Aiguille Alpine Stratus ReviewI have a number of specialised photo rucksacks from the American company F-Stop. As a way of transporting camera equipment when that is the prime intention they are unparalleled in my opinion. However when spending time in the high fells during winter, their ability to carry other necessary equipment leaves something to be desired. Under these circumstances I have tended to use a specialist hill sack and fit a modest amount of camera equipment in. Last year I took ownership of an Aiguille Alpine Stratus 37L rucksack and have been using it as my sack of choice since. If you are looking for a high spec, well made sack it is well worth looking at Aiguille, all made by Adrian Moore in Staveley, the Lake District. When weight is at a premium ( as today after a month lay off and much illness) I take the Fuji X-T2, 10-24mm and 55-200mm together with a set of Lee Seven5 filters, spare batteries, remote cable and tripod. This allowed the following items to be carried in the sack:
Spare hat
Spare gloves
Mitts
Buff
Rab insulated jacket
Overtrousers
Flask
Food
Sitmat
Map
Compass
GPS
Phone
Torch
Whistle
Ice Axe
Ice grips for boots
Tripod
Walking Poles
Padded camera insert (see inset photo) with camera 2x lenses, remote and batteries
Lee Seven5 filter set.
This left plenty of room in the bag and had conditions or route been different I might have added a warmer jacket, more food, emergency shelter (used for brew stops rather than emergencies so far...) ski goggles, crampons or more substantial tripod.The rucksack is superb, nothing added beyond what is needed and nothing necessary missing. I had a slightly longer back length created for me and this is probably the only rucksack I own that actually fits me. The carry is quite excellent and the quality of construction and materials are beyond criticism. This is a bag that hugs and moves with you - it becomes part of the body when moving over steep ground. I've owned many, many rucksacks since an original Alpiniste and this has quickly become my favourite mid size sack. If you are looking for a 35/40L sack, this should be on your list.Quoted weight 0.95kg Sample weight 1.02kg. This discrepancy results from the fact that my sack was made with a longer back length and thefore was slightly larger. This also means the capacity will be slightly greater than the quoted 37l.