1. Capacity and use

Your choice of backpack capacity depends mainly on the duration of your expeditions and the nature of your ascents. For day trips, a 20 to 30-liter rucksack may suffice, allowing you to carry the essentials: water, food, a change of clothes and small safety equipment. For multi-day expeditions, consider a bag between 40 and 70 liters. These larger bags should be able to store extra clothing, bivouac gear and food, as well as bulkier technical equipment such as ropes or ice axes.

It's also crucial to consider the type of mountaineering practiced. Ice-climbing packs, for example, are often equipped with special attachments for ice axes and crampons, while packs designed for fast, light ascents are often equipped with special attachments for ice axes and crampons, while packs designed for fast, light ascents are often equipped with special attachments for ice axes and crampons.s for speed climbing are generally more streamlined, with fewer compartments to reduce weight.

2. Comfort and fit

Comfort is paramount, especially in an alpine environment where every movement counts. A good mountaineering backpack should offer good back support, with balanced load distribution to avoid unnecessary strain on the back or shoulders. Look for models with a rigid but adjustable back panel, and ergonomic padded shoulder straps and hip belt. Adjustable back length and side compression straps allow further customization, adapting the bag to your body shape and the load carried.

Advanced suspension systems, such as those that allow the hip belt to move independently of the rest of the pack, can also significantly improve comfort, providing better balance and reducing fatigue on long approach walks or technical climbs.

3. Resistance and durability

In the extreme conditions of mountaineering, the durability of your backpack cannot be overlooked. Materials such as ripstop nylon and Dyneema are renowned for their abrasion resistance and light weight. Construction should also be taken into account: reinforced seams and industrial-grade zippers increase the bag's longevity.

It's also a good idea to check the bag's water resistance. Although most mountaineering bags are equipped with rain covers or are made from water-repellent materials, some models offer integrated waterproofing that makes them even more waterproof.models offer built-in waterproofing, which may prove indispensable in adverse weather conditions.

Other features to consider

• Access and compartmentalization: Multiple access points (top, bottom or side) facilitate organization and quick access to your equipment. Dedicated compartments can also help separate wet from dry gear, or technical equipment from the rest of your belongings.
• Hydration system compatibility: A dedicated hydration system compartment is essential for long climbs where every stop counts.
• External attachment points: Buckles and straps for attaching external equipment such as skis, ice axes or trekking poles are essential to free up space inside the bag and provide easy access to these tools.

In conclusion, choosing the right backpack for mountaineering means carefully evaluating every aspect of its design, capacity, comfort, durability and additional features. A well-chosen pack is an investment that will enrich your mountaineering experiences, allowing you to concentrate fully on the climb.