Arc’Teryx Acrux 40

I finally got the Arc’Teryx Acrux 40. They didn’t have the Acrux 50. They did have the Naos 45, 55 and 70. Both packs use similar construction. The Naos has a nifty kangaroo pocket, that is also weatherproof in front of the back. Also, the complete Naos line has an advanced molded hipbelt, which is absent from the Acrux. I’ve read that it can make the Naos pack swing side to side in an uncomfortable manner.

The Acrux 40 can be compression strapped down to almost nothing, which is really cool. It’s actually smaller strapped down than the Osprey Atmos 25 that I have. I’ve decided not to use it while I’m in Taiwan.

Why do you ask?

Well, I’ve compared my Atmos 25 and my Atmos 35. The Atmos 25 is the pack that I have on my back every day. I take it with me on the scooter and go all over the place. It’s a very comfortable pack and I no longer notice the weight. Surprisingly people always comment on how heavy it is, even though I only have a hardcover book, a moleskine notebook, pencil case, Nikon D200 and 18-200VR lens and some water bottles.

But I digress.

I’ve never used the Atmos 35 while I was on the scooter. I always used the 25. And it shows. I basically got these packs almost brand new from a guy who was getting rid of them. I paid 100$ for the Atmos 25, 35 and the GoLite Jam. That was a great deal. The colors of the 25 were pristine when it started out on my back last year. It has become extremely dirty. I’m thinking about scrubbing it down this weekend. I’m also thinking about giving my French bulldog Spike a bath, even though I finally gave him a little scrub shower last weekend.

It’s simply amazing the difference in color. I’ll take some pics and post them over the weekend before I clean it.

Scooter + Arc’Teryx Acrux 40 = No-no.

What do I love about the Acrux 40?

It’s basically a stripped down no-nonsense version of the Naos. It’s completely waterproof. It’s rugged construction and lifetime warranty.

Oh, and I decided to get the Titanium grey color. The Gold Rush goldenrod was just too much for me. I was lucky that they did have both colors to choose from.