With the Challenger 28, La Sportiva is entering a category previously unknown to the brand: technical backpacks. I took it with me for five days of touring, including trips to the Arête des Cosmiques and alpine climbing.
Chamonix, the alpine mecca and main destination for many alpinists during the high-altitude climbing season. The campsites are packed, and everywhere you look you see ropes, trad sets, ice axes, and crampons. Sport, trad, and multi-pitch routes await in the various climbing areas, and the Aiguille du Midi is one of the most popular starting points for many routes directly in high alpine terrain. Among the most famous classics are the Cosmique Ridge, the Trois Monts route on Mont Blanc, and the traverse of the Aiguille d'Entrèves. We opted for the first of these classics before venturing into the region's alpine multi-pitch routes. The Challenger proved to be an excellent companion, and we'd love to explain why.
Where should we go?
At 6:30 a.m., we're standing at the Midi cable car station. Chamonix is bathed in morning light, which alone justifies the early start. We arrive at the mountain station on one of the first cable cars. At this time of day, there are only a few tourists up here, but several climbing parties who will soon be dispersing on various routes. We start our ascent along the ridge towards the glacier. Here, we notice that the climbing seasons change. Despite our early start, the snow is slushy. The view is breathtaking. We gaze at the surrounding mountain ranges, including the Grandes Jorasses. Even the Matterhorn is visible in the distance. Now we continue across the glacier to the start of the Cosmique route. Brilliant sunshine and fantastic views. A perfect welcome to the French Alps.
Kitesurfing equipment finds its way into alpinism
The first thing you notice about the Challenger is the fabric. Challenge Sailcloth Ultra originates from sailing and kitesurfing, is made from recycled UHMWPE with high-tenacity polyester, and feels like something you'd expect to find on a boat rather than a backpack: thick and stiff. La Sportiva combines the heavier 400-weight version for the body and bottom with the lighter 200-weight version for the front and roll-top.
The first time I packed it, this was a little disconcerting. You can't just stuff the backpack full as casually as a soft nylon model; it requires some organization. But after two trips, it was clear: this isn't a disadvantage at all. The rigidity of the material ensures that the backpack retains its shape even when half empty and doesn't collapse into a sack. It stands upright when you set it down and doesn't warp.
Furthermore, it's surprisingly light for what it can withstand. After five days including rock, snow, and several rainy days, I find no significant wear and tear: no chafing, no open seams, no snagging zippers. It got wet several times, but this didn't affect either the pack or its contents.
Images above: The details of the Challenger 28. Modularity is key here. A plug-in system at the bottom, elastic at the top, and rope attachment via the straps. Below: Side access to the intermediate layer – the side zipper provides quick access to all compartments of the backpack.
A carrying system that impresses
The hip belt is really very comfortable to wear. Even with a noticeable weight in the backpack, the carrying comfort remains high, whereas other models in this weight class start to cause discomfort on the shoulders.
The thermoformed back panel has a removable stiffening insert. Without it, the backpack becomes noticeably softer and more flexible. After a brief trial, I reinstalled it: While the added stiffness makes the entire backpack considerably more rigid, it effectively transfers the load to the hip belt. For those who travel very light or want maximum freedom of movement, this option is a key feature of the backpack.
Fit: no problem for shorter people
I'm 1.60 m tall, have a short back and a slim build. The Challenger only comes in one back length. After hearing that, I hesitated for a moment, but was very pleasantly surprised.
The hip belt sits perfectly on my pelvis, not at my waist. The shoulder straps can be shortened sufficiently, and the chest strap is height-adjustable. The backpack sits securely without wobbling.
Modularity instead of feature list
What I really like about the Challenger 28 is its modularity. All external straps and elastic cords are removable. The ability to reduce the pack to the bare essentials for a quick route is a useful feature and makes the pack a strong all-rounder.
Specifically, the following has proven effective in practice:
- Ice tools: Two ice axes or picks fit inside, held in place by a plug-in system at the bottom and elastic straps at the top. Quick to assemble, sits rock-solid.
- Rope and helmet attachment: Both solutions are excellent. The helmet holder is attached via the daisy chain on the front – the same loop system to which the other straps are attached.
- Rolltop: For more packing volume, the roll-top closure can be clipped together at the top. If the backpack is a bit emptier, the buckles on the sides can be fastened, allowing more freedom of movement for the head. This is especially comfortable when wearing a helmet on a climbing wall.
- Two-part main subject: A drawstring divides the main compartment, and both compartments are accessible via water-repellent YKK zippers on the sides. In my mid-layer compartment, I kept gloves and a Buff during our alpine tour – readily accessible without having to unpack the entire backpack.
- Hip belt pocket: Perfect for energy bars or sunscreen.
- Ski and snowboard rack: I wasn't able to test it during the summer. However, I'm pleased that splitboarders were taken into consideration; I'll test it during the season.
Minor criticism:
The Challenger doesn't have a hydration system, neither a bladder sleeve nor a hose port. For a backpack explicitly marketed for ski touring, I consider this a real drawback. On a long ski tour, I don't want to have to take off my pack every time I want a drink. Why such a well-designed model would skimp on this feature is beyond me. While you can improvise and remove the back panel to store a 1.5L hydration bladder, you still have to thread the hose through the roll-top closure, which isn't ideal.
Who would benefit from the Challenger 28?
The Challenger 28 is a remarkably sophisticated debut. It carries better than most other touring backpacks I've worn, it's modular without being overloaded, it lives up to the material's promises, and it even fits me at 1.60 m tall with a short torso. The 28 liters are perfectly adequate for alpine tours, and I suspect the 32 liters of the rolled-top closure would also be sufficient for a multi-day ski tour. At €320, it's definitely at the top end when it comes to the price of an alpine backpack. It's significantly more expensive than the classic nylon models most of us use. Does the material justify the higher price? Partly. Ultra-thin fabrics are expensive to source, and the robustness this material offers at this weight is something classic nylons simply can't match. Those who use the backpack hard for five seasons will probably make a better investment. Those who only go on alpine tours twice a year can find a backpack that will do the job just as well for half the price.
A reliable companion even in alpine climbing.
We spent the remaining days on the other side of the valley. Climbing at the Col des Montets, where the rock was still cool, on the red granite of the Aiguilles Rouges, and on several multi-pitch routes in the Flégère. Here, too, the Challenger passed the ultimate test: it was packed a bit smaller, the ice axes were removed, but the straps remained. The ropes could be easily attached to the top, and the front pocket became the quick-access point for snacks at the belay station. Our conclusion: the Challenger is a reliable companion in the French Alps.
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Credits: All images: Lacrux