The Peak 35 from Ortovox is a versatile and robust high-altitude backpack. Because all contact surfaces are lined with Swisswool wool fleece, it scores points in terms of wearing comfort and heat regulation. We took a closer look at this all-rounder for alpinists on a high-altitude tour on the Mönch.
The high-altitude backpack peak 35 is literally a wolf in sheep's clothing. As usual from Ortovox, it is simple and tidy, and is still equipped with all the necessary features for mountaineering and ski touring. Its highlight - the back as well as the shoulder and hip straps made of Swisswool wool fleece - is not recognizable at first glance. However, this characteristic of the Peak 35 comes into play at the latest when you start moving with it on your back.
Wanted touchpoints
It's just after 16 p.m. The Jungfrau Railway has just spit us out at Europe's highest station. While wintry temperatures prevail in the Sphinx Gallery, the sun beats down mercilessly on the idyllic mountain landscape. Together with dozens of tourists, we stomp towards the Mönchsjochhütte in heavy mush.
Only a thin T-shirt separates the Peak 35 from the skin on this summer's day. A first way to get to grips with the carrying system of this mountaineering backpack: On the one hand, there is the back section, which is reinforced with metal braces, which prevents objects inside the backpack from causing uncomfortable pressure points, for example.
And then there are the padded shoulder and hip straps, which distribute the load comfortably. The wool fleece, which covers all contact points between the backpack and the body, feels very comfortable and yet robust enough.
Many functions, simple design
During the short ascent to the hut, dark clouds gather. The announced worsening of the weather begins. Luckily only temporarily, as we will find out after a short night. In the hut we get rid of all items that we will not necessarily need on the tour to the monk and pack our backpacks for the upcoming tour.
Padded shoulder and hip straps lined with fleece maximize comfort. Padded shoulder and hip straps lined with fleece maximize comfort. Thanks to the all-round zip, the contents of the backpack are quickly accessible. The helmet can be attached to the helmet net or under the lid compartment. The crampon compartment on the side is particularly robust. The fastening straps can be shortened with Velcro.
The Ortovox Peak 35 has a whole range of clever attachment options for ropes, ice axes, helmets, skis or snowboards. We particularly like the all-round zip, as the contents in the main compartment can be reached quickly from above or below.
Anyone who likes order will enjoy this multifunctional high-altitude backpack. The division with main compartment, separate security compartment (e.g. for avalanche equipment) and spacious lid compartment is clear and functional. Details such as the fastening straps, which can be shortened with Velcro, complete the simple design.
With the Peak 35 at 4107 meters above sea level.
It's still dark when we peel ourselves out of our sleeping bags and enjoy the breakfast buffet. At the entrance to the southwest ridge, dawn is already announcing the wonderful day. The firm snow and the prospect of enjoyable ridge climbing fuel our anticipation.
After a short initial length on the rock, we mount the crampons, as from now on rock and firn passages alternate. A few express carabiners and smaller friends dangle from the Peak 35's gear loop. We make good progress and are greeted by the morning sun just before the last snow couloir, the gateway to the top part of the north-west face.
The view from the Firn Schneide could not be more spectacular. The fact that we have the summit to ourselves this morning is the icing on the cake of this wonderful tour. Further down on the normal route, where the wind blows less strongly, we settle down for our snack and get food and drink from our backpacks.
The conclusion
With the Peak 35 by Ortovox you are well prepared for mountaineering and ski tours. The combination of high wearing comfort, well thought-out features and robust materials make it a versatile backpack for alpinists that you will enjoy for a long time.
The Peak 35 is available in 35, 45 and 55 liter versions as well as in the corresponding shorter S versions with 32, 42 and 52 liters. The mountaineering backpack is available in a total of 13 different color variants. Depending on the size, the weight is between 1430 and 1630 grams.
Peak 35: An overview of the most important functions
- Swisswool 3D back system
- Circumferential zip
- Separate security compartment
- Card compartment
- Hüfttasche
- A-Skifix (classic)
- D-Skifix (diagonal)
- Holder for safety equipment
- Snowboard and snowshoe holder
- 2 ice ax holders
- stick attachment
- Rope fixation
- crampon bag
- loops
- Helmet net
- Hydration system preparation
- Bottle holder inside