[Rugged Roamer]

Hey folks!

So, I recently got my hands (or should I say shoulders?) on the CAMP Rox Alpha Backpack, and boy, do I have some thoughts! First things first, if bags had personalities, this backpack would be your hyper-organized, slightly adventurous friend who never forgets a snack. You know the type.

After giving it a good run (or climb), here’s my take:

• Capacity: The Rox Alpha is like Mary Poppins’ bag for climbers. I managed to fit a 60m rope, my helmet, shoes, harness, and various widgets of the climbing assortment, and still had room for my lunch. It’s like a magic trick every time I pack it!
• Comfort: Those padded straps are like soft pillows for your shoulders. Even when loaded up like a mule, this backpack didn’t make me feel like I was carrying a yard sale on my back. Bonus points for the ventilated back panel – my spine appreciates staying cool out there.
• Durability: I’m convinced this thing could survive an encounter with a mountain goat. It handled scraping against rock surfaces and being carelessly tossed around the climbing gym like a champ. Though, it still hasn’t forgiven me for the time I dropped it in a mud puddle!
• Style: It’s got that sleek, “I know what I’m doing” aesthetic. Not that I always do, but hey, a little perceived competence never hurts, right?

However, I wish it had a couple more pockets for my endless collection of cliff bars (#snacklife) and maybe a dedicated spot for my water bottle. Seriously, where do other people store their giant bottles of motivation?

Overall, it’s been a great ride with the Rox Alpha, and I can’t wait to take it on more adventures. But what about you? Have any of you tried this backpack? I’d love to hear your experiences, the good, the bad, and the muddy! Share away!

(P.S. If you happen to know a genius hack for storing snacks – please do tell. My climbing partner would thank you every time they aren’t on the receiving end of a hangry belayer!)

[Author]

Posts