I think it works best with no back pad and one side zipped. I use it open with a small foam pad for one-day ice climbing trips and that works well. I like the tool tubes and crampon straps. Fresno Concrete Pumping

Couldn't find anything wrong.

I have owned a Spectra Andinista for about 3 years. It's a great pack for mountaineering, the side zip compression system really works well. Super durable, holds two tools well, extremely light. The down sides: For winter mountaineering I wasn't thrilled to see a white pack with white or black webbing. I've since replaced some webbing with bright colors to enhance visibility. It also forces you to be efficient in packing, seems like my buddies with monster packs are bringing the kitchen sink, while I have to go as light as I can to fit everything. Finally, I'll echo others in that it's not the best for mega-loads (50 lbs +). But I wouldn't own another pack, it fits my style well.

Customer Service

Great, but I've never had a problem with quality.

Similar Products Used:

Lowe Alpine expedition packs.

I''ve used my Andinista ~5 years now. The workmanship and materials are great. The velcro and zip size reducing system really works. I rarely zip both sides because it''s just too flat to load that way. For day climbs from basecamp, I think it works best with no backpad and one side zipped. I use it open with a small foam pad for one day ice climbing trips and that works good. I like the tool tubes and crampon straps. I agree that using a T rest as a backpad is more comfortable than the foam for heavier loads. Unfortunately this pack does not carry well with much over 35 lb in it regardless of pad. It just gets to my shoulders and upper back after a few hours. I hoped this pack would do it all. But a pack with an actual frame may be better for the heavier loads. Another thing this pack does not do well is carrying skis. It''s too square and they clip the back of my legs. (Yeah, you can stick them way up high but it gets top heavy that way and starts hitting overhead branches.) Summary: expensive, well made pack limited to light loads by lack of frame, not the best pick for ski trips

Customer Service

Ordering was easy. No need for further service.

Similar Products Used:

Lowe Snowpeak 50, similar size MEC pack

The Wildthings Icesac past glory I own the 1996 Icesac and I have to say it is the most durable functional and comfortable frameless pack I ever ware. however few days ago, I had the chance the examine up and close the 1999 Icesac, and I was shocked to see such a drop in quality. The 1996 model: The fabric on mine very stiff waterproof 500 weights Cordura, with 1000 weight Cordura bottom extending to the half front of the pack. The draw cord is threaded through a tunnel that reinforced with a PVC outlet, The extension sleeve is half the size of the new model. The haul loop is raised and there is one more raised loop on the bottom of it (daisy chain fashion). The inside frame/bivy pad is housed in zippered pocket. The waist belt and the shoulders pads are molded dual properties close cell foam, that never flattened even after carrying 50lb with it, over many weeks. The Wildthings logo is embossed stitched to the front of the pack. All the pack stitching are taped over, doubled and bartacked in the high stress areas. 3 compression straps and two rope retainers straps one on each side. Weight 3.04lb The 1999 model: the fabric on the newer model is very supple and flimsy none waterproof 250 pack cloth, and 500 pack cloth bottom extending to the half front of the pack. the draw cord is threaded through brass grommets. the extension sleeve is twice the size if mine. the haul loop on the front is flat, smaller and no added little loop. the inside frame/bivy pad housing pocket is hooded no zipper. the waist belt and shoulders pads are regular closed cell pad that compressed over one trip. on the pack the logo is taped and sawn on all stitches are not doubled and reinforced. 2 compression straps no rope retainer Very flimsily made very different quality looking pack. Weight 2.14lb the 1999 pack condition: six holes on top of the pack from ware and rubbing of tools the pack is looking almost brand new had been used only once. the 1996 pack condition: extensive use over six years in rock, ice and alpine climbing. numerous hauling of the pack with rock gear, Ice tools, ice axes, ice screws, pitons, skis attached to it or in it, unlivable abuse and the pack looks almost bran new, with no holes and not even a sign of ware anywhere on the pack. conclusion: Wildthings use to make phenomenal packs that won the hard core climbers community and gave th

Customer Service

Very Good

Similar Products Used:

BD icepack, Granit gear alpine light, cold cold world

I don’t personally own the “Andinista” I own the “Ice Sack”, but I have borrowed it constantly (I should own one by now) from my friend. the packs are as rugged as it gets, build with completely utilitarian design every detail is been thought through and it’s as light as it could be. the pack has no frame so it not tailored to carry more then 40 lb. which force you to calculate very carefully what u absolutely need on the trail and will help you make the right decision about owning the lightest possible gear. my pack (Ice sack ) is about 3500 cui which make it perfect for a week long trips of climbing and Ice bashing. the thing I like the most about the Andinista is the affect that u can reduce it volume from 5000 to 3500 to 1500 via zippers. So, it long trips pack and week end pack and a summit pack all in one. about the Ice sack, the one thing I miss in it is a daisy chains, other then that the pack is the a pack that other should refers to about how to build a pack
This is a wonderful pack for people who know what they want and would like to enjoy the outdoors without the bells and whistles that others put on their packs
PS just a tip I use my ¾ ridge rest as my back padding in the pack

Customer Service

Never had any complaint

Similar Products Used:

Black diamond
cold cold world
lafuma