ProView – Ortovox Men’s Trad 30 Dry

During the last few years, single and multi-pitch trad climbing has become a largely growing passion of mine, and using the Ortovox Trad 30 Dry pack during my honeymoon to Joshua Tree and Red Rock was very exciting. The terrain was rough and dry, so creativity was required when testing the water-resistant qualities of the pack. The trip exceeded my expectations and allowed for a thorough look into every feature of the Ortovox Trad 30 Dry climbing backpack.

As I was packing for my trip, I grew increasingly excited about putting the durability and overall function of this pack to the test. We decided to search for some lesser climbed routes, or “paths less traveled”, to create a more challenging atmosphere where we would have to deal with difficult terrain. Multiple approaches required 4th class scrambles and often lowering, hauling, or tossing the pack around. 

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When I returned to South Carolina from my trip, I took advantage of the humidity to test the water-resistant qualities as thoroughly as possible. After climbing a few multi-pitch routes at Looking Glass Mountain in North Carolina, I left the pack outside at night to see if the humidity and dew would seep into the bag after the abuse from different kinds of rock. A few days later, I also left the pack out in the yard during a very heavy rain storm. To my surprise, everything stayed dry inside, even after being covered in south-east dew for multiple days, and staying out overnight in a storm. If there was more consistent rainfall, or the pack was submerged for some reason, the few tears/abrasions on the pack may cause issues with “waterproof-ness”.

Performance

Considering the comfort of the pack, I never had problems carrying a lot of heavy gear during a long approach or wearing it during longer routes. In a perfect world, I would like to see more padding in the hip belt, but for an “essentials” pack, it is quite comfortable. 

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Features

The straps and closure systems were handy and easy to use. I was pleased with how tightly the rope could cinch down for hikes and climbs. However, I would have preferred for the top and bottom side straps to detach so there would be no loops of rope swinging around and getting caught in branches or on rocks. I was a big fan of how the helmet net detached, and the ability for me to add gear to the net like a water bottle or snacks. I was impressed with the “valuables pocket” and safety card inside the pack, but I did find it difficult to open the zipper pocket when I had the pack fully loaded. I wish I had the opportunity to take the pack into an alpine environment and use the ax/tool attachments at the bottom of the pack. They appear well made and I am excited to use them when the conditions arise. 

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When we traveled, I was able to roll the pack up surprisingly small to stow in my larger check bag. The lightweight construction of the pack saved me when my checked bag was exactly 1 pound under the weight limit. One feature I was hoping for is a detachable water bottle pouch. I have used other packs with this feature and I have found it very useful. 

Function and Durability

Overall, I was impressed with the functionality of the backpack. It had nearly every feature I could ask for and I didn’t have any problems while climbing with the pack. In regards to durability, there was something left to be desired. After my 11 day trip out west and my short time using the pack in the southeast, multiple durability issues came to the surface. There were tears that started to show on the base of the pack after just a few days, and the connection point for the rope straps on the sides of the pack were tearing and leaving two large holes in the side of the pack. I was worried that they were going to completely tear off by the end of my trip. Granted, I am not one to use my gear with soft hands, but I did not feel like the durability lived up to Ortovox’s claims of “particularly robust and tear and scuff-resistant”. However, this pack is described as “streamlined down to the essentials”, so it’s lightweight and functionality are favored over its durability. 

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Friendliness to the Earth

I am very impressed with Ortovox’s sustainability practices. They have a wonderful section on their website explaining their determination to protect “sheep, people, the mountains, you, using innovation, and regional uniqueness.” I am particularly impressed with their goal to manufacture at least 60% of their product volume in Europe. They have many more sections about the foundations, people, and communities they support. I would highly recommend reading through their values and sustainability pages. 

Final Word

I loved the compact design of the Ortovox Trad 30 Dry that allowed me to carry a second rope and a pack full of gear while climbing, and barely notice it was there. I was very thankful for the helmet net and the extra gear it allowed me to pack in. The pack has some room for improvement in the durability and features department, but I am impressed with the originality of the design. Overall, I enjoyed testing this pack during my trip, and it definitely added some excitement to my already growing passion. 

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