Reccomendations: 35-40l lightweight ski touring backpack

[p@wder]

As title really. I want a light weight but moderate sized backpack for long ski tours days and multiday trips.

In particular I will be doing Mont Blanc this weekend and need a pack big enough for spare clothing, avy gear, ice-axe (want good and easy ice-axe hold), skins, crampons, loads of water and food, etc., without overflowing. The constraining factor is I want a light pack, 1.3kg or less.

What kind of sizes do people use? What reccomendations?

Seen a millet prolight 35l which was nice but I thought maybe bigger and lighter - spotted a millet 40l purelight ata mere 1000g. But it didn't fit well. A similar sized and weighted Blackdiamond Speed impressed me and fitted well but I was concerned with poor ski attachment.
Seen a nice Grivel 35l but it seemed very small. Smaller than the millet prolight and heavier (but more technical). Grivel 45l looked very big and was hefty. Also seen a Areterex Khamaski which was ok, can't remember what I disliked....

I guess the Millet prolight is in the forerunning

[harpo-the-skier]

BCA Alp 40

[FrontRangeDrummer]

BCA Alp 40

^^^ Second. Maybe not the lightest, but carries great, hydration hose never freezes, nice side-access zipper, good ski/axe attachments, etc...

[shirk]

Deuter Guide 35+. (http://www.deuter.com/en/products/33586_Guide35u_475_06_ENG.php)

35 L + 8 L with expandable top lid. Side zipper access to back.

Great A-frame ski carry. Two ice tool loops. Gear loop and small pocket on the hip belt.

Hip belt can be detached.

1650 g
1250g without hipbelt and stays.

Review from the Doglotion guys (http://www.doglotion.com/gear-review-deuter-guide-35).

http://www.doglotion.com/sites/default/files/images/deuter.JPG

[hop]

I'll 3rd or 4th the Alp 40 and the Stash Valhalla as well.

[spantik]

+1 on the Deuter guide. All the features you want, none that you don't. Carries really well for the weight. It's pretty small for multi day though (as would be any 35L pack). It's also a really good pack for alpine climbing, if you're into that sort of thing.

[bcd]

I'll vote AGAINST the BCA Alp 40. It's uncomfortable, poorly designed, and has very cheap construction.

[JoeStrummer]

If you are in Chamonix, your brand choices are somewhat limited and I doubt you will find anything from BCA. The Millet or Deuter would be fine if you are an efficient packer. I can't quite get everything I need for a Haute Rte trip in a straight-up 35l pack but I wear XXL clothes and end up carrying a rando rope. For daytrips and short routes where I don't need glacier or rock gear, a 35l pack is fine.

Ortovox also makes a pack in a 42l that wears well and might be in stock in the Euroshops.

Go for the lightest and cleanest thing you can find that still maintains it's shape and form when loaded. If it turns firm like an overstuffed burrito it'll ski like shit.

[hemas]

Ortopox Peak 42, Millet ProLight 45, 'Ryx Khamski or Borea.

Heck, drop by at Quenchua and have a look at their skitouring rucksack. While not the most expensive or lightest, it did seem to have good construction...

Other possible options would be Crux AK 47... Heck, why not have a look at Osprey Switch 36 (though it ain't light). And Osprey Talon might also work, if you're willing to sew (or rather have a cobbler sew) on a few extra straps for a proper ski-carry system etc.

Does Mont Bell do rucksacks, they have a shop (and originate) in Grindelwald.

[p@wder]

Thanksy for the info.

Had a quick look this morning (went to get a BD flilock pole repaired for a 3rd time...). The Khamaski seems overpriced for what it was (2x that of the other packs), and the waist strap was slim, thin, unpadded, no gear loops... Not impressive.

Grivel 35 looked great technically, but again seemed small for a 35l pack.

No BCA packs around.



What I will do is pack my current bag (with all the extras hanging off), and take it to the store and see what actually fits with left over space for extras (food clothing). I'll buy whatever fits and is comfortable.

[hemas]

ThanThe Khamaski seems overpriced for what it was (2x that of the other packs)

I'd still say it's worth the dough. I borrowed my friends Khamski, and the fit was great, it was also really ligth and seemed robust. Plus the compression works really well, so can be used as a small daypack or as a larger touring sack.

Doesn't Grivel have also a ~40 liter model?

[awake1563]

I really like the looks of this... vert ski carry, tool loops etc.... 1000g

http://www.vaude.de/hps/client/vaude/public/hxfront/index.hbs/outdoor/en (http://www.vaude.de/hps/client/vaude/public/hxfront/index.hbs/outdoor/en)

http://www.vaude.de/hps/upload/cmi24/produkt_bilder/15039_GROSS.jpg

here's the full listing of their packs..

http://www.vaude.de/hps/client/vaude/public/hxfront/index.hbs/outdoor/en

powder 34 is a heavier duty version, ski pro, and ski race pro worth a look as well... I own the ski race ultra 12... awesome pack for its weight.

[Hugh Conway]

If you want LIGHT weight check out the Arc'teryx Cierzo 35 - 550g, 35L, $100 in the US
http://www.northernlightstrading.com/istarimages/mp/5811!127-4525746.jpg

[fool]

I guess you can't get it this weekend, but everyone I've talked to that has used Cilo Gear packs have raved about them. I think they've got a 40 or 45L model. I just bought a BD alpine pack on SAC, but had I not, I definitely would have checked out Cilo gear more. (SAC is just such a good deal).

[dookey67]

what's the general concensus on either Deuter or Ortovox packs?

i'm searching for both a low-pro in-bounds pack with A or vert carry and padded waistbelt AND a short hiking pack (5-10 mile) with A or vert carry and a padded waistbelt.

right now all the sweet looking packs seem to be Euro or Canadian and relatively unavailable in the States (other than purchasing online...but i'd like to check 'em out first).

in fact it's starting to be tough to check out really good gear at a shop as most of the shops around here all carry the same stuff.

Millet looks cool, but unavail in U.S.

checking out Grivel, Vaude, and Cilo, but again have the suspicion that they are not readily avail in U.S. Heck I can't even find Ortovox here!

Any other recs would be appreciated.

[Hugh Conway]

Millet looks cool, but unavail in U.S.

checking out Grivel, Vaude, and Cilo, but again have the suspicion that they are not readily avail in U.S. Heck I can't even find Ortovox here!

Cilo = us based. www.cilogear.com Grivel, Vaude and Millet packs can be found at independent climbing shops in the USA.

I've owned both Deuter and Orotovox packs. Well made, not kitted to my liking.

[LightRanger]

checking out Grivel, Vaude, and Cilo

Cilo as in "Cilogear"? They're USA-based, and used to be solely made here, if memory serves me correctly, and some of their stuff is still made in Brooklyn.

I've tried Deuter stuff on and really liked them, but haven't owned any. Mesh back panels are sweet for spring touring in the Sierra.

I've been happy with my Osprey and BD stuff (Exposure 50 and Frenzy).

[Hugh Conway]

Cilo as in "Cilogear"? They're USA-based, and used to be solely made here, if memory serves me correctly, and some of their stuff is still made in Brooklyn.

Production stuff is made in Turkey

[island_boy81]

Try this one:
MEC makes really well made packs, for minimal price. Anyone in Canada knows the quality of the gear. Wouldn't be able to order for the weekend, but anyone else should check out their gear.

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=253437430 2700149&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442617748
http://images.mec.ca/media/Images/Products/Packs/5008504s_v1_m56577569830727488.jpg
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=253437430 2699687&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442617747
http://images.mec.ca/media/Images/Products/Packs/5008503s_v1_m56577569830727485.jpg

[dookey67]

thanks

sorry for hi-jacking this thread, just didn't want to fuzzy runt up the boards with yet another "what pack should i get?" thread.

i blew out my Life-Link Granite over Labor Day (wasn't meant for 7 miles of hiking over boulders and shrubs), plus i learned that i don't really like diagonal ski carry after-all.

checked out all the links provided in this thread and Grivel and Cilo don't fit my bill.

The Vaude, Millet, Ortovox, and Deuter all have packs that look good on the Net, but they aren't readily available anywhere around the San Francisco Bay Area.

I'm hesitant to just toss out $$ on something that might be bogus.

any way, looking for both a streamlined in-bounds (with hydration and ski carry), and a more beefed up long day/3-day style joint for spring and summer action.

again, mucho gracias for the suggestions.

[petecz]

Osprey Switch series.....

I have a 40+5 (size medium) that I've been trying to sell from several years back. It has a detachable minipack/hydration bladder that tucks into the backsheet.

Separate shovel/skins/wet gear compartment. panel loader. stash pockets on the hipbelt.

Its located in SF so you could pick it up. I've used it for hut and multiday spring sierra trips. no holes.

it does both A-frame and diagonal ski carries.

I got the newer version thus I'm unloading this one. $80.

petecz

[PappaG]

Lowe Alpine Mountain Attack 45+10 or 35+10

Excellent construction. Weight is 1650 grams for the 35 and 1730g for the 45. Shoulder straps have several adjustable options. Two ice axe loops on the outside. Hydration system compatible. Plenty of room in the 45 for skins, crampons, shovel, extra jacket, extra gloves, and extra goggles.

[cmor]

Bd revelation, best pack i've found, mine disintegrated after too much use, BD sent a brand new one as a replacement. Thumbs up for pack and service.

[JoeStrummer]

yeah, the older Osprey Switch is the only one I can use for week-long hut tours with mountaineering gear, particularly if the huts are self-catered or winter rooms. It is heavier and overbuilt but wears great, the "improved" version is less useful. I have an Ortovox Peak 42L that is actually much smaller than the Switch 40 but skis great, its what I use for daytrips and overnights. The BCA Alp 40 is in the same vein. The Peak and the Alp 40 are at least light and minimally built, fine for trips without ropes and crampons. Also, to cmor's point, the BD packs are $$$, if the #1 criteria is how they feel while you actually make turns, they ski the best of any pack I've used. If you bring lots of shit, however, none of these packs except the older Switch are good options.

[Bean]

I dig my Osprey Exposure 66 for multiday trips. Wouldn't mind picking up a 36 for shorter trips.

[Hugh Conway]

Bd revelation, best pack i've found, mine disintegrated after too much use, BD sent a brand new one as a replacement. Thumbs up for pack and service.

Packs shit for its size. Carries like shit. Stupid features.

[laseranimal]

Packs shit for its size. Carries like shit. Stupid features.

I think its a love/hate kind of pack as I for one really like mine. I'm glad I got the 45 L though as I will agree that it doesn't pack well for its size and that's a direct result of some of the "stupid" features

Likes: The zipper pocket on the top flap, the back access panel, and the avi tools storage space. I'm also a fan of the hybrid clamshell/top loader design. Fit is everything and the Revelation fits my torso perfectly. I also like the built in sled loops. I like the A frame for longer carries and the pack compresses pretty well when not full.

Dislikes: the "stupid" features. Helmet carry is worthless unless the pack is completely full, and if you do use it makes it harder to access the inside of the pack. I like clean packs but there's no way to carry any excess gear on the outside of the pack, this becomes less of a problem if you own a pulk, but still. The ice axe carry is a pain in the ass on the EC below treeline, my axe constantly snagged branches and pulled away from the pack due to the shock cord loops. The waist pockets are useless for anything but gel packs

[BeastOfTheEast]

Get pack that fits well when you carry it. It is pretty much the same as when buying boots. Comfortable carrying of skis is important as well. I hate when the shit flips around. Consider if you like to carry everything in your pack (get bigger) or strap it on (go smaller).

I have Powder Line 22 pack from Lowe Alpine. They do make Fall Line one which is 35 l. It does not have usual construction as all mountaineering packs though. I'm not sure about weight but mine is pretty light. I like carrying system for skis which seems bomber and if fails you can easily fix it. Less plastic buckles the better.

[verbier61]

maybe it's hard to find them in US, but millet prolights (27, 35, etc) in their newest version are quite hard to beat as ski mountaneering backpacks. Very light, very efficient, they have all you need... and, at least in yurp, they are also cheap.

[Meadow Skipper]

any way, looking for both a streamlined in-bounds (with hydration and ski carry), and a more beefed up long day/3-day style joint for spring and summer action.
Fir is everything, that said: look hard at Osprey - the Switch for full-featured winter pack that you can use in the spring/summer, Exposure for a great all-around mountaineering pack that you can use skiing. Volume according to need.

I feel like a broken record sometimes on ski pack threads.