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Featuring quick and easy access to critical snow safety gear and more than enough room for the gear you need on technical ascents and multi-day hut trips, the Kresta 40 is ideal for both snowboarders and skiers alike. Safety matters most in the backcountry, so we developed a large J-zip access panel on the front of the pack with multiple, glove-friendly zipper pulls so you can get to your probe and shovel without wasting critical seconds. On long ascents deploy the stowable helmet carry when appropriate to stay cool, and if you get thirsty there’s an internal hydration sleeve and an insulated harness sleeve to keep your bite valve handy and ice-free. The Kresta 40 accommodates nearly every ski and snowboard carry option including; vertical, A-frame, diagonal and horizontal/vertical snowboard carry with smartly reinforced contact points to protect from sharp edges. Other winter specific features like a scratch-free fleece-lined goggle pocket round out one of the most capable, durable, and functional technical backcountry snow packs we have ever made. Technical ascents demand ice axes or tools, and two tool loops with bungee attachment provide secure attachment when they aren’t in use. Under the dual-compartment and removable top-lid you’ll find a rope compression strap for glacier travel and sharp ridgelines. Even when loaded with up to 40lbs the LightWire™ suspension, padded hipbelt and contoured shoulder straps provide a comfortable carry even when breaking trail toward distant peaks. When you set your pack down to transition or for a snack, zippered backpanel access keeps the snow out of your gear and provides easy access to gear no matter where you stuffed it in this dual-access top loading machine.
Extra-large front pocket with J-zip access for avalanche safety gear secure inside the pack. The large pockets accommodate large shovel blades, and the dual center sleeves secure extra-long probes and shovel handles.
DRY POCKET ACCESS
The main dry compartment keeps gear that needs to stay dry and warm separate from wet avy gear and skins. The dry compartment is also designed to be accessible with skis or board attached to the pack.
HELMET CARRY
Dual-position, deployable helmet net quickly and securely stows snow helmets for a cool and comfortable climb.
Features
Glove Friendly - Glove friendly zipper pulls and buckles allow for quick and easy use in adverse conditions
Panel Load Access - Extra-large front panel j-zip access to avalanche safety pocket with shovel handle and probe sleeves
Horizontal Backpanel Snowboard Carry - A reinforced hipbelt wing provides quick horizontal carry across the backpanel of the backpack
Hipbelt Pockets - Dual, articulated zippered hipbelt pockets for one hand use provide quick access to essentials
Backpanel Access - Dual zippered access to dry storage and hydration compartment
Rope Compression - An under-lid adjustable rope compression strap provides stable and easily accessible rope carry
FlapJacket™ Skirt Cover - The FlapJacket™ skirt cover is easily deployable and keeps pack contents contained even when the top pocket is removed
A-frame Ski Carry - Lower reinforced ski carry loops and upper side carry straps provide secure and comfortable A-frame ski carry
Top Lid - Dual compartment top lid features a goggle pocket and ample extra storage
Tuckaway Ice Tool Loops - Dual tool loops provide secure attachment on technical ascents and also tuckaway when not in use
Side Compression - Dual upper and lower side compression help keep the pack load stable and compressed
Carry Information
Fixed EVA Hipbelt
Single 25mm webbing ergoPull™ closure with padded hipwings
Zippered fabric hipbelt pockets
Thermoformed Contoured Backpanel
Snow shedding material to reduce ice/snow buildup
Contoured EVA Harness
Webbing attachment points and insulated hydration hose sleeve
I had the Osprey Kode 38 and the brain zipper busted. Didn't have time to get it repaired before the guiding season so I bought the Kresta 40, excited about the small frame size because the Kode was a bit too big for me. My general impression is that the pack fits great, holds a ton of gear, and is durable, but Osprey went a little overboard on features on this pack. I'm a bit disappointed in the new zippered avy gear access--I think the old drawstring approach was faster and less fool-proof. My 300mm probe BARELY fits, and I'm a bit worried I'm going to bust the zipper on that pocket one day. The compression strap buckles are weird to adjust, but will definitely not slip when your skis are attached to the pack. It's great that you can remove the brain, but there's no good way to tuck away the cover underneath when you are using it, and it gets in the way. It makes buckling up the top compression strap a pain. The extra padding is great for abrasion against rubbing points on your skis, but adds extra weight. Bottom line: great pack for long tours and carrying a bunch of gear, but I hope it gets refined a bit in the next model.
3-PinHead
Yellowstone
Excellent Pack
4
Purchased this pack in the fall and have used it for ski touring over the winter. Really like the top loading option (didn't need 40 L pack but only one in the Kresta series that allows for top loading). Find the helmet cover challenging to use in colder weather. Clips were hard to get around the small loops provided. Would strongly suggest the helmet cover be in a pocket on the main pack so if you leave the top lid behind to reduce weight you don't forget the helmet cover! Also secured to the pack then only need to clip 2 corners down for securing helmet in place. Loved the ability to carry additional gear when needed for glacier travel or colder weather as well as ease of shrinking the pack when didn't need the full 40 L capacity. Pack carries very well and is very comfortable. 3 metre probe just fits into the back pocket, could use another 1/2" height on the back access pocket so easier to get probe set in.
