Review: Ortovox Peak Light 38 S

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In a nutshell

A bag that can get you through four seasons of technical alpine adventures.

Features

• Weight: 860-1250 g

• Stated volume: 38 L

• Notable Features

Get the Ortovox Peak Light 38 S

Intro

I spend a lot of time in the backcountry, where having gear and being able to access it quickly and efficiently is important. So, this winter I’ve been eagerly trying lots of different backpacks to figure out what works best for me. Designed for the alpine, Ortovox’s Peak Light 38 S is a good option for a variety of different big-mountain activities like skiing, climbing, and general mountaineering, and best of all, it honors female anatomy in its design!

Fit

Decoding the name of this pack tells us about its size and fit - a volume of 38 liters and a shorter back length, designated by the “S”. The shoulder straps and hip belt feature an updated design that has been adapted to account for female anatomy. Specifically, the shoulder straps are shorter and thinner and the hip fins are shorter and more conically formed.

At 5’4” and 110 lbs, I’m a short person. So, I really love the “S” fit of this pack. It feels like I can actually take advantage of the straps, distribute weight through the hip belt to get it off my shoulders, and not feel like the shoulder straps are bulky or overwhelming for my small frame. I’m also just stoked to see gear that is responding to the fact that there are so many different body shapes and sizes out there and pushing back against the “one size fits all” model for packs.

Features

I’d say this pack is on the minimal side when it comes to features, which I tend to like. I don’t love when packs are over-engineered with an overwhelming number of pockets and accessories. That being said, this pack does offer some important features relevant to backcountry skiers.

There are two strap options to accommodate both A-frame and diagonal ski carries (I prefer A-frame with this pack), designated probe and shovel handle slots inside the main compartment for safety equipment, the pack comes with a helmet net that can be attached, and two ice ax/ tool attachments on outside. These are all features that I look for in a winter pack because they support the gear and system needed when spending time in more technical, backcountry terrain.

Capacity

At 38 L, this pack really fits into that goldilocks zone of the perfect size for everyday use. It’s got enough volume that you can really fill it up with a rope, layers, snacks, and other gear for a bigger day out, but it also is relatively slim and doesn’t need to be full to capacity to do its job or feel comfortable on your back. I liked the versatility of being able to take it out for a mellow day tour while also using it for bigger objectives.

In Use

I found this pack to be really comfortable both on the skintrack and when actually skiing, and works well as an everyday pack in the warmer months, too. I like that it has the top pocket (i.e. brain), so things like goggles, snacks, car keys, and smaller items can be kept out of the main compartment and safe by being crushed by bigger stuff.

The main compartment offers ample space to hold layers, water, and your helmet (if you don’t want to put it on the outside). A front zipper that traces the length of the front of the pack and wraps around the bottom is a nice feature, too, allowing you to access the contents of the main compartment without undoing the top of the bag.

Given its simple design, I think the Ortovox Peak Light 38 S pack is a great option for a multi-season backpack. It has the basics that you need for ski touring but could just as easily work for a day of mountaineering or accommodate all your climbing gear in the summer or fall. In other words, it's a highly functional pack for those who love different types of alpine activities.

What compromises does the Ortovox Peak Like 38 S make?

One of my biggest complaints with this pack is that the designated space for avalanche safety tools is inside the main compartment. While there are loops to slide your beacon and shovel handle through to keep them organized, I generally prefer to have a separate compartment for avalanche safety tools to ensure they stay safe and protected while I’m touring, not to mention easier access if the worst happens.

If you’re accustomed to having a back panel zipper on your touring packs, that is another feature that the Ortovox Peak Light 38 S does not have. So, it can be a little trickier to access the inside of the main compartment when your skis are in an A-frame or diagonal mount (though you can often access the front zipper if you move your skis a bit).

Who is the Ortovox Peak Like 38 S for?

This is a great fit for the dedicated alpinist who wants a pack that can transition between different high-alpine activities and is uniquely designed with female anatomy in mind.

Get the Ortovox Peak Light 38 S