- Features
- Removable Lid with Zippered Pocket and Key Clip
- Storm Collar with Top Compression Strap
- Hydration Sleeve with Hanging Zippered Pocket
- Removable Waist Belt with Gear Loop and Biner Sleeves
- Duffle Style Zippered Access to Main Compartment
- Integrated Vertical Rope Carry System
- Silicone Touch End Points on Webbing
- Removable Dynamic Flex Suspension
- Water Resistant YKK Zippers - Water resistant
- Front Vertical Zip Pocket
- Dual Ice Axe Loops
- Lid and Front Lash Points
- Molded Back Panel
- Stretch Mesh Water Bottle Pockets - Stretch Mesh Bottle Pockets
- Specs
- Colors:
- Dark Coal/Black (1729)
- Red Ochre/Russet Orange (9459)
- Overall Weight:3 lbs 4.6 oz / 1492 g
- Volume:2750 cu in / 45 liters
- Main Material:210d 100% Nylon Nail Head
- Main Material:420d High Density Nylon
- Reinforcement Material:Double Layer 420d High Density Nylon
- Colors:
Drakon 45 Pack Reviewed by Fabrizio Zangrilli
Fabrizio Zangrilli, Marmot Athlete and Alpine Climber, reviews the Drakon 45 Pack. Learn more about Fabrizio at http://marmot.com/athletes/fabrizio-zangrilli.
The Drakon 45 is that rare breed of backpack that both climbs and hikes very well. With enough padding in the hips and the shoulders it carries like a dream on approaches to climbs and then does not hinder your movement when actually climbing. The duffle style zipper that opens the main compartment is great for getting a jacket or rain pant out quickly, but even better at hanging belays to access a waterbottle, stove or belay parka when the pack is hung form an anchor. As a cragging pack the zipper is awesome for ease of access to cams, nuts and all the other junk required to give your project a go.
The key to it’s ease when climbing is the freeflow shoulder straps, alowing the straps to adjust to the angle of your shoulders. Big, thin, wide or narrow shoulders, no problem, it will work for you. While guiding I am able to store an ice axe, and clip a couple of key pieces of gear to the waist belt for short-roping, When I am climbing I can fold them back and get them out of my way when necessary.
The Drakon 45 also has great side stretch mesh pockets that let me carry trekking poles, snow stakes, tent poles or water bottles easily. Working in the Khumbu region of Nepal 5 months a year I need to access permits frequently and thus love the zippered front pocket on the pack where I can also keep a map or guidebook.
If you are looking for a pack that will handle an overnight backpacking trip, a way to carry a full rack and rope to a remote crag or a mean alpine climbing pack, I wholeheartedly recommend the Drakon 45.
Reviews and comments
on 9/20/12.
I used for a trek in the zugspitze and it's great
on 11/28/12.
I shopped around for quite a while for a backpacking pack and came across the Marmot Drakon 45 pack. I own a sleeping bag and tent from Marmot, so I trust the brand. If you have extras that you need to get to fast, there are a lot of points to lash extras to the outside. The 45 liter size is perfect for weekends or overnights and can be tightened down with the compression straps. It holds all of my gear comfortably. I am very happy with my pack and would definitely recommend this. Some of the reasons I picked this pack: Front access zipper - makes it easy to get to things at the bottom without unpacking your whole bag. Expandable top - when you need a few extra liters of space. Top pocket - fast access to important small items like a first aid kit. Hydration sleeve pocket - I drink a ton of water. Compression straps EVERYWHERE - makes the pack as small as possible no matter what you put in it. Comfortable harness system - comfort is key because you will be wearing this for long periods of time Side pockets - for bottles of water, tent poles, etc. Downsides: The Drakon 45 is a little small for longer trips, but it helps keep me from bringing a lot of things I really don't need. I would really like a few more pockets or ways to organize.
Post new review or comment