Arc’teryx Just Dropped the Alpha SL 30—Here’s What You Need to Know

I’ve been a big fan of Alpha FL series packs for years, so when Arc’teryx announced the launch of a new pack in a similar pattern but almost 50% lighter, I was immediately excited. You can be sure I’ll take it into the mountains soon for a full review, but here is my initial impression of the Alpha SL 30, after playing with the pack for a few days locally.

It’s not your usual pack. It looks like it is made of slightly translucent, crested paper, but actually it is stronger than any other fabric used by Arc’teryx so far. Technically, the new, produced-in-Canada Graflyte material consists of ultralight but ultra-durable polymer layers with super-strong fibers inside. Whatever it is, it makes that pack a sturdy beast at a minimum weight of just 440 grams. And I must say that I even like the touch and feel of that new fabric; it’s thin, but in a way, you can feel its strength.

The carry system is a pleasant surprise, too, as the back panel has a rigid framesheet laminated into it, so it’s not a flimsy sack with shoulder straps, but rather a pack with rigid structure and good back protection from pointy objects inside (like a snow shovel or avalanche probe). The shoulder straps are lightly padded and wide enough to carry a 30-liter pack comfortably. The waist belt is interesting, too, as Arc’teryx used click-on-string ultralight buckles for an easy detachment option. You’ll find the same buckles on the top flap, sternum strap height adjustment, and compression straps. I’ve never had an issue using them on other Arc’teryx packs. This is a sound system and saves weight.

Compression straps go around the pack, so you can easily attach trekking poles and crampons outside, and even lock the straps with clever loop-locks. The straps are also fully detachable, and even without them, you can carry two ice tools on the Alpha SL 30 via two bungee loops and metal toggles. Overall, this system allows you to simultaneously strap outside hiking poles, two ice tools, crampons, and your rope. That’s A LOT, more than on my already mountain-proven Alpha FL 30.

Inside organization is simple, just like in the Alpha FL series – one internal zipper pocket (with lanyard and clip) and one watertight external pocket. It’s a top-loader, which closes via a drawstring and a small flap. The construction is fully laminated, which makes it remarkably water-resistant, but not fully waterproof – water can still penetrate the closing under the small flap. It shouldn’t be a problem in winter snowy conditions, but in autumn and spring, when rain is also possible down in the valleys, it’s something to consider. The Alpha SL 30 is not hydration compatible by default, but you can still put a bladder loosely into the pack, drive the tube via the closing port under the flap, and use that small shoulder strap loop to fix the mouthpiece. So, actually, you can do that – and that’s a feature I was missing sometimes in my Alpha FL 30 with its roll-top closure.

From a mountaineering perspective, it’s hard not to be impressed with this pack. It takes ultralight to the next level, with extreme durability and comfort for cold-weather mountaineering and even months with mixed weather. It’s compressible and strippable, and it looks very modern. With a $400 price tag (+40% vs the iconic Alpha FL series), it’s on the premium end of the pricing spectrum. Still, this pack redefines ultralight mountaineering not just with top-tier fabric but also fully laminated, integral construction, making the Alpha SL 30 exceptionally durable and weather-resistant. Arc’teryx hit a home run with this pack for all alpine mountaineering enthusiasts.