REI Aconcagua Backpack: Owner Review

Tester Bio

Name:               Mike Saenz
Age:                  41
Gender:             Male
Height:              6'-1" (1.85 m)
Weight:             210 lbs (95 kg)
E-mail:              mikesaenz2000@yahoo.com
Basecamp:        Lake Elsinore, California
Date:                 6/9/04

I began backpacking when I was 11 years old when I first attended a summer camp. In these early years, I was limited to one trip per year when I returned to this camp each summer. When I entered High School, I joined The Backpacking Club, where I was able to add a couple more trips in addition to my summer camp visits. By then, I was a "Junior Counselor", introducing other, younger kids to backpacking. Once I reached the age of 16, with a drivers license in hand, I took every opportunity to get out on the trail with my friends. By the time I was 18, I was making it out almost every weekend!

Between age 25 and last year, marriage and young children put a stop to my backpacking trips. But now my oldest is a Boy Scout, and we've geared up to get back on the trail! We're on the trail at least once a month now, staying low in the winter and heading alpine after the thaws! I'm currently section hiking the PCT (Section "A" is a perfect winter trail). I'm usually found above Idyllwild in the San Jacinto Mountains in the summer as well as my old stomping grounds in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. I've climbed four of Colorado's 14'ers (Sneffels, Redcloud, Sunshine and Handies) in one week last August (`03). I simply LOVE backpacking!

I'm definitely a gear-head. Gone are the days where I had to shlepp army surplus. I've had a blast researching and buying my latest gear. I'm looking forward to sharing my opinions on what I've been using!

Product information

Manufacturer:              REI
Product name:             Aconcagua 5,500 cu in (90 L)
Manufacturer's URL:     www.rei.com
Year of manufacture:   2003

Listed weight:               5 lbs 12 oz (2.61 kg)
Verified weight:            5 lbs 13.9 oz (2.66 kg) on digital scale
Listed dimensions:        5,500 cu in (90 L). Also comes in a smaller 4,600 cu in (75 L) version.
MSRP:                           $99.83 US (reduced price as of June, 04)

Description

Classified by REI as an "Extended Trip" pack, The Aconcagua is a top-loaded, internal frame backpack. The Aconcagua is offered in two base volume sizes: 4,600 and 5,500 cu in (75 L and 90 L). The smaller advertises to fit a torso length of 17-19 inches (43.18 cm - 48.26 cm) and a waist/hip size of  30-48 inches (76.20 cm - 121.92 cm).
The larger version advertises to fit a torso length of 19-21 inches (48.26 cm - 53.34 cm) and a waist/hip size of 32-52 inches (81.28 cm - 132.08 cm). This report is based on the large version of the Aconcagua.
In lieu of a verified volume report, measurements of the pack were made while stuffed with pillows to the maximum extent of it's compression straps. The measurements of the Aconcagua are as follows:

Main Pack

Height = 37" (93.98 cm) (bottom of sleeping bag compartment to top of detachable lid).
Circumference at sleeping bag compartment = 54" (137.16 cm)
Circumference of main pack compartment = 45" (114.30 cm)
Circumference of detachable lid = 38" (96.52 cm)

Day Pack
Height (bottom to top) = 16" (40.64 cm)
Circumference at bottom = 32" (81.28 cm)
Circumference at top = 26" (66.04 cm)

The inner storm collar can be extended to add additional volume, though the lid does not adequately cover such an extension and provide the same weatherproofing. The inner storm collar extends an additional 11" (27.9 cm) against the back panel and 4" (10.1 cm) at the front draw cord.
The main pack fabric is a 420-denier ripstop "Dimension Polyant" nylon. The heavier bottom fabric is a 600-denier "Kodra" nylon.
The internal frame supports are a combination of two aluminum stays and a high density polyethylene (HDPE) sheet.
REI advertises the Aconcagua's overall dimensions as 36 in (91.4 cm) x 19 in (48.2 cm) x 18 in (45.7 cm) (small version) and 40 in (101.6 cm) x 20 in (50.8 cm) x 19 in (48.2 cm) (large version).

The Aconcagua's main compartment is divided from the sleeping bag compartment by a horizontal, zippered panel. This panel allows access to the gear packed at the bottom of the main compartment from the sleeping bag compartment, which has it's own front panel opening provided with a double acting zipper. There are two compartments in the detachable lid, one accessible from the outside with an easy overhead reach and pull of the single acting zipper. The other is on the underside of the lid, again with a single acting zipper. Inside this compartment is a key ring snap tab. Bottom side mesh pockets are kept shut tight by shock cord closures. All external zippers are "rain guard" type, water resistant treated flaps close off and protect the zipper from direct water intrusion.

The outstanding storage feature of the Acongacua is the detachable day pack. This pack includes a back panel sleeve for a hydration system (not included). This same sleeve stows away the shoulder and waist straps when attached to the main pack. The unpadded shoulder straps are approximately 1-1/2" (3.8 cm) wide at the shoulder. The waist belt is simply a 1" (2.5 cm) webbing strap with a compression buckle. A similar chest strap is provided. This day pack is secured to the main pack by a pair of top buckle snaps and two bottom straps that snap into the main pack's lowest compression straps. Each fastening strap is adjustable, allowing a tailored attachment and compression. Between the main pack and the daypack, REI provided a bungie rack. Additional gear can be secured into this rack and then sandwiched by the daypack. Ample strap lengths promise significant room to externally secure additional gear in this manner. The day pack also sports a 12" (30.4 cm) daisy chain for even more external gear attachments.

The frame support combination of double aluminum stays and HDPE sheet does a great job of transferring and centering significant weight onto the hip belt (I have packed up to 40 lbs (18.1 kg) into the pack) and keeps the pack's shape from slumping or shifting over long miles on the trail.

The suspension is limited in its size adjustment. This has been the most cited shortcoming of the Aconcagua. I have read in Backpacker Magazine's Gear Guide (2003) that this pack fits only a narrow range of torso lengths. The REI employee who helped fit the pack for me also mentioned this consideration while making the slight adjustments. Though the Aconcagua is offered in two sizes, those of shorter torso lengths, within the specified range, are limited to the lesser volume capacity of the smaller version. Conversely, those of the specified longer torso length range are relegated to the larger volume version. Careful consideration of what a prospective owner of an Aconcagua's needs and required versatility of a pack are important due to these limitations.

The shoulder straps are curved to fit the contours of the wearer's shoulders and chest. These straps are efficiently padded and wide enough to prevent biting. The sternum strap, though adjustable, is limited in its height adjustment range. "load lifter" straps, straps that attach the shoulder straps to the top of the frame support system, provide the fine tuning adjustment for varying load weights.

I bought my Aconcagua in August of `03. Since then, I've used it in Colorado climbing four "14'er" peaks; Sneffels, Redcloud, Sunshine and Handies. I've taken it on three trips into the San Jacinto mountains, once to the backside of San Gorgonio and through Section "A" of the PCT. I've taken the pack through snow flurries, hail, severe rain, and 100 degree (37.7 C) cloudless desert. My typical pack weight hovers around 34 lbs (15.4 kg) (without food or water). Throughout all my adventures since August, the Aconcagua has performed well, meeting all advertised claims as well as my own personal expectations.

On my most extended trip in Colorado, the pack easily handled my heaviest, 40 lb (18.1 kg) load, distributing the weight squarely onto my hips. With the six external and one internal compression straps cinched down tight, load shifting within the pack is virtually non-existent. The pack fits snuggly onto my upper torso, allowing greater balance and confidence during tricky stream crossing, scree slides and the occasional rock scramble.

During this trip, it rained every day, starting around 1pm and lasting for about two hours. While hiking in the rain, most of my gear stayed relatively dry. Recently, while hiking in a driving rain on the last 8 miles (12.8 km) of Segment "A" of the PCT, again my gear stayed relatively dry. The only casualty being a magazine I packed in the top lid compartment. Though REI advertises the Aconcagua to be water resistant, I'm currently looking for a lightweight pack cover.

Gear organization is facilitated by the Aconcagua's various pockets and compartments. REI has found a balance between not enough and too many pockets and compartments. Essential items which need to be accessed quickly, like water bottles, Cliff Bars, maps and raingear can be stowed someplace other than the main compartment. I store my sleeping bag, fleece jacket and rain shell in the sleeping bag compartment. Clothes, pad/chair, tent, stove/fuel, mess kit, camp booties and food is stored in the main compartment. Maps, permits and anything that needs to be reached for while hiking goes in the top lid compartment. Car keys and wallet goes in the inner lid compartment. A 16 oz (.47 L), small mouth Nalgene goes into one of the mesh pockets while Cliff bars, candy and, snacks go in the other mesh pocket. The generously padded hip belt has gear loops on either side to slip an ice axe, rope or other climbing gear.

My first trip out with the Aconcagua, I was packing about 32 lbs (14.5 kg). Outside of an annoying squeak in the suspension strap that was just behind my right ear, the pack was comfortable and the snug fit to my back provided a noticeable improvement in stability. The Aconcagua is described by REI as a technical pack. The design does add additional stability when climbing and scrambling, though I rarely encounter such situations. The close fit did have one drawback: my back sweated like a pig! The Aconcagua has "ribs" molded into the back panel, but these did little to keep my back dry.

As stated above, I've logged over 250 miles (402.3 km) with my Aconcagua. So far, the construction of the pack hasn't required a second thought. Seams are sturdy, zips are tough, fabric is bomb-proof and straps/daisy chains feel like they'd take much more tension than I'd ever require (see footnote below).

All in all, I'm very happy with my Aconcagua! The main compartment swallows all my gear with room to spare. I can get at the bottom stuff via a zip panel from the sleeping bag compartment! I can drop the top lid over sandals and trash bag, which will cover it all up, looking compact and orderly. Side compression straps cinch up to narrow down the pack on short trips, and expand out to take the expedition gear list. The suspension strap stopped squeaking after the second use without any adjustment made to it. And the detachable daypack holds my 10 essentials, ready for a quick day hike or exploration trip! All this in a rather handsome package (I've gotten over the Raging Red thing). If you're one of the "chosen few" that this pack fits well, then I highly recommend it!

The only complaints I have:

1)     The mesh pockets are just out of my reach, requiring a bit of a wrist contortion to get at my cliff bars. And the shock cord closures for these mesh pockets are difficult to loosen while performing this contortion.

2)     The chest strap could adjust a tad lower. I've got it slid down as low as it can go and I wish it would go down about an inch lower. If the hip belt needs to tighten up, the weight supported by the shoulder straps begin to chafe my armpits. This is simply an alarm telling me to snug up the belt. Happens at least once every hike about two hours into the trail.

3)     I can't imagine going out without the detachable day pack. This little feature is probably my favorite thing about this pack…BUT, the bungie rack is on the outside of the main back- between it and the daypack! Considering that EVERYTHING I have easily fits into the cavernous 5,500 cu in (90 L) main compartment, the bungie rack is superfluous. I guess it's there if I need it. And if I’m considering shaving grams, well, I wouldn't be strapping on this beast to myself in the first place! 

Footnote:
As of 6/4/04, I have torn a side panel of fabric adjacent to one of the top/side compression straps. This occurred as I was cinching down a larger than usual load. In my opinion, I simply pulled too hard on the strap than necessary. The seam held strong, the tear occurred immediately adjacent and parallel to the seam where the strap attaches to the side panel of the pack. The tension across the width of the strap pulled the fabric apart.

I returned the pack to REI and was offered three remedies: Repair, Replacement or Store Credit.

Again, REI’s customer service lived up to it’s stellar reputation. I opted for replacement. Since the Aconcagua is no longer being offered by REI, and none were available at the location I bought it at, a new one is being shipped, free of charge, to my home from a store that had some left in stock.