The X3 Alpine is a minimalist backpacking pack that’s incredibly tough. “Virtually indestructible” says Built To Send, as it’s made from a fabric said to be one of the toughest available and constructed to carry any weight.
The basic pack has no external features except for some daisy chain webbing on the front and webbing loops down the sides. However it does come with an “Alpine Customisation Pack” consisting of webbing straps, a long length of shock cord, and shock cord loops for ice axes. I attached these so I could strap items on the outside and shove wet gear down the front behind the shockcord.
Chris Townsends verdict
As the name suggests the X3 Alpine is designed for mountaineering rather than backpacking but it works well for the latter. I did find I had to adapt my packing techniques but once I did I enjoyed it- Durability
- Comfort
- Stability
- Low weight
- No external pockets
- Only One Size
- Expensive
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £319 Weight: 1.235kg with straps & shockcord Capacity: 50-65 litres Materials: expedition-grade VX42 X-Pac composite fabric Closure: fold over top with twin straps Back: 10mm thick physically cross-linked polyethylene foam pad Hipbelt: 10mm polyethylene foam, slightly shaped Pockets: 1 internal zipped Features: Detachable side compression straps, shockcord and ice axe loops Sizes: 1 Women’s/Men’s Version: no URL: https://www.builttosend.com/ |
The X3 Alpine doesn’t have a lid, just a fold over top with straps and hooks that fasten onto the webbing. The volume is given as 50-65 litres. In fact with the straps and shockcord it can be compressed to less than 50 litres. For the 65 litre capacity the top has to be fully extended, leaving it open to the weather. Extending it to the point where the top can just be folded over and clipped down gives a capacity of about 60 litres.
The non-adjustable back system is also basic. There’s no frame, no load lifter straps, no scapular or lumbar pads, just a simple padded back, shoulder straps and hipbelt. The back foam padding is covered by the same fabric as makes up the rest of the pack. Compared with more technical back systems this doesn’t sound that comfortable. Yet it is and I’ve been surprised at just how well it carries a load.
As the name suggests the X3 Alpine is designed for mountaineering rather than backpacking but it works well for the latter. I did find I had to adapt my packing techniques but once I did I enjoyed the simplicity of the design. Built To Send don’t offer any accessories other than the shockcord and straps but you could add pockets from other companies if required. Whilst the weight is low the cost is high. However you may never need to buy another pack.
