Crux
Crux is a very small company that focuses on climbing and mountaineering equipment and was founded and is run by Carol McDermott, a very experienced climber and high altitude mountaineer. His most memorable ascents include Shivling and Bhagarathi III in the Gangotri (India), Yerupaja (Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru), Ama Dablam (solo, Khumbu region of Nepal) and high, but unsuccessful, attempts on Latok 1’s still unclimbed North Ridge (Karakorum) and the Casarotto Pillar on Fitzroy (Patagonia).
Carol writes, "Our raison d’être is to design, manufacture and sell gear that has been developed purely for climbing. Our market is technical and small - not an obvious recipe for commercial success, which is why so few brands today are truly specialist. Hardware aside, most climbing products represent a compromise that enables them to be sold to a broader market. At Crux, we remain absolutely committed to delivering specialist product designed for climbers."
Crux Back Sizes and Fitting
Rucksacks are either size 1, 2 and 3, or Regular (R) and Long (L).
Where rucksacks only come in one size, this is equivalent to a Regular.
| Size |
Backlength |
Typical Height Range |
 |
| 1* |
45cm |
160cm - 170cm |
| R |
48cm |
155cm - 175cm |
| 2 |
50cm |
170cm - 180cm |
| L |
55cm |
175cm - 185cm |
| 3 |
60cm |
180cm - 190cm |
* Size 1 is optimised for women, but fits small men also.
Please note: The height range given for each back length is only a guideline and may not be right for your particular proportions. Crux always recommend trying on their rucksacks before you make your final choice.
Typically, the hip-belt should wrap around the top of the pelvis, so that the hips are able to share the overall load (see diagram). But you may wear your rucksack differently, and this will also affect your choice of size. For example, some climbers carry their rucksack “high” – in other words, around their waist and thus above the pelvis – and may prefer a rucksack with a shorter back length.
2
In Stock
Extremely tough but lightweight 45ish litre sack for alpine use. Fixed lid.
2
In Stock
Extremely tough but lightweight 45ish litre sack for alpine use. Extendable lid.
2
In Stock
Lightweight 55ish litre sack for alpine, trekking and Himalayan use. Three back lengths.
1
In Stock
Extendable expedition rucksack suitable for climbs in the Himalaya and other Greater Ranges.
3
In Stock
A compact, frameless, roll-top 30 litre sack for fast and light technical routes.
2
In Stock
Large roll-top waterproof rucksack for winter, alpine and crag use.
1
In Stock
Small roll-top alpine bags. Made of rugged Kevlar/Cordura. 20 litres.
1
In Stock
An extremely tough waterproof expedition-sized roll-top sack. 50 litres.
1
In Stock
An external porch version of the X1 Strike, featuring a sheltered entrance.
1
In Stock
A small two person single-skin Bibler-type tent for high altitude use.
Out of Stock
Two person single-skin tent with more space at the head of the tent.