La Sportiva Challenger 28 Backpack

Versatility by Design
This lightweight, modular pack blends extreme durability and weatherproof protection with all-season versatility. Engineered for everything from multi-pitch rock routes to high-altitude ski mountaineering, its design is defined by its adaptability.

The pack features removable girth-hitched ski straps, ice tool retainers, rope carry points, and compression cords. This allows users to strip the pack down to suit the specific demands of the mission, shaving significant weight from its standard 1200g build. In its most stripped-back form, the Challenger 28 weighs a mere 590g—perfect for "light and fast" objectives.

“At La Sportiva, we build gear to solve problems in the mountains. These new packs and travel tools are designed to go farther, last longer, and adapt to the constantly changing demands of alpine terrain. It’s gear that keeps up with the way modern athletes move.”
    — Jonathan Lantz, President of La Sportiva North America

Intelligent Storage & Access
The Challenger 28 utilizes a roll-top design, which allows the volume to expand from 28L to 32L while providing easy access to the main compartment. For quicker entry, a secondary waterproof side zipper allows you to reach gear without unrolling the top.

Inside, a nylon shroud separates the interior into two distinct compartments. This creates a dedicated home for avalanche safety tools—shovel, probe, and snow saw—or serves as a reinforced sleeve to isolate crampons from the rest of your kit.

Elite Materials and Construction
To withstand the rigours of the alpine environment, the pack is constructed from Ultra400X and Ultra200X fabrics. These advanced UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) composites are significantly lighter and more abrasion-resistant than traditional nylon. While the fabric itself is fully waterproof (rated to 200 PSI), the pack’s construction is highly water-resistant; it will easily repel heavy rain and snow, though it is not intended for full submersion.

You can attach skis in either an A-frame or diagonal configuration using the integrated side compression and lower straps. Thanks to the rugged Ultra 400/200 sailcloth, you won’t have to worry about sharp ski edges damaging the pack while in transit. Additionally, the exterior features dedicated attachments to securely carry two ice axes or a pair of trekking poles.

To support heavier loads and maintain its silhouette, the Challenger 28 features a thermoformed plastic back panel with a removable aluminum stay. For those seeking maximum versatility, you can remove the aluminum insert to increase the pack's flexibility, or remove the plastic back panel to shed weight and allow the pack to be compressed into its smallest form—perfect for use as a minimalist summit pack on multi-day alpine expeditions.

Hybrid Challenge Sailcloth with Ultra 400x on the bottom and body of the pack and Ultra 200x on the front panel and roll-top
100% Recycled UHMWPE PE with High Tenacity Polyester, 100% Recycled .75mil Challenge™ RUV film backing
Ultra 400x - 400 Denier with 187.7lb warp / 161.1lb fill tear strength
Ultra 200x - 200 Denier, with 103.1lb warp / 133.2lb fill tear strength
PFAS-FREE C0 DWR finish for sustainable, weather-resistant performance

• Engineered for 4-season alpine use across climbing, ski mountaineering and mixed objectives
• Constructed with fully recycled Challenge Sailcloth Ultra 400X (bottom and body) and Ultra 200X (front panel and roll-top)
• Ultra X construction blends recycled UHMWPE with high-tenacity polyester for exceptional strength-to-weight performance
• Cross-ply X-grid reinforcement increases tear resistance and structural integrity
• PFAS-free C0 durable water repellent (DWR) finish for sustainable, weather-resistant performance
• 200+ PSI waterproof fabric construction for reliable weather protection
• Backing film is 97% UV-resistant with 5x longer lifespan versus standard films
• Fully recycled UHMWPE primary fabric platform for reduced environmental impact
• Semirigid structured support system for stable load carry under technical conditions
• Ergonomic shoulder straps designed for comfort under technical loads
• Adjustable sternum strap with integrated safety whistle
• Double-adjust waistbelt for precise, secure fit
• Removable hip pads for streamlined alpine configurations
• Removable thermoformed back panel allows structure customization and weight savings
• Expandable roll-top closure increases volume from 28 L to 32 L
• Dual-compartment main body with internal drawstring divider for gear organization
• Dual side-access YKK® zippers for fast access to interior gear
• Internal zip pocket for secure essentials storage
• Modular external carry system supports rope, helmet, ice tools, skis (A-frame or diagonal) and alpine hardware
• Clean, compact silhouette optimized for alpine mobility

I was thrilled to see La Sportiva dive back into the pack market, especially with such a highly technical solution for ski mountaineering and alpine climbing. After spending this past winter with the Raide Research LF 30L, I was instantly sold on the Ultra 200/400X fabric—the very thing that initially drew me to the Challenger 28. Unlike the sport-specific LF 30, the Challenger 28 was designed for versatility, built to transition seamlessly from alpine climbing to ski touring and beyond. While both share a roll-top design, that is where the similarities end; it is the Challenger’s modularity that truly makes it shine.

Since I received the pack at the tail end of the ski season, I haven't yet put it through its paces on a tour, though its potential is obvious. The fabric is exceptionally weatherproof and sheds snow effortlessly. Thanks to the Ultra 400X main body, you won't have to worry about sharp ski edges during a carry.

The separate avalanche tool compartment is a thoughtful inclusion, though the lack of dedicated sleeves for a probe and shovel handle can make retrieval feel slightly more cumbersome than with a dedicated touring pack. However, this trade-off benefits the pack's performance in alpine climbing and glacier travel, where gear tends to take a regular beating.

The Challenger 28 also excels as an everyday carry. By removing the side compression straps and hip belt pads, you’re left with a sleek, efficient urban pack. In this minimalist configuration, it functions as an incredibly light commuter bag that keeps your laptop bone-dry. While not technically "waterproof," the combination of Ultra 400X on the high-wear areas and Ultra 200X on the front and roll-top essentially eliminates any worry about moisture.

The internal rigid back panel and aluminum frame provide excellent structure, protecting your contents while maintaining the pack's shape. Additionally, the roll-top design allows you to scale the volume from 28L to 32L, keeping the load compact and close to your back to prevent the shifting common in traditional nylon packs.

The internal shroud works well as a divider for organization, though I do wish it were removable. My other critiques are minor, but I would prefer the ability to fully remove the hip belt (not just the pads) and an external zippered pocket for quick-access items would be a great addition.

While it sits on the pricier end of the spectrum, the Challenger 28 is a true "quiver of one." It is a pack that lives comfortably in the city while excelling in the high alpine all winter long. If you own this, you no longer need a closet full of sport-specific bags—this one truly does it all.