Exped Core 35 Pack | Performance

In essence the Exped Core 35 is a bit of a throwback to a time when alpine packs were tough and simple creatures with minimal home comforts, but with everything you really need. It weighs just 830 grammes, but that’s not at the expense of toughness, though comfort does suffer a little.

It’s mostly made from a tough-feeling PU-backed Cordura Nylon, albeit with a more comfortable Polyester back-panel. There are minimal seams to keep water resistance high and the ‘back-system’ is a doubled over, closed cell foam minimalist bivi mat.

There’s no compression system, rope-stowage  strap or fancy helmet carrying gizmos, just a conventional top-loading format with pocketed lid, a pair of axe-loops and a non-padded removable waist belt. Everything’s simple and streamlined down to the corded, eyeleted closure cord. Nothing to drag or snag on the rock, nothing to fiddle or faff with.

What is there works pretty well to be fair. The simple, shock-corded axe-loops are glove friendly and snow resistant, the sternum strap slides for easy adjustment and shoulder-strap tails get their own Velcro strap to keep them neat and out of harm’s way.

And with light loads and thoughtful packing, it carries reasonably well too despite the basic back system. What we did find however, was that really loading it up with rope, rack and a bunch of spare kit and clothing overwhelmed it a little, so you’re best advised – like the Swiss guides who helped with development – to go light and fast.

The lack of compression straps doesn’t help here either, though it’s part of the pack’s ethos.  One neat tough is that the hydration sleeve can be toggled up when not in use to form a handy high-up additional internal pocket for sneaky snacks and the like.