Perfect Pack For An Advanced Climb

Australian adventurer Claire Mackay recently summited Aconcagua, the 6,962-metre giant located in Argentina in South America. Amongst her Mountain Designs gear was the Pioneer 60L Technical hiking pack, which proved to be up to the task of climbing the highest mountain outside of the Himalayan ranges.

Pioneer 60L Technical Hiking Pack

The Pioneer 60L is a one-stop-shop if you're looking for the perfect pack for more advanced hiking or expeditions. I chose the 60L option as I prefer to keep my gear as bulk-free as possible. For starters, the lightweight material is a huge bonus, especially for multi-day use. It's a comfortable pack with lumbar and shoulder cushioning and load adjusters. Its large inner compartment can be easily accessed through the clip-in hood, as well as a bottom zip for retrieving lower packed items. There are ample multifunctional pockets, which are perfect for quick access and the storage of smaller items.

Some of the Pioneer features I liked included the super supportive harness, the multiple pockets for storage (left), and the spacious internal compartment that is easily accessible from both the clip-in hood (right) and bottom zip. (Image courtesy of Claire Mackay)

I found this pack incredibly durable and comfortable, especially when carried for many hours at a time. The meshing back panel was great for breathability and the many adjustable clip-in straps meant I could easily carry equipment like my sleeping mat and mountaineering boots. Plus, it's easy to clean!

The best thing about this pack is that it's compressible and easily transported, making it great for any traveller! Highly recommended.

The Pioneer proved to be as rugged as the Aconcagua landscape we trekked. (Image courtesy of Pema Chinyam)

Photo Credits

Images supplied by:

Claire Mackay

• Instagram @clairelouise.mackay

Pema Chinyam

• Instagram @pema.travels