Blue Ice Warthog is made by a Chamonix valley based company producing niche climbing, mountaineering and skiing products specifically for instructors, Guides and Alpinists.
I used the Blue Ice Warthog 40L for two months of Scottish winter while working for Jagged Globe and I’m using it now as my everyday work and crag sack.
It fits my criteria for a perfect all-round mountain and climbing sack. It’s nice and simple with one main compartment and a lid with three zipped pockets, compression straps and some elastic ice axe attachments. One of lid pockets contains a key clip and another holds a stretchy helmet holder which allows a helmet to be carried on the top of the lid. The lid is held down by a metal hook which loops through an attachment on the front of the sack. The removable waist belt is unpadded therefore keeping a low profile while climbing and is easily removed or clipped around the base of the sack.
There are some clever design features. The webbing where the bottom of the shoulder straps meets the the bottom of the sack is stitched together to produce a place to rack gear. Also the sternum straps are attached to the shoulder straps via larks feet which makes the straps very durable. There are two gear loops inside and at the top of the main compartment. There is an internal sleeve for a water bladder or whatever you might choose, I keep a BMC Mountain Map in it.
However, for me the most important attribute of any rucksack is how its carries and feels on the back. The Warthog carries very well and for climbing is excellent with a slim profile allowing full movement of arms and head without any interference.
In conclusion the Blue Ice Warthog 40L is a durable, lightweight and well designed sack and is a excellent addition to the range of rucksacks available to Climbers, Alpinists and Mountaineers.
Alex Ekins
Blue Ice Warthog 40L
For more information on gear and equipment have a read of Alex’s blog on Equipment & Clothing for Scottish Winter Walking & Mountaineering
Beyond the Edge Ltd is based in Sheffield two hours by train from London and within easy travelling distance from Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham and other Northern towns and cities.
We are one of the UKs most experienced providers of climbing, walking, scrambling, mountaineering and navigation training courses.
Most of our courses are run in the nearby Peak District National Park which has some of the finest climbing, bouldering, walking and hiking in the world.
