The Alpkit Orion 45L is a streamlined, Alpine-style backpack designed for mountaineering, winter hillwalking, and scrambling. With a sub-1kg weight, reinforced fabrics, and technical features like ice axe retainers and rope storage, it’s built to carry heavy racks through Scottish winters and multi-day Alpine epics — without breaking your back or your budget.
Priced under £100, the Orion 45L punches above its weight in terms of durability, load stability, and mountain-specific features. This review breaks down its build quality, fit, usability, and performance across real-world terrain.
Specifications Overview
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Volume | 45 litres |
| Weight | 990g |
| Materials | 420D nylon 66 ripstop (main), 840D reinforced base |
| Waterproofing | PFC-free DWR coating |
| Frame | Stiffened back panel (no internal frame) |
| Hydration Compatibility | Internal sleeve + shoulder port (fits 3L bladder) |
| Ice Axe Carry | Dual aluminium toggles + central pick guard |
| Hip Belt | Hinged, clip-away design with gear loops |
| Price (RRP) | £79.99–£99.99 |
Design and Build Quality
The Orion 45L is a tall, slim Alpine-style pack, designed to keep loads close to your body for better balance and control on technical terrain. Key design elements include:
- Floating lid with dual zip pockets and rope strap
- Double drawcord collar for secure top closure
- Compression straps on both sides for load adjustment
- Stretch side pockets for flasks or poles
- Daisy chain webbing and haul loops for external gear
The pack uses high-denier ripstop nylon with reinforced base fabric, offering excellent abrasion resistance. The PFC-free DWR coating sheds light rain and snow, though the pack isn’t fully waterproof — dry bags or liners are recommended.
One design quirk: the ice axe toggles are threaded through metal grommets that pierce the main fabric, potentially allowing moisture ingress. It’s a minor flaw, but worth noting for winter use.
Fit and Harness System
The Orion 45L features a fixed 17″ back length, marketed as unisex. While it fits most average-height users well, taller individuals may find it short. The shoulder straps are wide and well-padded, offering good comfort under load.
Harness highlights:
- Load lifters and chest strap for stability
- Hip fins with gear loops — slim enough to clip away when climbing
- Moulded foam back panel with snow-shedding channels
There’s no internal frame — just a stiffened back panel — which keeps weight down but limits load transfer. The pack carries comfortably up to ~10kg, but heavier loads may feel less supported than framed alternatives.
Storage and Organisation
The Orion 45L is a top-loader only, with no secondary access to the main compartment. While this simplifies construction and reduces weight, it can be inconvenient when retrieving buried gear.
Storage breakdown:
- Main compartment: spacious, with hydration sleeve and exit port
- Lid pockets: inner and outer zip compartments with key clip
- Side pockets: stretch fabric fits 1L bottles or flasks
- Compression straps: double webbing with buckles for gear lash
- Front panel: daisy chain and elastic bungees for poles or axes
The pack lacks wand pockets or rear zips, but climbers and mountaineers often prefer minimal external storage to avoid snagging. For hillwalkers, the side pockets add welcome versatility.
Technical Features
Designed for mountain use, the Orion 45L includes:
- Ice axe retainers: aluminium toggles with elastic cords and pick guard
- Rope strap: under-lid compression for securing climbing rope
- Gear loops: on hip fins and shoulder straps for trad gear or ice screws
- Haul loops: reinforced for vertical movement or rope hauling
These features make the pack suitable for scrambling, winter climbing, and technical ascents, while remaining usable for general hillwalking.
Field Testing Highlights
Snowdonia and Scottish Highlands
- Carried crampons, rope, and winter layers comfortably
- Ice axe attachment secure and glove-friendly
- Shoulder straps and hip belt remained comfortable under load
Munro Bagging in February
- Lid pockets useful for gloves and goggles
- Hydration sleeve worked well with 2L bladder
- No snow buildup on back panel or straps
Fastpacking and Scrambling
- Slim profile kept pack stable on exposed ridges
- Compression straps helped cinch down lighter loads
- No bounce or sway during dynamic movement
Sustainability and Warranty
Alpkit’s sustainability credentials include:
- PFC-free DWR coating
- Durable materials for long product life
- Ethical supply chain with factory code of conduct
- Carbon neutral certification under PAS2060
- Alpine Bond warranty: 3-year coverage with repair, replace, or refund options
- Continuum Project: gear donation and recycling scheme
While the pack doesn’t use recycled fabrics, its longevity and repairability contribute to lower environmental impact.
Comparison Table: Orion 45L vs Similar Mountaineering Packs
| Pack Model | Volume | Weight | Frame Type | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpkit Orion 45L | 45L | 990g | Stiffened panel | £99.99 | Winter hillwalking, climbing |
| Rab Ascendor 45:50L | 45–50L | ~1.2kg | Internal frame | £149.99 | Technical mountaineering |
| Highlander Ben Nevis 52 | 52L | ~1.3kg | Internal frame | £125.00 | Scrambling + backpacking |
| Simond Alpinism 40 Evo | 40L | ~1.25kg | No frame | £90.00 | Alpine climbing |
The Orion 45L offers excellent value, especially for climbers and hillwalkers who want technical features without premium pricing.
Pros
- Lightweight and durable construction
- Technical features for climbing and winter use
- Comfortable harness with gear loops
- Hydration-compatible and well-organised lid storage
- Excellent value under £100
- Ethical production and repair support
Cons
- No secondary access to main compartment
- Fixed back length may not suit all users
- No women’s-specific version
- Limited load transfer for heavy gear
- Grommet holes may allow moisture ingress
Final Verdict
The Alpkit Orion 45L Mountaineering Backpack is a well-designed, budget-friendly pack that delivers real performance for winter hillwalking, scrambling, and technical climbing. It’s not the most feature-rich or load-supportive option — but for under £100, it’s hard to beat.
If you’re building a lightweight mountain kit or need a race-compliant winter pack, the Orion 45L deserves serious consideration. It’s a pack that works hard, carries well, and won’t let you down when the weather turns.
Rating: 9.2/10
Best For: Winter hillwalking, scrambling, Alpine climbing
Avoid If: You need framed support or side access for bulky gear
Take a look at the Alpkit Orion 45L Mountaineering Backpack on he Alpkit website here.
