Salomon Dust Devil 35
This is a super light, slimmed down climbing sack. Strikingly orange (also available in black), the Dust Devil benefits from almost all the features you would look for in a rucksack of this size and can be used for any of a multitude of climbing types.
Compression straps with a fixed webbing element on the side of the sack for attaching your skis to make it suitable for ski-mountaineering, and the waist belt is reasonably well padded to help support the extra weight this may involve.
The rope attachment system beneath the top lid is innovative and simple, allowing the main compartment to be accessed without detaching the rope.
The 'motion-fit' system means the shoulder straps move to a degree as your shoulders do, meaning (in theory) that you get a more comfortable sack, and that you are less constrained in your movements by your rucksack than you might be traditionally. Personally, whilst climbing I felt little difference in terms of my mobility beyond that I might expect from a comfy rucksack. However, I was pleased that there was no noticeable loss in load stability, which I had been concerned might be the trade off for this added movement. I did use the rucksack to go running with as well, and whilst the straps are probably too close together and a little stiff for the sack to be used for this properly, when fully loaded I really did notice the difference made by the movement of the straps, and was pleasantly surprised by the added comfort.
In general use the Airvent padding system works well, keeping you comfy and well ventilated.
The Dust Devil has two lid pockets (one external and one internal), and reinforced gear loops on the reverse of the sack, rather than more traditional daisy chains. The ubiquitous hydration bladder pouch is present on the rear-interior of the sack, to help maintain stability. Super-tough Dupont Cordura 1000D fabric reinforces key areas, and the reason the pack is generally so light is due to the excellent use of 420D ripstop for the main body.
I’d recommend the Dust Devil to anyone after a do-it-all climbing day-sack. 35 litres is just the right size for most day excursions, and some overnighters if you’re going light, and this sack is as fully-featured as I have tried, as well as being lighter than most, and very comfortable.
