Sphynx

 

Page Type Gear Review
Object Title Sphynx
Manufacturer Black Diamond
Page By Mike N
Page Type Nov 23, 2005 / Nov 23, 2005
Object ID 929
Hits 3095
Vote
Description:
The Sphynx is a classic, top-loading pack designed to meet the highest demands of rock, ice and mixed climbers. So well-built and with so many technical features any route you do in this pack will be considered aid.
Features:

420-denier ripstop nylon construction with Ballistics nylon bottom and reinforcements offer bomber durability
AirLift-molded foam back panel provides comfort and ventilation
Removable aluminum stay and removable framesheet that doubles as a 3/4-length dual-density bivy pad
Internal clip-in point naturally widens the top of the pack to keep it open when stacking rope or organizing gear
Adjustable StrenumTrak shoulder straps provide comfort, sternum buckle is glove-friendly; molded, removable waistbelt is narrow to shave weight and has 2 Ice-Clipper slots
Features adjustable side ski holders, dual ice tool pick pockets, two-layer Hypalon daisy chains, cold-weather shock cord retention system
Also has MP3/hydration system capability that accommodates insulated winter tubes, key loop keeper inside lid pocket and a webbing management system allowing side-webbing to be rolled up and stored
Main zipper is waterproof to keep gear dry

Reviews


Viewing: 1-5 of 5

Mike N - Nov 23, 2005 3:15 pm - Voted 4/5

Untitled Review
This pack is fantastic. It is superlight, holds enough gear for an alpine ascent or day of climbing. The aluminum stay can be removed and the framesheet can serve as a sleeping pad. Admittedly, it is very small and I have never used it for this purpose. But removing the framesheet, this pack can be curled up real small to take with you for an ascent pack. The tool loops are great. The side compression straps are great and will hold skis. The material is excellent with a reinforced bottom. This pack has what you need and no extra frills (ie weight).

Mike N - Nov 23, 2005 3:15 pm - Voted 4/5

Untitled Review
This pack is fantastic. It is superlight, holds enough gear for an alpine ascent or day of climbing. The aluminum stay can be removed and the framesheet can serve as a sleeping pad. Admittedly, it is very small and I have never used it for this purpose. But removing the framesheet, this pack can be curled up real small to take with you for an ascent pack. The tool loops are great. The side compression straps are great and will hold skis. The material is excellent with a reinforced bottom. This pack has what you need and no extra frills (ie weight).

JanVanGenk - Mar 12, 2007 3:35 pm - Voted 3/5

I agree,
great pack, perhaps the best I've owned features/weight-wise, but... I've washed mine a couple of times with mild soap and lukewarm water, and now some outer layer/coating or whatever it is, peels off, quite ugly. The pack is just being used for 2 seasons, and compared to the other packs I own (Salewa, Deuter - and they are much older) this thing has never happened.

Mister White - Nov 27, 2008 4:42 am - Hasn't voted

Good alpine pack
I also agree with Mike N. small, but it fits everything for a great day of alpine climbing. Low weight, but I don't expact the material to last for ever.

Bezoar Goat - Mar 1, 2011 4:41 pm - Voted 4/5

alpine
Light & ergonomic, but the suspension system sags when loaded down. Great for day trips, SAR missions, or light overnighters.

Viewing: 1-5 of 5