Thread: What backpack turns you on for skiing backcountry?

It's been a while since there has been a good backpack ski pack review/comparison.

I've got an older Arcteryx M20 that has been a true workhorse.
It's been my Mtn. bike pack, moto cross/dual sport pack, school pack and ski pack. Everyday and travel pack. 5 years of almost everyday use and it still looks new (albeit a bit dirty). No rips, perfect zippers. It's been impressive no doubt and if it had crapped out 2 years ago, I would have felt I got my moneys worth. The problem is that it's just one compartment, like a dry bag. I like the roll top, but small things just get lost in it. A few more pockets, not too many though) would be nice.

I'm looking at the (in this order)

Osprey Kode 30
Arcteryx Silo 30
BCA Alp40
Mammut Nirvana

What are you using and for what are you using it for? Why do you like it and what would you change? Any suggestions?

Cheers

don't have one but i've tried it on several times now. i really like the kode. that 30 is awesome and i have a long torso so i'm seriously considering the 22? in a large. the fit weight and features i like and in a large the 22 moniker is maybe a 25 or 26 litre pack

McHale Little Big Pack for day tours and spring overnights

McHale SARC P&G for longer trips

Once you've carried a custom McHale (built to fit you and nobody else), you'll never settle for a mass produced pack

I just purchased a Mountain Hardware Direttissima 46. Wanted something that would work for short trips also.Been using it as my touring pack. I like the fit and hip belt buckle design. Carries my skis and verts well. Not really sure how the ice axe loops work, but haven't lost anything yet. The white is looking pretty worn after 3 months of use. Would recommend it. Seems like it carried a load better than my partners mystery ranch of comparable size. The rope holder under the top pocket is a handy feature.

I bought the Mystery Ranch Blackjack in the group buy and I'm totally in love with it. I'd have liked a helmet carry, but instead I bought a new helmet (Smith Vantage) and wearing it on the up is working out alot better than expectied. Also I love waistbelt pockets, which I forgot to order with the pack. I'd like a another seperate compartment within the main one to put electronics in, but instead I just use a little zip-up bag. The ski carry is very effective. Most impressive is how well it cinches down when you don't fill it up, making it much more versatile than I expected. It also has a side zipper that goes the full length so I can get at the stuff in the bottom of my pack quite easily. I'm not sure how their non-airbag packs stand up against it, but I'd certainly take a look.

I've seen several people using the Osprey Kode's and was incredibly jealous at the time (I was using the BD Covert Avalung which I did not like).

Arcteryx Chamski : 6-7 years of climbing,hiking & skiing with it. Fits like a glove. Still going strong even if it starts to turn to gray and all the maltodexterine embedded in it attracts cats,dogs & flies.

ABS : for all the skiing.

Carrimor Condor : bought in 1991? Gone to hell (proverbial) and back. I dont know how many hundred,or thousands km´s I have done with the backpack. Still going as strong as ever. Would be interested on trying the new (arcteryx?) backpacks with the hinged hip or the said mchales BigSteve mentioned. But, as the pack still carries like on day 1, well...have to wait.

I replaced my Arc'teryx M30 with a Silo 30 and made a few mods - removed the plastic "edge guards" for snowboard carry and added a quick-carry system (http://www.randosaigai.com/packmod_4792.jpg, http://www.randosaigai.com/packmod_4794.jpg) and have been really happy with it.

^^^whoa, what's that system? do you have more info on it?

more on topic, I love my BD anarchist 40 for this stuff. I have to say, my favorite pack feature by far is the access panel opposite your back. When you have skis strapped to the pack, its the easiest way to quickly access the main compartment.

x2 the BD Anarchist. I've got smaller packs for spring and summer skiing, but when the snow's deep, the air's cold, and the days are short, the Anarchist carries everything I need, rides well, and looks like it will last forever. Also like the avalung.
Bought my son one and he loves it too.

i've always had BCA packs. They make good sh*t. I've been using the stash BC for a few years - its 35 liters, good for full days. I'd want something more for multiple day tours but I can't see needing anything bigger for single days.

agree on mchale packs. I have a 36l pack that carries comfortably 40 lbs, which is what my pack weighs with stuff for a day and skis and boots for the long sierra approaches. even though at3 lbs 6 is heavier thani would have liked, it carries so well that it is my go to pack. I add two side pockets and use it on overnights as well.
I put two vertical daisy chains on the back so I can a4adjust the diagonal

posting with a phone sucks.
anyway, with the daisy chain, I adjust how high the upper loop is for diagonal ski carry, so my skis are balanced side to side.

Anything light, 40L, separate shovel compartment, top loading with floating lid and side access zip and a simple old fashioned arrangement of compression straps (vis, the opposite to the complicated Osprey strap nightmare). Diagonal ski carry loop is nice, but for short booters in uncrowded treeless open areas I just put the skis horizontally under the floating lid.

Previously used the discontinued Arcteryx Borea - bomber but too heavy.

Forked out major cash this season for a Mammut Spindrift Guide 40L. Seems ok, but one or two silly design flaws.

Loving my Mystery Ranch Blackjack as well. Heavy yes, but it carries so damn well. The topload/side zip design is much better (IMO) than their other big packs. Only think I'd like to see added is a hydration bladder pouch and hole for the hose. Oh, and it'd be awesome to transfer the Wari airbag kit to a pack like 22L. But as mentioned above, it compressed exceptionally well. Skied down with it today with only an extra pair of gloves, leftover lunch (couple bars), hat, and an empty hydration bladder.

My friend hates his Osprey Kode 38, btw. Bitches about it every trip. He told me why, but I forgot. He'll probably get a new one as soon as his wife gets over the new skis he bought.

Was really not a huge fan of the last Mammut 30L I bought (not 100% sure which one, but it's now discontinued). Just a really poor design - could fit more in my brother's 22L MR Fuze.

Originally Posted by gregL

I replaced my Arc'teryx M30 with a Silo 30 and made a few mods - removed the plastic "edge guards" for snowboard carry and added a quick-carry system (http://www.randosaigai.com/packmod_4792.jpg, http://www.randosaigai.com/packmod_4794.jpg) and have been really happy with it.

Big Steve-Mchale looks like some nice stuff, but doubt I'm down to throw a field of cabbage on a one of a kinder right now. Will defiantly keep it on the burner though, I've not heard much about them. Wish their website was post 1985.

GregL
I'm not really certain what the hell you did to your silo, but it looks impressive nonetheless. Any chance you could post some bigger pictures of the pac stuffed to get a better idea of what you've done?

Keep the ideas coming in, I appreciate it. Also been looking at some Ortovox and Mammuts on The Google. It's tough though as we don't have a bunch of these other brands around here to try on. Just Arcteryx, NF, Mountain Hardware...
yada yada blah blah.....

Cilo Gear? More climbing oriented, but don't see any reason why it wouldn't work as a ski pack. Shovel pocket sold as an accessory. I was eyeing the 40B until I got the Blackjack. Might pick up a 60L for alpine climbing.

Oh, and Feathered Friends has some to try on, if you ever make it down to Seattle.

Originally Posted by jondrums

^^^whoa, what's that system? do you have more info on it?

I made up something that approximates the Dynafit Manaslu carry system - bottom loop is webbing stuffed into an old Camelback drink tube (can be removed) and top elastic strap is made from braided and stitched together shock cord. Wire catch is made from extra SKS bike fender support wires (had a lot of them sitting around). You stick the tails of your skis into the bottom loop, reach over your shoulder with the wire elastic strap and hook it over the skis - easy to do while you're hanging by your boot toes on a steep crusty slope without taking your pack off.

Skis carry off to one side but it's very secure.

Originally Posted by gregL

Skis carry off to one side but it's very secure.

WHOA.
I'm glad that works for you greg, but I think I would get a bit sketched out, as well as just feeling a bit wonkey with 6 feet of 15 pounds hanging off one side.
What ever works though.

Originally Posted by johnnygolucky

Big Steve-Mchale looks like some nice stuff, but doubt I'm down to throw a field of cabbage on a one of a kinder right now. Will defiantly keep it on the burner though, I've not heard much about them. Wish their website was post 1985.

My McHale LBP also serves as my mountaineering pack for day trips up to 3-day trips with technical gear and longer trips without technical gear. I also have a McHale SARC P&G I use for high routes and trips when I'm carrying lots of gear. I use my McHales 75+ days a year. It will last a lifetime (no shit) and if you really screw it up through undue abuse Dan can rebuild it. The price of a good pair of skis or boots (which will endure a fraction of a lifetime) is not much to pay for a custom pack you'll carry for the rest of your life. When I factor the # of days of use, the much greater comfort and the enhanced stability, I consider McHale packs the best bargain of all gear I have purchased.

The website: Oh well. Dan is not the only genius with an awkward website. Actually, it's not that bad. It's impossible for Dan to have cogent description for each pack because each individual pack is different.

Originally Posted by johnnygolucky

I think I would get a bit sketched out, as well as just feeling a bit wonkey with 6 feet of 15 pounds hanging off one side.

Not that heavy, those are Mustagh Ata Super Lights with Plums, and less sketchy than taking your pack off in the same situation . . .

Originally Posted by johnnygolucky

Wish their website was post 1985.

FWIW, the web wasn't invented until 1991. Commercial sites for small business wasn't common until '96 or so.

#1 and ONLY.....OGIO FLAKJACKET

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Originally Posted by justinspau

#1 and ONLY.....OGIO FLAKJACKET

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maaaayyyyyyybbbbeeeee....................... no.

Kinda old fashioned I guess.

I really like my Kode 30, thinking about upgrading to the 38 when I move west this spring to give myself more space for longer tours. It carries great, I barely notice it when riding. I don't really have any complaints about it, but then again I'm not extremely picky about my packs.

Replaced my DaKine heli pro which got shredded in just over a year with a Deuter Freeride Pro 30 which has now done 2 winters and has not a mark on it. Pack carries snugly to my back and the carry systems are well thought out and robust. Good selection of pockets and access. Not the best back ventilation for summer mtb. Am stoked with this pack for day tours and as a do everything pack.