Ortovox Haute Route 30 S Overview
The Haute Route backpack is a classic Ortovox design with thoughtful features for a long day in the backcountry, but the 30 S goes a bit further with its specialized features compiled for the benefit of smaller folks. Designed to fit and distribute weight perfectly with load-control cords and the ergonomic and stabilizing back system, the Ortovox Haute Route 30 S makes schlepping a fully loaded pack into the alpine a cinch. Pun intended. The specially designed shortened back system was made with smaller people in mind.
As one of those, it seemed only appropriate to be the one to test and review this pint-sized specialist.
Ortovox Haute Route 30 S Gear Test
Aspen, Colorado – where I happen to be based – experienced a unique mid winter snowpack in 2022. We had a very dry January and February, with relatively cold temps, which allowed for some steep skiing typically viewed as off limits with our traditional faceted layers combined with storm slab. Avalanche conditions dropped to “low” in February, so a group of us decided it was a good time to ski Five Fingers off Aspen Highlands Ridge. So I packed up the Ortovox Haute Route 30 S, placing my beacon shovel in probe in the designated outer pocket, and slithered my BCA radio cord through the hydration system slit. I threw in a warm puffy layer, various snacks, and helmet in the main compartment. I’m vexed to say I noticed the integrated helmet net after the adventure was over. My bad!
This sidecountry day adventure featured a lift ride to the top of Loge, followed by a 782-foot skin to the 12,392-foot summit of Highland Bowl. The Haute Route 30 S was great on the skin-up. The weight was distributed much higher up on my back then I’m used to, which allowed me to climb much faster on the steep “Heart Attack/Heartbreak Hill” section. From the colorful prayer flag-bedecked summit, we skirted under the boundary line rope and began a moderately technical downhill climb to a 1-hour ridge-line walk. I had secured my skis in the side ski fasteners (which can accommodate up to 150mm). The skis also sat up nice and high, which was a welcomed experience. With other backpacks, I’ll often kick the tails of my skis as I walk, which is just not ideal for balance and moving quickly through variable terrain.
As we approached our descent point, known as the “Pinky”, windy gusts began to whip around us. We quickly transitioned, and I found the shallow center pocket to be a boon for switching gear out. The shallowness prevented gloves/goggles/skins from slipping deeper into the pack and slowing down the process.
Finally, it was time to ski. Turns out the ridge walking was the fun part with 3,000 vertical feet of sun-baked wind crust awaiting us below. Still, a great day was made more successful by a high-functioning, thoughtful backpack.