Kohla Alpinist pro 32: test by The Pill

Backpack designed for high altitude all season mountaineering

What is demanded of a mountaineering backpack can basically be summed up in two words: functionality and compactness, and Kohla’s revamped Alpinist Pro has both thanks to its main compartment, which is capable of holding 32 liters and has another waterproof zippered compartment inside where keys and cell phone can be housed, as well as probe and shovel pockets and a side quick-access that makes it easy to find the items of most immediate need, such as the water bottle. There is another zippered compartment on the front, but also loading straps for extra weights and two ice axe holders; skis can be placed either parallel or diagonally. This model has also been upgraded with RECCO Advanced Rescue Technology, which facilitates search operations in the event of an avalanche. Fortunately, we did not have to test this special feature, but we guarantee that the extreme rationality of its compartments is essential to lighten a day spent pelleting. Not only that, having tested it under heavy snowfall, we were pleased with the backpack’s water resistance, made of 400 Dobby ripstop nylon and designed to absorb a water column of up to 10K. In terms of unloading on the back, the presence of the ergonomic contact back system is crucial, allowing for optimal balancing of the weight of the backpack while the 12 ergonomically shaped paddings fit perfectly to the curve of the back while not hindering freedom of movement.

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