The Khamski 38 - An all-purpose backpack from Arc'teryx that can be used for long alpine tours with a lot of luggage thanks to its size, but also makes no compromises as a daypack.
First impression
With a volume of 38 liters, the Khamski falls into the "guide backpack" category. It is primarily intended for alpine activities with average to heavy luggage. However, in order to be able to use the backpack optimally on a day tour or a day in the ski area, it has well thought-out compression straps. These tie the backpack together and, in conjunction with the removable lid compartment, create a small, compact backpack. The materials, workmanship and design also make a good first impression.
Details
The backpack is divided into a large main compartment and a slightly smaller emergency equipment compartment. A side zipper allows easy access to the main compartment. The removable lid has two small gear loops and a zipper on top. This is a big advantage compared to other backpacks. Small items such as muesli bars, keys, cell phone, etc. can be stowed away without having to pick them up from the ground when you first open the compartment. With many other backpacks, the zipper in the lid compartment is installed on the side or back and when the backpack is upright, the contents fall out when opened.
In the emergency equipment compartment, there are attachment straps for a probe and a shovel shaft. These make a solid impression. Due to its size, it is also no problem to stow a 40cm long, folded probe and the wet skins after the ascent. There is a small hole at the bottom of the compartment from which moisture can drain away.
The carrier system is rather minimalist, but quite functional. The straps can be easily adjusted in length and additional gear loops are attached to the hip belt. The Khamski is made from two different materials: A hard-wearing nylon composite in the main compartment area and a urethane-coated N400r-AC² material. This promises maximum abrasion resistance and reliable protection against moisture. Both materials cut a good figure in the practical test.
Practical test
The good first impression of the backpack was confirmed in practical use. The compression of the backpack is really well thought out and thanks to the narrow but relatively long cut of the backpack, it sits comfortably close to the body and hardly disturbs even on more aggressive descents. The ski/ice axe and snowboard holders work as they should and attach the corresponding equipment reliably and firmly to the backpack. Perhaps the straps for the A-shaped ski attachment could have been made of a slightly stronger material. Here, the sharp ski edges lie directly against the straps.
However, even after several extended tours, the backpack shows no significant signs of wear and tear and the inside has always remained reliably dry.
The individual compartments of the Khamski have also been very well thought out. The zipper on the side allows easy access to the main compartment, saving you the hassle of "digging" around the contents.
A hydration bladder holder is also built in, but in my opinion there is no exit slot for the tube. This means you have to feed the tube through the lid compartment or the side zipper, which works in itself, but could be solved better.
The main compartment also has a small hidden compartment for small valuables such as car keys. The emergency equipment compartment can be opened wide and, thanks to its size, also allows you to store a first aid kit and, if necessary, ski touring skins after the ascent.
The removable lid is also functional.
When the backpack is really full and heavily loaded (e.g. ski touring equipment or overnight luggage for a multi-day ski/high-altitude tour), it continues to shine with its narrow and long cut, which keeps the center of gravity comfortably close to the body. The shoulder/chest and hip straps work well together and heavy loads can be carried comfortably on the hips thanks to the adjustable straps.
The Khamski is also impressive on the descent. Even on smaller jumps, aggressive turns or falls, the backpack stays comfortably close to the body.
Conclusion
Arc'teryx has succeeded in developing a functional, robust and yet relatively lightweight backpack with the new Khamski. It deliberately dispenses with "unnecessary" bells and whistles and thanks to its excellent compressibility it is also ideal as a day tour backpack. The carrying systems work well, the backpack sits close and firmly on the body and the compartment layout is also well thought out and passes the practical test. In my opinion, the only small drawbacks are the rather poorly reinforced straps of the ski attachment and possibly the lack of an exit slot for the hydration bladder. Apart from that, you can't go wrong with the Arc'teryx Khamski if you're looking for an all-round backpack for alpine use.
Advantages & disadvantages; Cons
+ Perfect size for day tours of all kinds, whether with little or a lot of luggage
+ 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
- rather expensive at 230€ RRP
- lack of reinforcement of the ski holder
- exit slot for the hydration bladder missing
Product details
Robust
Fully taped seams for absolute waterproofness
Rigid, pre-shaped back panel provides structural support and ensures high wearing comfort on the back
Kangaroo pocket
Pocket in the main compartment
Internal security pocket with key fob
Front pocket for clear and easily accessible storage of shovel, probe, tools and sheaths; damp items do not come into contact with the main compartment
Special internal snow research pocket
Two carrying loops/handles make it easy to pull on and off at a fixed point
Carrying system type
Adjustable chest strap
Padded, contoured shoulder straps
Arc'teryx C² carrying system (composite construction)
Removable aluminum struts
Lightly padded, wing-shaped waist belt
Backpack loading and closure system
Expandable drawcord section for extra capacity
Large webbing flaps for quick and easy access even with gloves
Zippered slider handles with cord
Full-length side zipper
Side access to the main compartment even on the go
Top-loading lid compartment closes with two buckles for secure storage of backpack contents
Detachable, lid compartment contains a zippered pocket
Key fob in lid compartment
Four compression straps - two on each side
Option to attach skis/splitboards sideways or diagonally
Two P'ax attachments for ice tools: allow one-handed access to tools.
Here goes's to the manufacturer's website with more information, here you can buy the Khamski from our partner store Bergzeit.de.
This product was provided to PG free of charge by the manufacturer for testing.
