CAMP Rapid 260 Pack Review

Some C.A.M.P. products incorporate their weight in grams into the name, such as Nano 23 carabiners, the Race 290 crampon, and the Alp 95 harness. The CAMP Rapid 260 pack follows this pattern, weighing in at 260 grams, or a scant nine ounces. As is often the case with C.A.M.P. products, this is the lightest ski racing (compliant with International Ski Mountaineering Federation regulations) backpack currently available. I was surprised when I put it on the scale though – from the production line, it weighs 290 grams. That’s because it comes with some extras which can be removed or left in place as needed.

260 grams, just like the name 'Rapid 260' implies.

Removable features include the Truck Bull, a thin, slightly elasticated length of webbing that allows a stronger partner to tow their companion during races. It’s 7 and a half feet long, if you’re curious. When not in use, it tucks away into a discrete interior pouch. In lengthy endurance races such as the Power of Four, in which teammates assist one another until the finish line, the Truck Bull is a handy feature.

The Rapid 260 splayed out, with the Truck Bull partner towing system on display.

The other removable feature – also designed with a partner in mind – is a secondary Dyneema ski carry system that allows a stronger partner to carry the tired partner’s skis in addition to their own. With these features removed, the pack slims down to its stated 260 gram weight.

So, a nine ounce ski pack? It’s obviously designed with racing and fast travel in mind. Everything about it is fast and functional, and it’s meant for carrying only the bare essentials. The ripstop nylon is coated in some sections, reinforced in other sections. It’s not as flimsy as you might expect for such a featherweight sack. However, it’s not as burly as many thicker nylon bags are, so it’s important for the user to pay attention when sharp objects (think crampons) are placed inside.

To keep the weight down, the shoulder straps and even sections of the main compartment (only those that press against one’s back, largely keeping snow out) are comprised of mesh reinforced with nylon webbing at the edges. This keeps the shoulder area breathable, preventing sweat buildup as usually occurs beneath thicker shoulder straps. The straps also include a ‘gear pocket’ each, which basically holds two gels.

Shoulder strap gear pocket? The only gear I'll be fitting in these pockets will be gels. 2 per side. Also visible are the mesh shoulder straps, mesh of the main pack body, and the business end of the Wire Xpress ski carry system (the yellow loop immediately above the gels)..

At 20 liters in size, it’s not a huge pack. But it works for all day ski ventures if one is creative. My standard sized 9 x 10 shovel blade fits inside, although just barely. (Because the interior is divided into two sections with a swath of nylon, large objects have little room inside this pack.) Need a helmet? You’re probably going to need to wear it or attach it to the outside if a shovel and spare coat are inside the pack.

It’s valid to question why wearing a superlight backpack would make any sense if it won’t comfortably hold each piece of gear you anticipate bringing along for a day. The answer is simple: the nearly non-existent pack weight is heaven. Plus, its diminutive size demands that the user think through their gear and eliminate anything unnecessary to a day’s outing. This is a core aspect of the mentality required to go light(er), fast(er), and far(ther).

Besides the weight savings, the CAMP Rapid 260 pack includes another time saving measure. Camp’s Wire Xpress allows the wearer to remove skis from their feet and attach them to the pack without removing it. This saves an incredible amount of time at each booting transition. I’ve found the Wire Xpress simple to use – simply drop the ski tails through the loops on the left side, swing the tips over to the right side, wrap the supplied cord around the skis, and affix it to the latch on the shoulder strap. Easy. To remove the skis, reverse the process. It’s laughable how much time this saves over the old process of removing a pack, taking skis out of an A-frame configuration, re-attaching the pack, and re-buckling the sternum and waist buckles. I figure it saves nearly a minute and a half per transition. With two transitions per booter lap, the Wire Xpress can save substantial time on a 10 lap day.

Also included in this ultra lightweight backpack is an easily accessible storage pocket that is held closed with Velcro. Simply reach around and pull down on the sewn loop to access whatever you’ve put in there. While CAMP calls it a crampon pocket, many days don’t require crampons. But every day requires fluids; I’ve been keeping mine in there and loving the easy access. I also put my skins inside, keeping them off my chest, which contributes to my personal comfort. (On days that require crampons, I’ll put them in the crampon pocket and put my skins in the skin pocket on my coat.) Just be sure the Velcro is securely closed before skiing, or you might lose your stuff. Fortunately, with a solid ‘frame’ around the Velcro, it closes securely and remains so.

The lower crampon carrying compartment is visible (the flap is open). I carry fluids in mine much of the time, when crampons aren't required.

For those used to a padded waist belt, this pack will open your eyes. The entirety of the ‘belt’ is thin webbing. I haven’t found it to decrease comfort or add chafe even on full days of skiing.

Cons of a featherweight pack? Here’s what I came up with:

The small size is limiting on colder days which might require packing bulkier clothing to stay warm. It’s probably not going to hold all the spare layers plus all the other gear you want to bring along if it’s 0° F out there and you’re headed out for an entire day.

Maybe not a con, but something to be aware of: the interior nylon compartment divider is sewn in such a way that a narrow sleeve is created on one side (ostensibly for a probe pole?). However, small objects such as gels fall down there, mysteriously decreasing the calories you thought you brought along for the day. If stuff goes missing, this is the place to look. That, or you left your Velcro compartment open.

Since backpacks trap sweat and largely prevent it from evaporating, they also tend to absorb quite a bit of it. Comprised of nylon and select sections of polyester, this pack retains odors in a big way. Already having logged a good number of solid days out with this pack, it smells! Fortunately, it will wash by hand in a sink just fine since it’s so small. I’m not inclined to test out its durability against a washing machine since I’ve never machine washed a pack. If you do, let me know how it goes.

The Rapid 260 at the end of a long day. It's got a nice low profile.

CAMP literature states that there is an easy release system for the chest strap. Either mine didn’t come with this feature, or it’s too hard to figure out. Despite extensive searching, I’ve found no way to release my chest strap except for squeezing the buckle. (There’s a sewn tab behind the buckle with two holes through it that is probably supposed to contain a pull cord of some sort. Mine didn’t.)

Takeaway:

For the racers out there, this pack will combine with your training efforts to help create results on race day. The Wire Xpress system saves valuable time when transitioning to booting, the weight of the pack is silly (it weighs the same as a small Panasonic Lumix point and shoot camera), and it’s packed with features that defy the imagination. Every crucial load bearing aspect has been reinforced (there’s even a lightweight, flexible ‘frame’ on the outer edges that helps the pack retain its shape).

The Wire Xpress ski carry system is simple, fast, and effective. Additionally, it places the ski tails out of the way while booting. No more heel-into-ski-tail episodes when you're trying to ascend a steep couloir in deep snow.

For the non-racers interested in saving weight, these characteristics also apply. I think calling this pack burly might be going too far, but ‘highly functional’ is spot on. The Rapid 260 pack is an impressive piece of lightweight gear by CAMP.