Packs Testimonials
Cascade 4200 Pack
I have the 4200 cu. in. variety and although this is a 5lbs.+ bag, the comfort was well worth the extra weight. The bag is great for 3-4 day get-aways if you're an "average" packer. By "average" I mean that I don't care how much my items weigh, but I bring only what is necessary (i.e. backpacker's tent w/ fly as suppose to a tarp or a family cabin). I really appreciated the two large zippered pockets on the sides of the pack, where my old pack just had more webbing pockets. It was a great place to stash additional gear that I neither wanted buried inside nor exposed in the lower web pockets. The sleeping bag compartment was roomy enough to swallow my tent, my bag, and fleece blanket, while the internal divider helped to keep the rest of my gear at the right height along my back. The material felt nicer than my old pack and the bag's quality looked to be nicer than that of my girlfriend's new Kelty. The large #10 zippers were also much appreciated. Like most bags, the top compartment can be used as a waist-pack. The belt within is wide, so I was able to sling it across my back like a messenger bag, cinch it tight, and monkey around while bringing the essentials along without discomfort. I have to say, I honestly love this bag. The Cascade was everything I was hoping for and a little more.
- ElGalloGigante
Denali 5500
I just got back from a moutaineering trip in the Cascades and took the Denali 5500 pack with me. It performed great. My pack on the way in was in the 65-70lb range. The ascent to base camp took me through low trees and bushes that kept snagging me and the pack but no damage was done because of its durability. Obviously, that kind of weight can not be described as comfortable to carry in any pack but I believe because of the design of the Denali my discomfort was minimized.
- Charlie S.
Denali 5500
This is one of the best packs I've ever used. I've used packs that cost 3x as much and didn't feel as good.
- William D.
Cascade 5200
I want you to know how happy and satisfied I am with your products, your customer service, and everything about your company. After a long hiatus from backpacking, I was thrilled when my sons expressed an interest and were old enough to go with me. One thing that was clear, though, was that some of my ancient gear would need to be retired. Over the last couple years, I have purchased a Crescent Lake 20 sleeping bag, an Extreme 3 tent, and a Cascade 5200 backpack. All have outperformed much more expensive gear from other "bigger" companies that I have used or that other trailmates were using. On my most recent trip to the Sangre de Cristo in New Mexico, we chose a beautiful campsite near treeline that we later learned was the windiest place on earth! The Extreme 3 handled it beautifully, and the pole design was much more sturdy against the wind than most tents (which tend to "lie down" flat in a strong wind.) My new Cascade 5200 backpack is the most comfortable backpack I've ever carried, and it only took me a few minutes of fitting to get it just right. When I was having trouble finding a retailer for this product, I called your office and received friendly help above and beyond what I expected. You are clearly doing it right--keep the great products coming, and you have a loyal customer in me. (A loyal customer with two rapidly growing backpackers in the family, so you can be assured that more gear purchases are in my future.)
- Craig W.
Solitude
I first used the pack on a 15 mile hike at Devil's Den State Park and it was comfortable the whole time. I like the option of removing the belt. The pack is great.
- Matthew S.
Cascade 5200
This performed above my expectations. Huge improvement over military ALICE pack I've used for years. The capacity combined with the narrow width made a perfect fit in my Rock 22 tent. I'm looking forward to using this pack again on my next trip!
- Adam M.
Denali 5500
Overall, the performance and value of this pack is astounding!!! This pack does and should rank with other higher dollar bags. I showed several fellow hikers, two of which worked for the forest service, and everyone was amazed at the pricetag vs. quality. They all asked for your website and information. I gave one guy the the tag brochure (could use a stack of them to help you market). Look forward to using it again soon. You guys rock!
- Troy L.
Hiker Pack
I received the buckle the next day. What great service! Thanks! By the way, I like the Hiker pack. It is much more comfortable to wear than my old Jansport.
- Mark
General Testimonial
It was good to hear from you and to see how ALPS Mountaineering keeps maintaining and increasing your excellent product line. The purpose of this letter is to let you know that I retired from Baylor last August... In my 32 years at Baylor, I thought your equipment was the best designed and most favorably priced I purchased for the department. Because of its comfort and ease of use, the students really enjoyed using it. Please keep me on your mailing list. I am still active in adventure activities as a participant, author, and group leader.
- Buddy
Denali 5500
Held all my gear for snow-cave camping with room to spare! Incredibly comfortable and well balanced, hardly even knew it was on my back. Great pack at an AMAZING value! Thank you!!
- Joseph E.
Red Tail 4500
I want to congratulate you on a great product. I did a pro testing contract back in 2005 with the Red Tail and I have been pleased with it ever since. I work in the Bob Marshall Wilderness in the summers and I have put at least 1100 miles on the pack. It has been used as a day pack, a multi-night pack, and a wildland fire-fighting linepack. It has shown some wear over the years, but nothing has ripped out and no parts have broken. The pack is very comfortable with all different weight levels. I put a 33 mile day on, and the Red Tail was comfortable during the entire 12 hours of hiking. With all of this hiking, I'm pretty sure my legs will give out before this pack will. Thanks for an awesome product.
- Eric K.
Red Tail 4500
I really enjoy using this pack. The overall performance and functionality really blew my old pack out of the water!! I'm very happy with this pack and have already begun suggesting it to friends. You guys have a solid product and I look forward to continuing to use this pack for all my outdoor adventures!
- Jason
Red Tail 4500
Total pack weight on trip 47 lbs. Regular pack is Bora 95. I think the Red Tail compares well with my more expensive pack for less than 1/2 the price. EXCELLENT VALUE!
- Tim
Cascade 4200
Having never heard of ALPS, I was a bit hesitant in purchasing the pack. However, the pack has met and exceeded my expectations. Looking at the low MSRP, I thought the pack would be constructed with cheap fabric and cheap zippers but I have been proven wrong. My Lowe Alpine pack lasted over 10 years, and I feel like I will get the same use out of my ALPS pack.
- Austin N.
