Ortovox Peak 45 Review

May 6, 2017
Ortovox Peak 45
Ortovox_Peak_0.jpg
Ortovox_Peak_1
Ortovox_Peak_2
Ortovox_Peak_3
Ortovox_Peak_4
Ortovox Peak 45 Ortovox_Peak_0.jpg Ortovox_Peak_1 Ortovox_Peak_2 Ortovox_Peak_3 Ortovox_Peak_4
GEAR INSTITUTE RATINGS
91
Comfort/Fit
8
Ski/Snowboard Carry
9
Features
7
Ease of Use
9
Durability
8

The Good

  • Full side access zip from one shoulder to opposite hip
  • Adjustable lid height
  • Lightweight for its size

The Bad

  • Side access zipper runs underneath lid
  • Thinner material than its counterparts
  • No hydration hose sleeve
THE VERDICT

The Ortovox Peak 45 is spacious and highly functional while maintaining a minimalist feel without sacrificing much in the feature set. Yet, it is the second lightest pack in this test. The side access is compromised by being under the flap lid but it was otherwise perfect for snowy nights spent deep in the backcountry.

FULL REVIEW

Comfort/Fit 
The Peak 45’s rigid, sweat-wicking back panel and cushy hip straps provide plenty of comfort and support under a heavy load. The pack skied great and also has adequately padded shoulder straps.  

Ski/Snowboard Carry 
The Peak 45 is capable of both carry options. A-frame carry comes standard and the diagonal carry utilizes a thick tail loop and metal hook and attachment point up top that can double as a rope strap. It will also carry a snowboard. 

Features 
The most interesting feature of the Peak 45 is the side access zip, which runs from the right shoulder all the way around the bottom of the pack to the left hip. This allows for the entire pack to be folded open from the outside. One flaw is the top of the zipper runs underneath the lid, so it must be unclasped in order to open and close the side zip. A dedicated avy pocket, axe attachment, helmet carry, and hip belt pocket round out the feature set. Note that the Peak 45 lacks an insulated hydration sleeve. 

Ease of Use 
The Peak 45’s waist belt adjusts from the hips by pulling straps inwards towards the belly button, which made for an easy and secure adjustment method. The straps and zippers are straightforward and easy to use. 

Durability 
It’s clear the Peak 45 sacrifices on strap (particularly the A-frame carry straps), and fabric thickness to save on weight. However no specific issues were noted during testing.

WHERE TO BUY
MSRP
$189.00
ALSO AVAILABLE AT
$260.00
*Your purchase helps to support the work of Gear Institute.
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
USER REVIEWS

No reviews have been posted for this product.

post
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x