La Sportiva Challenger 28 Backpack

When the weather turns, the route gets spicier, or the gear starts piling up, the Challenger 28 is the pack you want on your back. Built from sail-grade Ultra 400 and Ultra 200 fabrics, it’s insanely durable, water-resistant to over 200 PSI, and tough enough to drag through rock, snow, and ice season after season.

The design is clean, compact, and made to move—whether you’re linking up alpine ridges, racking up for a mixed line, or chasing a summit on skis. The rolltop expands from 28 to 32 liters, and internal compartments keep layers, gear, and snacks in check. Side-access YKK® zippers, ski carry options, removable ice axe loops, and a helmet holder let you dial it for the day.

The Challenger 28 is built to disappear on your back until the moment you need it—and in that moment, it delivers.

Features:

• Constructed with Challenge Sailcloth Ultra 400/200 for exceptional tear resistance and durability. Challenge Sailcloth RUV backing film is 97% UV resistant and has a 5X lifespan with sun exposure versus standard films
• 28L volume, expandable to 32l with roll-top closure system
• Dual-compartment main body with internal drawstring divider and (2) side-access YKK® zippers
• 1 internal zip pocket
• Removable thermoformed back panel with structured support system
• Modular external carry system supports rope, helmet, ice tools, and skis (A-frame or diagonal)
• Ergonomic harness with adjustable shoulder straps, sternum strap (with whistle), and double-d waistbelt with removable hip pads
• PFAS-FREE C0 DWR finish for sustainable, weather-resistant performance

Specs:

WEIGHT: 780g (Minimum Weight), 1,200g (Fully Equipped) | 27.5oz - 42.3oz
SIZES: M/L
VOLUME: 28L - 32L
FABRIC: Hybrid Challenge Sailcloth Ultra 400x (Bottom & Body) & Ultra 200x (Front Pantel & Roll-Top)
FABRIC COMPOSITION: 100% Recycled UHMWPE PE with High Tenacity Polyester, 100% Recycled .75mil Challenge™ RUV film backing
DENIER: 400 (Ultra 400x) ; 200 (Ultra 200x)
FABRIC WEIGHT (oz/yd): ~6.0 (Ultra 400x) / 3.5 (Ultra 200x)
TEAR STRENGTH: 187.7lb warp / 161.1lb fill (Ultra 400x); 103.1lb warp / 133.2lb fill (Ultra 200x)(ASTM D2261)
ABRAISION RESISTANCE: 8,800 cycles and 2.1% weight loss; 4,400 cycles and 3.9% weight loss (ASTM D3884)
WATERPROOFING: 200+ PSI (13.8+ bar)
STRUCTURE: Semi-rigid, stable under load
DIMENSIONS: 19” l x 19” w x 9” h (23” l extended)
CIRCUMFERENCE: 33” Back-panel length: 16.5” Hip width: 8”
WAIST BELT SIZE: 48” (max) Sternum Strap size: 15” (max)

We provide free shipping on all orders over $150 CAD, with some exceptions for oversized and overweight items. We ship to all provinces and territories using UPS, FedEx, Canpar, or Canada Post and provide you with a tracking number.

At this time, shipping to the U.S. is suspended until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience.

• Orders under $150 + items on sale: Flat rate of $20.00
• Orders over $150: Free shipping within Canada (exceptions apply for oversized and overweight items)

Returns are accepted on regular-priced items within 10 business days, provided they are unused and in original condition with tags and packaging. Sale items and climbing/safety gear are final sale. Customers must contact the store for a return authorization (RA#) and are responsible for return shipping. Refunds are issued to the original payment method. Warranty claims for defective items can be directed to the store for manufacturer processing.

How do you ship?
We provide free shipping on all orders over $150 CAD, with some exceptions for oversized and overweight items. We ship to all provinces and territories using UPS, FedEx, Canpar, or Canada Post and provide you with a tracking number.

At this time, shipping to the U.S. is suspended until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience.

• Orders under $150 + items on sale: Flat rate of $20.00
• Orders over $150: Free shipping within Canada (exceptions apply for oversized and overweight items)

Do you ship internationally?
We can. If you live outside Canada or the United-States of America, you can send us an email with the item you would like buy and your full address and we can get a quote from different courriers. Once we have an idea of the shipping cost, we will confirm with you the amount and then, we can proceed with phone order.