Thread: The pack thread.

Alright, after 11 years of skiing, i've decided that i should get a pack. Questions:

How big should a pack for inbounds and lift accessed/hike-to BC be?

Do all packs have a place for shovel/probe? What should i look for in storing these things?

What are the pro's and con's of Diagonal and A-frame ski carry?

What brands should i stay away from?

Does more $$ = a better pack?

What materials are best in a pack? (most companies have numbers after the 'nylon', do these matter?)

What should i know about frames?

What are 'compression straps'?

What else should i know/did i overlook?



The search function revealed little. Too bad they erased everything over at pmag...

I can't help you much, but here goes anyway:

What are 'compression straps'?

Compression straps are straps of nylon webbing (not like web, they're the flat nylon stuff) that pull (compress) the soft stuff in the pack. They're typically on the sides of the pack, and allow you to crush your fleeces/gloves/etc and make the pack smaller.

Does more $$ = a better pack?

Not always. Some brands cost a lot just for the name. I'm not up on which brands are reasonably priced and which overcharge for quality, but I've heard really good things about LifeLink.

What materials are best in a pack? (most companies have numbers after the 'nylon', do these matter?)

This is the denier of the nylon. If I'm not mistaken, a higher number means a higher thread count, which in turn means a thicker, harder wearing fabric. However, it will also be heavier.

-seldon

the ultimate lift access hike to bc pack

even on sale



http://www.sierratradingpost.com/pro...?base_no=82483

I use one of these guys for resort and lift access bc, and have a dana spire for longer adventures.

I like the dana, bomber pack, but mostly im a tall guy and dana lets you choose the size shoulder straps you have. Keeps me from getting strangled by my sternum strap.

2 seasons with a DaKine Poacher here. Love it.

Originally posted by phUnk
2 seasons with a DaKine Poacher here. Love it.

ok

I'm rocking this


Not perfect, but the best I've seen.

http://www.wookey.net/

Rockin this currently:



Colors: Blue / Green / Red / Orange
1000 denier construction throughout
Dual daisy chains
Six compression straps
YKK zippers
One internal pocket
Internal hydration pocket and tube exit port


0.50 inch foam sheet contour molded for unparalleled comfort.
0.13 inch high-density foam top layer, for rigidity.
0.04 inch HDPE stay in shoulder strap for increased longevity.
0.06 inch HDPE frame-sheet for structural support. 0.50 inch foam-sheet contour molded for unparalleled comfort.
0.13 inch high-density foam top layer, for rigidity.
0.04 inch HDPE stay in shoulder strap for increased longevity.
0.06 inch HDPE frame-sheet for structural support.


The Wookey Shovel pack is our flagship pack. This is the pack that started it all, when in 1995, necessity inspired the creation of this sleek, high riding, one of a kind design.

The Shovel Pack features an integrated frame and harness system. The shoulder straps and back panel are one piece, giving this pack a unique fit and unparalleled comfort. The pack fits very close to the body, "like a glove", and rides high on the back. There are two reasons for this high riding design; first, when carrying 20 lbs. or less, you want to have the weight centered between the shoulder blades. The reason is, this is where the weight will affect your body's natural center of gravity the least. Second, its high riding design is out of the way while riding the lifts, so you don't need to take your pack off to get on the chair.

Wookey Backpacks, including the Shovel Pack have the best ski and snowboard carrying systems on the planet. These systems are easy to set up and use, and don't rely on bindings for support, making them friendly to telemarkers and boarders with step in bindings. The Shovel Pack has an innovative design that carries a snow shovel blade securely on the outside of the pack under the storm flap of the zipper for quick and easy access. It is water hydration system compatible and has an interior mesh pocket and tube exit port. There is an internal pocket for storage of small essentials and a snap-hook inside for keys.

The Wookey Shovel pack carries enough essential gear for single day backcountry outings or general ski area day use. Once you have experienced the sublime fit and function of this uniquely designed pack, you will feel naked without your Wookey!




If you are doing more OB, this one kicks ass.

Enter BakerBoi to talk trash about Wookeys. Seriously, you should check them out. BOMBER!

Wookey does make some sweet packs.

Personally I don't like how they fit me. The shovel pack is just really weird feeling to wear.

I got one for my wife and she loves it. The only problem for her is that there are WAY too many straps and buckles for her. Its a pretty good day if she has them all done up right.

You wanna go an osprey switch. Best packs out there.

Originally posted by phUnk
2 seasons with a DaKine Poacher here. Love it.

This is a nice size pack. Don't go for the Helipro like I did before buying the Poacher (unless ya pack a sandwich and skins, because that's about all it fits). I'm really happy with the quality of the Dakines, although they have straps EVERYWHERE (rubber bands help with the strap ends).

Originally posted by T7
You wanna go an osprey switch. Best packs out there.

They were just introduced. What makes you say that they're the best compared to say a Stash BC, the Lowe Alpine Powder Peak or Storm Peak, the Arc'Teryx M30 (on sale, though I've read a review from a guy pretty mad at the zipper getting all the rain in), etc...

drC

Another big thumbs up for Wookey packs. I'm using the Sundog.

countless years with Dana Designs Bomb Pack, but really, it's better for mountaineering/climbing than ski-specific. Switched to DaKine Chute/Poacher last season, and really like the fit and feel. Taking it to a local shop to have the strappage modified however, don't like the diagonal carry system in some situations and don't like the lack of ice axe loops, and am having them changed/added. Have heard/seen very good things about the Osprey line as well.

The keys ingredients for ski packs are (help me out here people!)

- fit and shoulder strap design
- access to interior (top only vs. top and outside v. top/outside/back)
-ski carry system (a frame vs. diagonal v. centered)
-extra strappage/compression/space (shovel sleeve, gear loops, etc)
-water system (none v. camelback access vs. integrated pouch)

and then, of course there's the price.

I am considering the Life-Link Boundary pack for quick shots OB. Also considering a Bomb Pack for long ass day trips or one night fast and light backpacking/corn camping. Both, incidentally, are on sale at Sierra trading post right now.

Currently I use an older Dana Shadow Peak. sometimes for me, less is more with packs, I just like a good suspension system, comfortable straps, and the ability to carry a heavy load. My pack is about 2400 ci, and it's good for day bc trips. Mine is simple in that it's top access, has a hood pouch, and has a beaver tail where I keep my shovel. Dual ice axe loops, and daisy chains on the pack to lash other gear. I line it with a kitchen garbage bag to keep things dry, and i have had no complaints. I also rigged a camelbak bladder in there. I have to carry skis A-frame, and would be interested in trying diagonal carry.

Be wary of a pack with too many bells and whistles. The more 'features' the more things that can go wrong. Also, some packs can have a multitude of straps that can get in the way. Also look for versatility, for example, my pack is used for skiing, hiking, mountaineering, climbing, bike commuting, pretty much everything. Make sure you try one on, go to a good shop, load it up with crap, and jump around and feel it. It may look good in pictures, but not fit you work a shit. Adjustability is key.

Off Piste mag did a pretty solid review of a bunch of ski touring packs: http://www.offpistemag.com/themag/gear/index.html
Steve House and his gang in the North Cascades reviewed the packs. They brought up some good design issues and had a lot of strong ideas. If you're not looking for a day touring pack, these bags may be too big.

Couloir (or was it another print glossy?) did a pack review at the beginning of this season for smaller packs. It was decent, not a big info resource - just opinion on a few packs, but they highlighted some packs I hadn't seen before.

What are you hoping to do with the pack? Go minimal.

Have a heli-pro and a poacher, agreed the poacher is limited, but nice for short hikes or cat skiing etc. Alos lays really flat to your back, hardly noticeable.
The poacher is a great pack, no complaints, built in H2O liner, back zip so you don't have to unload everything to get at an item or unpack skis etc. and pretty comfy. Packed snow for multiple hours with both at Silverton, and both were ample for the task, just took the poacher the second day for more room for additional layers.

Oh, and the price on both is great for what you get.

i've had an osprey pack for almost eight years, and have used it in many situations- even skied with it a few times. has held up very, very well and gets my highest recommendation. still plenty of cusioning in the straps, not one plastic buckle has broken/cracked. i remember the pack being pretty expensive when it was bought for me (when i was young and still on the family payroll) but has turned out to be a great investment.

not sure if it's still offered, but mine has a system of attachments on the back of the pack which lets me switch between a beavertail-esque attachment and an attachment that is basically a camelback. the bladder had to be replaced after i started using it for jagermeister instead of h20.

Originally posted by fez
Wookey does make some sweet packs.

Personally I don't like how they fit me. The shovel pack is just really weird feeling to wear.

I got one for my wife and she loves it. The only problem for her is that there are WAY too many straps and buckles for her. Its a pretty good day if she has them all done up right.

I hear ya on the straps, there are a lot of them. But personally, I have had to use them before, but a lot of the time you don't. What I don't understand is that is the usually the ONLY gripe people have. Well you don't have to be a rocket scientist to get them buckeled right? I guess I would rather have a couple extra for "emergency" situations, than be wishing that I had one that wasn't there.

On the way the shovel pack feels, the first time I wore it is was a bit different, sits way up high. But after a few days, it is super ergonomic and sits very nicely while riding up the chair.

# 1 like = the way it feels when you are skiing, you don't know its there.......there is absolutley no weight swing. # 2 = I bet i can get my skis on my pack and my ass in the bootpack quicker than you can

I echo the Wookie Shovel Pack endorsement. A very nice fit and feel. The high ride does feel different and seems odd in the store, but on the slope it just dissapears. Skiing with or without the pack on doesn't need any adjustment in how you move (unlike a fanny pack).

Water hose comes out atop either shoulder strap.

The frame on the Wookies are molded sheets that conform to your back. Nothing digs in.

All the straps = no shifting of the load during a run. It's all cinched down firm so your balance is unaffected.

Shovel blade, handle & probe all store on the outside where you need them.


A-frame or diagonal carry? Wookies have a vertical carry that positions the skis/board far enough away from your back that you don't kick them with your heels.


Frames are what gives the pack structure instead of it just being a sack. For skiing, internal frames are pretty much all you'd want to look at (I shudder to think of skiing trees with an external frame) Some "frames" are jut plastic rods (stays) that keep the thing open. Wookie's frames are sheets of plastic molded to conform to your back, so no gapping or hot-spots.
Better pack-to-back fit means less shifting.

So far, I've been using mine for about 80 ski days and it still looks new.


General tip - when trying on packs in the store, have them load up 10 or 15 pounds. Dont buy based on how they feel empty.
Take your skiwear and move like you would on the slopes.
Check range of motion for the huge arm swings typical of wipeouts.

Hope that gives you enough info to try one out. Happy shopping.

Sounds good.

Right now i'm seriously considering the Dakine JMP. It seems like the right size pack for a good price.

What do you dakine owners think of the external shovel blade sleeve? In the pics on their website, the blade looks like it could slide out pretty easily, does this happen?

What is this 'suspension' you speak of? yes, i really am at this level in pack knowledge.

I also need to get a shovel. Is a polycarbonate blade as good as aluminum, or is it a buzzword for plastic?

Do D-grips make a huge difference?

Originally posted by powpowpowderwheels
Sounds good.

Right now i'm seriously considering the Dakine JMP. It seems like the right size pack for a good price.

What do you dakine owners think of the external shovel blade sleeve? In the pics on their website, the blade looks like it could slide out pretty easily, does this happen?

yup. Also, handles sticking up tend to get stuck on things (lifts, tree branches, etc). I prefer my shovel in the pack, broken down.


What is this 'suspension' you speak of? yes, i really am at this level in pack knowledge.

fancy word for shoulder straps, waistbelt, sternum strap, any sort of padding or stiffner in the pack to help it keep its shape


I also need to get a shovel. Is a polycarbonate blade as good as aluminum, or is it a buzzword for plastic?

I'm of the opinion that in this case plastic is not such a good material for a shovel blade. I only use aluminum blade shovels. I'm sure someone will disagree with me, but try digging through a snowbank where the plow has pushed all the snow with a plastic shovel sometime and see what you think.


Do D-grips make a huge difference?

I have a D-grip shovel, but i wouldnt discount a T-grip shovel just on that reason alone. Now that i think about it, every shovel i've owned has been a D-grip, so i have no idea if they are better or not.

yup. Also, handles sticking up tend to get stuck on things (lifts, tree branches, etc). I prefer my shovel in the pack, broken down.


well yeah, but only the blade goes on the outside, the handle goes on the inside. i think.

it looks like nothing holds the blade down, aka if the pack were tilted upside down, which is certainly will be in my usage more times than i would like to admit, the blade would slide right out.

If the pocket is designed to hold a shovel, it most likely has some sort of method to hold it in there. I have seen them fall out though.

About the handle thing:

Not everyone is smart enough to figure out on their own that having that handle sticking up is a bad idea. You will occaisionally see folks riding around like that.

Just making sure you werent one of them.

Originally posted by fez


Just making sure you werent one of them.

some people are very stupid.

Hey pow^3derwheels,

i see from your location you are moving out to the bozone? sweet

Let me know when you get out here and I'll show you around bridger.