Blue Ice Wadi 22 Pack

The Blue Ice Wadi 22 is everything I like in an alpine rock climbing pack. Tough, simple and uncomplicatedly functional.

The features are minimalist. A pack that is truly for rock climbing, needs to free from external “faff”such as compression straps and complicated waist belt systems and lids. It’s basically a glorified stuff sack with straps. Although this simplified description actually does the pack a disservice.

The Wadi 22 comes with optional single axe attachment (handy if you’re climbing rock with a glacier/snow/ice approach, plus the universal and removable Blue Ice helmet cover. There is single zip compartment on the side which takes a topo and snacks etc, although I found it a bit awkward for anything other than a small soft water bottle.

The waist belt is simple and removable. There is also a chest strap. Blue Ice say:

“Its carrying system offers an exceptional comfort thanks to the reinforced back panel and specially designed shoulder straps.”

The carrying comfort is excellent , considering how simple it is. The 22 litre version is big enough for me to carry everything I need for a day guiding/climbing multipitch rock routes on the Grand Cap or Midi S Face with helmet and rope on the outside. When rock climbing I always try to avoid wearing a pack as I feel like it really decreases the enjoyment, however the Wadi is the first pack that I actually started to not notice so much. I’m not sure how Blue Ice have done it, but it really is fantastic to climb with. It sits high enough so I can access my rack and chalk bag unhindered but low enough that head and shoulder movement aren’t impeded.

The 22l version (there is also a 15 and 32 version) easily houses my axe, crampons and mountain boots whilst climbing plus my food, drink, spare clothing and other safety essentials. It is also hydration system compatible.

The lid is a simple drawcord affair with grab handle/haul loops and can easily be overpacked on the approaches, but then is simple and low profile when actually climbing, with not even a hint of interfering with movement when looking up. There is also a lid compression/rope strap with 2kn rated integrated karabiner so you can attach the pack easily to the anchor when accessing it mid route. A small internal zip compartment houses small essential such as keys, snacks and headlamp.

To summarise – the Blue Ice Wadi 22l pack is the perfect multipitch alpine rock climbing pack – simple, tough, and carries like a dream.

Buy now and find out more at the Blue Ice Website

RRP €100

Kevin Avery is an IFMGA Mountain Guide based near Chamonix France. You can contact him for guiding at truenorthalpine@gmail.com and check his latest adventures on Instagram @truenorthalpine