Spectra Andinista and G14 crampons

[Davis]

I edited this post for enthusiasm.

 

I received my modified spectra Wild Things Andinista pack and took it on its maiden voyage last weekend. I had the torso length customized as well as the shoulder straps and waistbelt in order to better suit my freakish figure. Here are my impressions:

 

They have modified it since my last version to incorporate a water bladder.

It carries much nicer now that it fits.

The spectra is very slick—and sheds snow easily (just don’t loose it in the snow).

 

Everything else is as an Andinista should be…except lighter.

 

Likes:

You can remove tools without removing the pack.

Crampons are easily accessible

Removable lid with multiple pockets

Extendable bivy sleeve and adjustable carrying volume

Stiff, clippable haul points and gear loops

Integral bivy pad

Shoulder straps far enough apart not to pinch neck

 

Dislikes:

Price

Not a fan of the hip belt

No color (spectra can’t be dyed)

Took many months to get (but worth it, IMHO)

 

Some don’t like the suspension, but I like it. It moves with the body, unlike stiff suspensions and imitates being part of the body better, both for climbing and skiing. I suppose my shoulders don’t mind the weight from time to time, because this is my third one and it never bothered me before even with too long a torso size.

 

As for the G14's, I like the antibot plates--they have a bubble that when you step down compresses and when you stand up, it pushes out the snow. I am probably late to the game on this one, but new to me (my old Rambo's were about a decade old).

 

thanks for playing...

Edited January 18, 2006 by Davis