Overall Rating
- Comfort(4.5)
- Functionality(3.5)
- Stability(4.5)
- Weight(4)
Summary
A cross-over backpack between mountaineering and ski mountaineering, functional on the snow as well as on the wall. Compact but at the same time with all the space you need, robust and stable on your back. Apart from a few functional details that could be improved, it’s an excellent solution for those who travel on technical routes in winter, with skis, snowshoes or crampons.
Pros
- Load capacity
- Stability on the back
- Quality of materials
- Removable waist belt
Cons
- Pocket for the self-rescue kit could be improved
- Unstable helmet holder
The Arva ST 28 backpack is a versatile, lightweight and practical model, ideal for ski touring and mountaineering. Its load volume makes it perfect for day trips with large differences in altitude and long distances. The large main compartment allows you to carry everything you need, whether it’s clothing for the cold or equipment for demanding climbs. In addition, it is made from recycled materials, thus contributing to the protection of the environment.
Technical features of the Arva ST 28
- Weight: 1100 g
- Dimensions: height 55 cm, width 33 cm, depth 18 cm
- Volume: 28 L
- Ergonomic strap with 2 large pockets
- Possibility to carry two ice axes
- Possibility to carry skis frontally or diagonally
- Rope hook
- Daisy-chain material holder
- Possibility of storing a water bag and YKK AquaGuard zip closure
- Front compartment for avalanche rescue equipment
- AERO-FRAME backrest
- Construction in recycled PA66 material
- Link to the manufacturer
Test mode
I tested the Arva ST28 between December 2024 and February 2025 in various activities: ski mountaineering trips, including long ones, a challenging winter mountaineering outing and climbing. During these tests, I loaded my rucksack with numerous layers of clothing (fleece, gilet, jacket and shell) and technical equipment, including crampons, ice axe, helmet, harness and mountaineering hardware. The weather conditions varied, ranging from sunny days to sleet and strong winds.
Arva ST 28 on-site test
First impressions
As soon as you pick it up, you realise that the backpack is compact and well organised. The daisy chain and the double ice-axe holder make it suitable for mountaineering trips too, while the wide belt immediately conveys a feeling of stability and comfort. The Arva ST28 has a large main compartment, a front pocket with a zip for avalanche rescue equipment, two upper pockets, a small side pocket and two pockets on the belt. The materials appear to be robust and of excellent quality.
Access to the compartment and organisation of the material
The main compartment of the backpack is accessed through an upper opening and a full-length zip on the left side, which opens from the bottom up. This solution allows you to comfortably load the backpack from above and, at the same time, easily access the material or clothing placed at the bottom during the excursion.
Inside the upper opening there is a small mesh pocket, useful for storing keys and other small accessories. However, I was disappointed to see that there is no plastic hook to attach car keys or other objects, a detail that I would have really appreciated.
The main compartment, with a declared volume of 28 litres, is spacious and well organised. During a mountaineering trip, I was easily able to carry tools, crampons, a harness and the clothing necessary for tackling a mixed climb on a cold day. In addition, there is a velcro strip inside to attach a water bag if necessary.
Pockets
The Arva ST28 backpack has numerous pockets, making it very practical for organising equipment. I particularly appreciated the size of the pockets on the waist belt, where I was able to put my phone in one and snacks or energy bars in the other, allowing me to access them easily without having to take off the backpack.
The small zipped side pocket is ideal for storing your phone or small accessories; personally, I used it for my emergency kit. On the left shoulder strap there is a longitudinal pocket with a YKK AquaGuard® zip, designed to protect the water bag spout from the wind and reduce the risk of frostbite.
The two upper pockets with an external opening have different dimensions: the larger one is lined with a plush fabric, perfect for storing a ski mask without the risk of scratching it. Alternatively, its dimensions allow you to comfortably stow other material. I used the smaller pocket, located further forward, for my multitool, cable ties for repairs and ski straps.
The front pocket for the shovel and probe has a longitudinal opening. I found this solution less practical than that of other backpacks with a top opening, because when the backpack is full, it’s more difficult to quickly take out the shovel and retrieve the emergency equipment.
Functionality and accessories
The Arva ST28 backpack allows you to carry skis both gabled and diagonal, with both fastening systems solid and well structured. For diagonal transport, it is necessary to use the rope holder strap and hook it to a small loop located next to the left shoulder strap. The side straps not only secure the skis, but also allow you to transport a splitboard.
For mountaineering outings, the backpack offers all the accessories necessary for transporting equipment. In addition to the upper rope hook, there are two daisy-chain style equipment holders and a double ice-axe holder that ensures stability during the approach.
The removable helmet holder has a rather particular fastening system with three hooks: two lower hooks anchored to the daisy chains and one upper hook inserted in a special slot. This system has left me perplexed, as it gives the impression that the helmet could easily come off, even if so far this has never happened to me. In particular, when the backpack is not fully loaded, it is necessary to tighten the helmet holder straps a lot, increasing the risk of it coming off due to volume variations during a change of position, as often happens on mountaineering trips.
Comfort and stability of the Arva 28 ST backpack
The backpack is comfortable and well structured. The Aero-Frame back is of a suitable size, soft and offers good breathability. The shoulder straps are sufficiently padded and comfortable without being bulky. The height-adjustable fastening clip allows you to choose the ideal point at which to lock them on the chest, improving the adherence of the backpack.
This configuration, together with the wide and comfortable belt, ensures excellent stability in different situations and on various types of terrain. Furthermore, the belt did not create any space problems nor did it hinder access to mountaineering equipment when used with the harness. For those who wish to reduce the overall weight, it is also possible to remove it.
Robustness
The backpack is robust and made with quality materials. The outer fabric in recycled polyamide PA66 has proven to be resistant and water repellent. During mountaineering trips, I have dragged it along rock faces several times without finding any signs of wear on the outer lining.
As for water repellence, I haven’t had the chance to test it in the rain, but even though it was covered in wet snow for a long time, the contents inside always remained dry.
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Recommended for
The Arva ST28 backpack is a versatile model for ski touring and mountaineering in winter. I particularly appreciated its load capacity and the practical access to the main compartment, which allowed me to carry all the clothing and equipment necessary to tackle technical itineraries and manage numerous equipment changes.
It is the ideal companion for those looking for a compact backpack that is also roomy enough for day trips with significant changes in altitude, without compromising on comfort and stability. In addition, its wearability and easy access to the main compartment make it very functional in a variety of situations.
