The Khamski 38 is a ski touring backpack for all kinds of day tours, but thanks to its volume of 38 liters, it also offers enough space for really extended excursions or even light overnight luggage.
About the backpack
The Arc'teryx Khamski 38 immediately makes a well thought-out and robust impression, which together with the low weight promises a great backpack. But first a few words about the features of the backpack.
The Khamski 38 is a ski backpack in the typical "Guide size", i.e. with a capacity of around 30 liters, which can be expanded to around 40 liters. At the same time, thanks to the compression straps, the backpack can also be used with little content - even the lid compartment can be removed when it is not needed. The backpack is quite slim and sits very close to the back. Both are important features for distributing the weight in such a way that it interferes as little as possible when skiing. In addition to the large main compartment, which is also conveniently accessible via a side zipper, the Khamski 38 has an extra compartment for avalanche equipment, two compartments in the lid pocket and a small inner compartment. The latter is conveniently located right next to the side zipper. There is also a small hidden compartment at the bottom inside the backpack.
The top and front of the backpack are made from the particularly robust and waterproof AC² material, and the backpack has an elaborate, high-quality finish. Of course, it has all the features you would expect in this backpack category: side and diagonal ski holders, holders for two ice tools, hip and chest straps, a rope holder under the lid compartment and a solid carrying system with metal struts.
Despite the full range of features, the backpack remains very functional, almost minimalist. Arc'teryx has dispensed with unnecessary bells and whistles and also made sure to save weight, which has been a great success.
The Khamski 38 is available in three sizes: short, regular and tall. I am 183 cm tall and use regular, although the optimum size naturally depends on your individual anatomy.
Test report
The good impression is confirmed in the endurance test. The layout and size of the compartments is sensible and really practical (the only thing I'm still looking for is the purpose of the inner compartment at the bottom of the main compartment), the side zipper in particular is a sensible solution and allows quick access even to things that are at the very bottom of the backpack - without having to unpack the entire contents. I have to praise the compartment for avalanche equipment, which, unlike many other backpacks, is large enough to hold a long shovel handle with a D-handle and a large first aid kit. In addition to the emergency equipment, you can also fit skins, for example. The lid compartment is also just the right size, it doesn't get in the way when it's almost empty, but can still be stuffed with all the small items without overflowing.
In daily use, it is particularly remarkable what a large volume range the backpack covers. Unlike many backpacks of a similar size, it is even suitable for minimal day packs (avalanche equipment, food, drink and small items) as it can be easily compressed. The lid compartment can be removed to reduce the volume and weight even further.
At the same time, the backpack can also be used with complete ski touring equipment or even luggage for a multi-day tour with overnight stays in a hut. Even when fully packed, the Khamski 38 still carries quite well, although I find the hip belt a little undersized for really heavy loads. In order to be able to transfer the weight well to the hips, I have to adjust the hip belt so tightly that it rubs quite a lot due to the low padding, especially when I'm only wearing ski underwear and no additional fleece. This becomes uncomfortable in the long run, which is why I have to loosen the hip belt and carry a lot of weight with my shoulders again. On the other hand, the backpack is suitable for normal weight, such as that carried on longer ski tours (i.e. ski touring plus glacier equipment), and it is also noticeable here that you can easily get to everything without having to empty the entire backpack, even when it is completely full.
Despite the rather minimalist design of the backpack, it has numerous options for securely attaching all the necessary items such as ice tools, skis or ropes to the outside using the appropriate holders. The only thing missing is a special holder for the helmet. I like the holder for ice tools, as it makes it possible (with a little practice) to remove the tools blindly without taking off the backpack.
The backpack also scores points when skiing downhill: thanks to the narrow cut and close fit to the body, it disturbs as little as possible, which the developers at Arc'teryx have done really well! I have never had a backpack of this size that disturbed me so little on the descent. Due to the narrow cut of the backpack, it is particularly useful to pack the backpack well and place heavy items as far down as possible, especially if you have a lot of luggage.
Conclusion
A really good backpack for day trips of all kinds. You can take everything with you and stow or attach it in such a way that you can access it quickly. A fully-fledged but minimalist carrying system that really comes into its own on the descent. The backpack is also lightweight and robust. The only real fly in the ointment, in my opinion, is the somewhat too minimalist hip belt.
Advantages & disadvantages; Cons
+ Perfect size for day trips of all kinds, whether with little or a lot of equipment
+ Very compressible
+ Robust
+ Good division of compartments and pockets
+ Quick access possible through side zipper
+ Lightweight
+ Backpack sits very tight and stable on the back
- Hip belt a little undersized when backpack is heavily packed
- Buckles on lid compartment, chest strap, ski and rope holder very small (difficult to use with gloves and not too stable)
- expensive
- ski holder not reinforced
Details
- RRP € 230.-
- Particularly robust construction
- Fully taped seams for absolute waterproofness
- Rigid, pre-shaped back panel for structural support and high wearing comfort
- Kangaroo pocket, pocket in main compartment, internal security pocket with key fob and concealed pocket in the base of the rucksack
- Two carrying loops/handles make it easy to pull on and off at a fixed point
- Adjustable chest strap
- Padded, contoured shoulder straps
- Arc'teryx C² carrying system (composite construction)
- Laminated hip belt
- Removable aluminum struts
- Expandable drawcord area for additional capacity
- Large web straps for quick and easy access, even with gloves
- Top-loading lid compartment closes with two buckles
- Side access to the main compartment even when on the move
- Zippered slider handles with cord
- Full-length side zipper
- Detachable, lid compartment contains a zippered pocket
- Key fob in lid compartment
- Four compression straps - two on each side
- Two P'ax attachments for ice tools: Allow one-handed access
- Option to attach skis/splitboards sideways or diagonally
- The Khamski also comes in a slightly larger version (Khamski 48)
