In reply to TobyA:
> You get the feeling that the brand might not survive that much longer - Planet X don't seem to be doing anything with them. I don't know, but from the website it looks like they're just selling off what stock they have ...
That was the impression I got but happy to be proven wrong as Pete says above. I got the last size 3 black Black Ice at the time for a very good price. It included free international postage which meant I got it for AUD$137. Given the quality I think it's a bargain (and I know a gear bargain when I see one! :-o)
They're certainly a lot more robust, and a bit heavier, than lots of the alpine sacs on the market now. More like something we bought in the 80s. The ice axe attachment is a bit dated now, but obviously workable, though the bungee cords are a bit of work.
I'm 6'7" tall and the s3 is only just long enough I feel, they seem to fit a bit on the short side, but maybe that's for a 'climbing fit', above a harness etc. I like how the hip belt detaches but leaves the thin webbing in place for a basic belt.
For actual alpine or expedition climbing it has two things a lot of modern light packs no longer have:
- wand pockets, which means you can carry snow stakes more easily and they're something regularly used on expeditions, and
- side compression straps that are long enough to actually go around a foam mat. I'm surprised how many supposed alpine packs have too-short straps, presumably because it looks neater in the shop.
I like the white material lining part of the insides, makes it easier to see stuff. Small thing I notice missing is a clip inside either of the lid pockets to attach your keys or similar tiny things you can't afford to have drop out into deep grass three hours from the car on a rainy day.
Post edited at 23:41