The photo studio reveal: Arc’teryx’s new Alpha SL pack made with Aluula Graflyte. Photo: Arc’teryx
Googling ‘Arc’teryx Alpha SL Pack’ comes up with results of a lidded, shock cord zig-zagged pack, maybe the anorak jacket of a few years ago, and a few links to a translucent white climbing pack with a super minimal and futuristic appearance. This is the Alpha SL we are here to discuss. The big story with this pack, and the topic of our is the Aluula Graflyte fabric it’s constructed from. I don’t use the word revolutionary lightly. But, Aluula has kicked off a potential revolution in the pack-making world with its combination of woven UHMWPE (think Dyneema) face fabric with a weldable PE (polyethylene) film that allows for welded seams and features, recycling due to the mono-material construction (without coatings or adhesives), and pretty awesome overall performance.
As a pack maker, it is interesting and impressive to inspect the construction techniques and styles used on the new pack, which, on the surface, aren’t that different from the long-standing Alpha FL series of climbing packs. Aside from the brilliant white color, the most notable change from the Alpha FL to the new SL is the weight; you’ll save about 250g going to the SL compared to the FL 30L. Beyond that, the SL includes and is set up for compression straps that wrap the sides and front of the pack and allow for ski or other gear carrying externally.
The Alpha SL includes dedicated compression straps—yup, they are removable.
Front view of Alpha SL, all items attached. Photo: Arc’teryx
The Alpha SL back view, all items attached. Photo: Arc’teryx
Back view of the Alpha SL with all straps & waist belt removed. Photo: Arc’teryx
Is the Alpha SL a ski pack? Probably no more than the FL, which is to say that it isn’t a great daily driver, but it has certainly been used to good effect on big ski descents around the world. The Alpha SL is essentially a tube with shoulder straps—similar to an excellent Cacio e Pepe. When the dish is this simple, the details are critical.
Perhaps the biggest complaint over the years for the Alpha FL was the marginal ice tool carry—the lack of a pick sleeve made ice tools swing and bang around a bit more than is ideal, combined with a single bungee cord encompassing both the external lashing and ice tool upper/lower affixations. It was a bit too minimal for many. On the new pack, we have a pick sleeve, no zig-zagging bungee, and separate upper loops for handles.
The pick sleeve on the Alpha SL.
Shown here are an external “essentials” pocket, and a small bungee to secure the axe shaft. (The Alpha SL accommodates two axes.)
Another complaint addressed with the new pack was the lack of dedicated compression straps to carry things like skis, sleeping pads, pickets, etc. The new Alpha SL includes compression straps for these purposes, and they are removable for a sleeker, lighter package when not needed as well. The only other significant design change is the removal of the roll-top closure/extension collar featured on the Alpha FL. The new pack has a cinch-only closure with a simple flap to provide some coverage for the inevitable hole left at the top. This new top closure system will be less weather-resistant and allow for less expansion/overpacking capacity.
The Alpha SL pack top wide open. Photo: Arc’teryx
The top opening of the Alpha SL fully cinched. Photo: Arc’teryx
The Alpha SL cinched up with the top flap secured. Photo: Arc’teryx
A peek inside the Graflyte tube. In the deep dive review, we’ll discuss how the pack was manufactured.
The back of the Alpha SL features a rigid, thermoformed back panel.
Basic Specs
Materials: ALUULA Graflyte™️
Weight (unconfirmed): 428g, 316g without waistbelt or compression straps
Size: 30L
I like some more features personally (for ski packs) but the new fabric seems pretty cool
Hey Mason, Totally agree – the lack of organization for avalanche gear is a bit tough to swallow for most skiing. Consider this a step in the direction of some summer gear coverage for us, in addition to showing off a pretty cool new fabric.
I’d like to see the Arc’teryx Micon Litric capacitor airbag system built out with the engineering/fabric in this pack system. That would truly be worth a premium.
Exactly!
Airbag systems add weight. So, it would make sense to me, to start with a very light fabric and minimalist design as the “base bag”.
Millet had an Alpride E1 airbag that used some kind of dyneema fabric and minimalist design that was pretty light at the time. The current E2 version is not the lightest anymore though.
Looks interesting. My favorite ski mountaineering pack is a Speed 30, this looks similar, though a little more pared down, and quite a bit lighter.
I’d love to hear how it carries. I’m also quite partial to a brain on a pack like this. Would be nice if that was an option.