Karrimor - Alpiniste 45+10 Rucksack Review

Regular viewers of the site will remember that in recent months I have been involved with some projects for Karrimor with Terrybnd. He was making some videos of their latest kit and I was very kindly lent some afterwards to test/review. Naturally I wanted to give it all a thorough hammering first so as to give you an honest opinion, so you can decide weather to go out and buy it or not :-)



The latest in the video series Terry has produced is one featuring the great new rucksacks from Karrimor. I have been using and abusing the Alpiniste 45+10 so here are my thoughts on this nice looking item of kit.

When I first saw the line up of bags that Karrimor had sent my eyes were instantly drawn to this one, its bright red colour is great and it is now my bag of choice for all scenarios. It is however available in Blue or Black if the Red doesn't take your fancy.

[caption id="attachment_1839" align="alignnone" width="600"] Karrimor Alpiniste Rucksack - Backpacking in the Peak District[/caption]

For me it has been perfect for anything from a day walk to an over night backpacking trip. I have used it in all conditions and I can honestly say I've been very happy with it. Here is what Karrimor have to say about it...

The Karrimor Alpiniste 45 + 10 Rucksack has a rugged design, with a protective front print, splashguard zips and a mitt friendly grab handle. This backpack also includes an extendable lid, a main toggle compartment and pockets on both sides offering additional storage.


[caption id="attachment_1839" align="alignnone" width="600"] Karrimor Alpiniste Rucksack - Peak District Photography[/caption]

Here is a spec run down.... Mitt friendly grab handle - 3 point haul system - External hydration sleeve access - Bungee system and extendable lid - Easy access gear loops - Rope compression and top tension straps - Splashguard zips and protective front print - Axe loops and retainers - Adjustable padded shoulder straps - Chest and side compression straps - Removable hip belt - Large main compartment - Lid pocket with key clip - Expansion side pockets - Air mesh back system with removable Fform frame - Weight: 1460g -Capacity: 45 + 10L - Back length: 63cm.

I like to travel as light as possible during my backpacking trips and I easily managed to fit enough inside for a couple of nights out this summer. I also used it over night on my wild camp up on the moors in the Peak District and it was a breeze to carry.

[caption id="attachment_1839" align="alignnone" width="600"] Karrimor Alpiniste Rucksack - Ffromat Back System[/caption]

The Fformat system works very well and the overall fit is superb either with or without a heavy load. I have had a play with removing the Fformat system to use it as a sit Matt but I can thankfully say I haven't had to use it as a splint as yet :-)

[caption id="attachment_1839" align="alignnone" width="600"] Karrimor Alpiniste Rucksack - Ffromat Back System Removed[/caption]

I've been scrambling with it, I've clambered through dense Welsh forests at the WRC, It's been subjected to lots of mud while Mountain Biking, It's been hammered by the worst rain and wind the Peak District has to offer. All I had to do was wipe it clean and it was ready for more. After all that it shows no signs of wear or tear and has firmly become my favourite bag for all occasions.

[caption id="attachment_1839" align="alignnone" width="600"] Karrimor Alpiniste Rucksack - Mountain Biking[/caption]

I've been out with it today in the white peak area of the Peak District national park and it was raining hard again. The bag doesn't come with a rain cover but I was surprised at how well it kept the water at bay. My valuables in the top pocket remained dry even after a heavy half hour of rain.

[caption id="attachment_1839" align="alignnone" width="600"] Karrimor Alpiniste Rucksack - Walking in a wet Peak District[/caption]

I would happily recommend this piece of kit to anyone who is after a medium sized bag for all activities. It has been designed with climbers in mind as it has room for ice axe storage too. It is comfortable, light, well fitting, robust, durable and most of all it won't break the bank. It can be picked up for around £70 which I feel is pretty reasonable for such a great product. I will certainly be buying one :-)

Head on over to the Karrimor Website to have a closer look. It can also be found over at http://www.fieldandtrek.com.

Karrimor Elite Alpiniste eVent Jacket – Review

I've been using the new Karrimor Elite Alpiniste eVent Jacket for a few months now and I must say I've been very impressed. Its great value for money and can currently be picked up for around £89 from many good stockists including http://www.fieldandtrek.com. As I'm so pleased with it I thought I would write up a little review to give you my thoughts, I'm not a gear junkie or a technical know it all, I just love walking and appreciate good kit that keeps me going for longer. Hopefully the following review will be useful if you are thinking about buying one.

[caption id="attachment_1338" align="alignnone" width="600"] Karrimor Elite Alpiniste eVent Jacket[/caption]

Firstly i'll start with the facts. here is what Karrimor have to say...

The Karrimor Alpiniste Jacket is built for the most demanding conditions, featuring eVent waterproof fabric for the ultimate in waterproof protection with unrivaled breathability for maximum comfort as you face the elements. This mens waterproof jacket is a summer Alpine style with a relaxed athletic cut featuring a roll-away helmet compatible hood with a wire stiffened peak, has 2 venting chest / torso pockets and a secure chest pocket all with YKK water resistant zips.

Karrimor - Built Different - Behind The Scenes

Some of you may have heard me talk recently about my involvement with a bunch of videos that Terrybnd has been filming. Well today is the day that the first fully finished movie went live on YouTube. The videos were made for Karrimor and it showcases some of their great new gear. It also shows off some great locations in the Peak District too.

I was the willing model, dummy, manikin, Subject in the videos and I really enjoyed being involved. We started off on the first day by doing a spot of filming up on Curbar Edge and some of those scenes have made it to the final edit.

[caption id="attachment_1340" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Padley Gorge"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1339" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Padley Gorge - Terrybnd"][/caption]

It was rather Hazy that day so our next location was down in Padley Gorge, there is plenty of footage from there in the movie and its a place all must visit.. not at the same time though. We then headed for Monsal to record some footage on the viaduct before heading to the Social Hiking Meet.