In addition to the newly introduced Khard packs, Arc’teryx has also introduced a larger Recce class pack called the Khyber. Offered in 50 l and 80 l sizes, they are available in standard LEAF colors of Crocodile and Urban Wolf Grey as well as MultiCam.
This image should give you a rather rudimentary size comparison for the two models.
Here, Arc’teryx designer Dan Green goes over the philosophy behind this great pack and its little brother the Khard. He says in the video that they started over from scratch and I can attest to the amount of development that went into these new packs. Not only did they put a lot into them but they also had the foresight to not put every feature they could think of into them.
2013 LEAF: KHARD PACK from ARC'TERYX on Vimeo.
These are very lightweight packs with the Khyber 50 weighing in at 1.8 kg / 63 oz and the Khyber 80 at 2.2 kg / 78 oz. This is thanks in part due to the C2 composite construction suspension system which is a simple, yet effective deign that is low on bulk and keeps the pack close to the wearer’s back. Like it’s smaller brother the Khard, this pack is at its core a mountaineering pack and it’s sleek design relies on internal and external lash tabs and daisy chains rather than PALS webbing to attach additional loads. The Khyber also integrates a removable top lid with hydration ports and external compression shelf.
Look for additional coverage of these and other new Arc’teryx LEAF products live from SHOT Show. Full details on the entire line of Arc’teryx LEAF packs is available at leaf.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Packs.
Tags: Arc'teryx LEAF
These look great! I would seriously consider the 50 if I hadn’t just picked up another Arc pack (Arrakis 65) last month.
I like these because they don’t scream “Military.”
Multicam doesn’t scream military? Eric confuses me.
And yet there are two OTHER colors. And there ISN’T PALS webbing all over the pack.
Yeah, who needs all that PALS webbing except military people who need to attach pouches. Oh….
I know, just pulling yer chain. Which size Khard do you think they show in the video?
I’m sorry, I didn’t see the sarcasm dripping from the monitor.
Looks like a 30
U Zip design on the 30 is very cool, but would have like to see more info on the 50 and 80L sized packs and what makes them unique from packs in similar sizes categories such as those offered by Granite Gear, Mystery Ranch, and Kifaru.
all of those packs have very different suspension systems, even if they were the same on paper (which I don’t believe they are) they would probably all feel very different on your back. all the research in the world doesn’t do as much as a walk around the block with the pack on.
I think these all look tad lighter from the specs.
interested; I have a bora 80 and it is HEAVY. like to see how they lightened it up. getting rid of all those giant zippers would be a good place to start (I dont’ see any on the 50 or 80)