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Gear Reviews

Berghaus Arête 45

Berghaus Arête 45 2008

£50.00

LFTO rating
Owners' rating

The Arête 45 is a wonderfully simple and functional rucksack, and at only 1045g it deserves to be high on the wants list of anyone heading to the hills. The sack has a simple padded back system, hipbelt and shoulder straps that allow you to throw it on your back and forget about it. The back is stiff enough to allow easier packing without fear of objects poking into your back. The profile of the sack is quite narrow, so it is ideal for scrambling. There is a main compartment with compression straps and wand pockets, which is all you really need for general hill-walking and scrambling. The lid is again equally simple as it has just a single-clasp buckle that is faster and easier to use, rather than twin buckles. There is a lid pocket, and that is about it. Better still it is only £50, which is amazing for what it offers. But other rucksacks have more airflow around the back and offer a more cushioned carry. Some may prefer a rucksack with more pockets than the single lid pocket you get here. Finally, the higher-priced sacks offer more features in general including adjustable back lengths if you need one.

Capacity 45 litres
Fabric Esdura 600 D RS/ Esdura 600 D/ Ardura 100 D
Features Fushoc 2 back system; top tensioning straps; wand pockets; compression straps; lid with single-clasp buckle closure; external lid pocket; twin ice axe/pole attachment points; hydration system-compatible
Weight 1045g
Made in China

Verdict
This sack is perfect for those who want to tackle hill and mountain walks plus some scrambles throughout the year, but others have more features. We rated it as ‘best value’ in our test.

Review by Graham Thompson
First published in Trail magazine October 2008

Users' Overall Rating (3 reviews)

Great for climbing/Scrambling

Jordanesq

Bristol

User's Overall Rating

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Performance
Build quality
Value for money

Fits close to the back and remains stable with a full load. No fancy compartments just a large sack. Many similar packs do not have side pockets which I find to be a nice usefull feature (mainly for drinks!) I got this at £24.99! so no complaints from me.

(Written by: Jordanesq)

10 January 2010 21:14
You get what you pay for!

Michaelx105

Edmonton, UK

User's Overall Rating

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Performance
Build quality
Value for money

I bought the Arete 45 and took it up to the Highlands a few weeks ago. I prefer packs that are quite minimalist with good practical features. The Arete is cheap and light and you can get it in black which is always good. However, it doesn't ventilate your back very well and it can't be adjusted to fit you're back, I needed to lengthen it as I'm tall and wasn't able too. Otherwise, build quality is good, I found it to be robust, quantity of pockets good and it was black. I'm now selling it on ebay having found a nice Vaude pack with better features.

(Written by: Michaelx105)

26 September 2009 03:58
Value for money

annie-blue

Worcester

User's Overall Rating

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Performance
Build quality
Value for money

When looking for a new rucksack for wild camping trips I was having difficulty finding one they were too big, too small or too expensive for my budget. The few that seamed suitable were uncomfortable when tried with some weights. However, when first putting on the Arete 45 it was instantly comfortable both over the shoulders and around the waist. The padding was neither too thick nor too thin. When using it over a long two-day walk it feels comfortable throughout and there was no rubbing or soreness. The sack is simple in that there is only one main compartment, and a pocket in the lid. This was just what I was looking for easy to get equipment in and out. The back system is good offering enough support and comfort without adding excess weight. The sack services my purposes superbly as I can just get all my camping stuff in for a two-day walk. The best bit is its price, at £50 you cannot go wrong, even my day sack cost more great value for money.

(Written by: annie-blue)

30 October 2008 15:23