Ferrino packs

[garyp]

Hello,

I've read a lot about Ferrino tents (I'm seriously considering the Chaos 2 for my son and I) but I have seen nothing about Ferrino packs. I'm thinking seriously about the Ferrino Lite 45 or the Ferrino XMT 45 WTS.

Has anyone seen or indeed used either pack? It would be helpful to know anything.

Cheers

Gary

[Rico]

Hi Gary,

The Lite 45 and the XMT 45WTS are very specific bags. Both are High Lab, which is the Ferrino professional series. All products of this line are tested in their high altitude laboratory in the Alps http://www.highlab.it/en/highlab-techno ... boratories
They are also made using premium materials, and they come with an extended 3 year warranty, which is exceptionally long for this type of gear.

The Lite 45 http://adventurefriends.com.au/ferrino-lite-45/ is a minimalistic backpack with a weight of only 800g. This backpack is made for mountaineers leaving their last advanced camp, going for the summit.
Designed and tested by the legend Silvio Mondinelli http://www.ferrino.it/en/homepage/ferri ... mondinelli this backpack is like him, no fuss. Mondinelli is one of only six people in the world to have climbed all 14 eight-thousanders without oxigen, and he is a believer in ultralight and minimalist gear.

The XMT45WTS http://adventurefriends.com.au/ferrino-xmt-45-wts/ is a much tougher bag, ideal for rock climbers and very rough bushwalking. Made in Cordura with reinforcements in Hypalon, this bag uses the WTS (Welded Technical System) technology. This means that there are no seams, but welded channels, making it waterproof even during extended walks in the rain. So no need for a rain cover here! You can remove the waist belt if you are wearing an harness. The weight of 1450g can be reduced removing the rigid back panel and straps, to a light 1050g

As you can see, they are very specific bags for specific activities. They are not the best choice for bushwalkers as they don't have pockets and compartments, but they are excellent for any activity above snow line, as they have specific features to give you fast access to your ice axe, helmet, rope, etc.They are also exceptionally balanced. They are also designed to be operated with your gloves on.

If you need a bag for those conditions, you are on the right track. If you need a bag mainly for hiking, I may suggest you to have a look at the Ferrino Verdon 45 http://adventurefriends.com.au/ferrino- ... n-45-blue/ which is still very light at 1100g, and it features three large pockets to organize your gear, a very breathable mesh back, and gear loops to carry your sleeping mat when your backpack is too full.

If you need any other information please let me know.

Cheers,

Rico

[garyp]

Thanks Rico,

Now, why would I purchase a Ferrino Rucksack Verdon 45 over a Ferrino Verdon 45. I notice the 45 is 250 grams heavier than the rucksack. But the advertising blurb for both are the same. I also note there is a slight differentiation between the pockets.

My aim is to go as light as possible. A single compartment with no pockets does not necessarily bother me, that's why the Lite 45 and the XMT 45 WTS drew my attention. I have a feeling 45 lts is about the right capacity.

I have rejected packs from the likes of Gossamer and MLD. Not because I believe they are inferior, far from it, rather they are over there and not in Australia and from what I have read Ferrino appear to manufacture a worthy product. I am also considering the ultra light options from Oneplanet.

Cheers

Gary

[Rico]

The Rucksack Verdon is just the 2012 version of the other. They did a restyling this year and we have both version in stock, so I guess there is not much point, you are right. The new version is lighter, and because of the strong Australian dollar, it is coming cheaper as well.

Gary, the Ferrino Lite 45 is an excellent backpack, and it is ideal if you are going ultralight. I just want to point out that it is not designed with the hiker in mind, but rather with the mountaineer needs. Essentially the biggest feature missing are the pockets, you will have only one single pocket in the lid. If this does not bother you, that's perfect.

Something I forgot to mention before is that we give a full refund and we even pay for the return shipping costs in case the fitting of the pack is not good for you. This is because I understand that a backpack needs to be tried on to be sure that it is suitable for your body type. If this is the case, you can just return it with no expenses on your side.

Thanks,
Rico

[garyp]

Rico,

Thanks for all your help. I will be getting in touch with you over the next week or so. From where I'm standing Ferrino seems to be ticking all the boxes.

Cheers

Gary.