitch rock climbing pack as well. The base is made of an even more rugged Dyneema cordura. The waterproofed seams, a rarity in packs, along with the roll-top, will keep your gear dry.
A helmet harness, a small webbing waistband, a sternum strap, ice tool loops and shaft stabilizers, ski straps, a foam pad and aluminum frame round out the package. With all of these easily removable items, the pack weighs 840 g, without them, it slims down to 495 g. A flap closure with a zip pouch for snacks, keys, topos or your phone and a second zip pouch inside the pack will help you stay organized. A sternum strap helps stabilize the load, the narrow webbing waistbelt, however, isn’t going to do much to re-distribute the load, which probably isn’t much needed anyway in a pack this size. It can be removed to keep it out of the way of your harness waistbelt.
As with most alpine packs, the carry is pretty basic, but it’s surprisingly comfortable, given that padding is at a minimum and there are no breathable contact surfaces. This is a specialist climbing piece, not a bag for day hiking. This is not an inexpensive piece of gear, but it should prove durable and exceed the needs of the most demanding alpine and rock climbers.
Specs
Paired down weight: 495g
Full featured weight: 840g
Volume: 35L in main compartment
Bottom material: 300D Woven Dyneema®
Ice axe reinforcement: 1000D – Cordura®
Main body: Dyneema® Composite Fabric – 150D PES
Seams: 100% waterproof
Price: $450.00