It’s no secret that we’ve got a lot of time for UK-based company Alpkit. With the Ibex 50+10 backpack proving yet again that their people know how to deliver quality products at a price that won’t leave you destitute, it would seem like our love affair with this brand shows no sign of dying a death anytime soon.

The Ibex is wonderfully simple in a way that so many outdoor products aren’t. With a 50-litre plus 10-litre structure, this lightweight alpine climbing sack has been designed to swallow up your ropes, helmet, harness, camping equipment, additional clothing layers and various other bits and bobs in the most no fuss approach imaginable. Room for all your stuff in a lightweight bag that’s easy to use, what more could you possibly want?

“Room for all your stuff in a lightweight bag that’s easy to use, what more could you want?”

The main Ibex compartment is constructed from VX21, a technical fabric commonly used as sail cloth which has excellent strength-to-weight properties. This section of the bag can be extended for extra capacity and cinched closed with drawcords – FYI, the drawcord sleeve is reinforced for added durability. The base is made of 500D Cordura which provides an effective balance of abrasion resistance and weight.

Everywhere you look on the pack you can see thoughtful add-ons delivered in a simple, user-friendly, way that anyone can appreciate. Take the stabilising straps, for example, or the well-placed hydration port; not necessarily revolutionary additions to a backpack but done in a way that illustrates how getting the basics spot-on can elevate a product above any competition that might’ve become distracted by a superfluous gimmick.