The Official T4T Winter Pack Thread

[skibumnh]

Ok so this thread is inspired by my hunt for the perfect minimalist day/touring pack, after years of using a waaaay oversized (for my needs) heavy bulky and outdated EMS 3000PL, I want to find a new pack that distributes weight better, has a lower CoG, its lighter, smaller etc. I already have a DaKine Heli Pro 2 for ski area OB stuff thats perfect at 1200 cu, So im looking for something in the range of 2000-2500 cu MAX to fill the gap. Enough space to carry the essentials, but more importantly good distribution to carry the extra weight of skis+alpine boots (for the late spring ravine trips) without turning my traps into hamburgers.

Anything would be better than what Ive got now. So post pics of your day setups, or descriptions or both.

Packs im looking at:

LaFuma 4810 Light:
http://www.lafuma.com/lafuma/COMMUN/produit/images/CP/p_1375_GDE.jpg

Osprey Packs Switch 40+5
http://akamai.backcountrystore.com.edgesuite.net/images/items/large/OSP0008/OSPSWTBLU.jpg

Dakine Poacher
http://www.dakine.com/images/xlg/8100400_xlg.jpg

Marmot Eiger 36
http://www.mountainmagic.com/equipment/backpack/backpack-image/marmot-eiger36.jpg

Osprey Exposure 36
http://images.usoutdoorstore.com/usoutdoorstore/products/full/osprey_exposure_36.jpg

[RR]

Poacher rules. Great weight distribution and it puts your safety gear where you can get at it quickly....outside of the main compartment!

The cross carry is cooler than a breezy day at the MWO in the wintertime! ski tip hits snowladen branches, snow lands on ground...with "A-Frame" carry, that snow slides down your neck on the way to the ground!

I traded a pre-production, insider-schwagg-type, Mountain Hardware pack for my son's 4yr old poacher.....

[Justin]

Carefull with the ultra light material, I have a an EMS spire that is 2500cu that I use mostly for summer/fall ventures but occasionally use it for spring ski trips.

What I'm trying to say is that if your not careful the skis can rip tat material pretty easily.

[PWDR8S]

I'm a fan of the Osprey Switch 40+5.
It has a nice feature of being able to carry skis A frame OR diag on the pack AND the straps are re~enforced for those sharp edges! It can carry boards and /or snowshoes too.

I especially like the +5 feature which is the hydration pack that you can 'take out' and use as a mini yo~yo pack for multi ascent in the ravine.

It has 2 large compartments. One for safety gear accessable from the outside which is waterproofed and has drain holes(small grommet sized).... it has sleeves in there for probe and shovel and mesh pocket for skins and it's big enough to carry crampons(within protective padding). The main compartment is accessable via the strap side of the pack and is quite roomy.

The pack has a narrow profile so it's no wider than your back. That is important when snaking through some tight brush and trees.

There is a goggle sized pocket on top good enough for sandwiches too and a smaller key/change, pen, radio pocket just below that.

A really neat feature are the waist belt zip pockets for your little 'need to get at on the trail' items like lipbalm, miniroll of duct tape, meds, GOO, swissarmy knife or attitude adjustment goods.

Look up my thread in the gear section.... I had one up for sale and had sold it to a friend. I have bought a replacement of the same that fits my torso better. Do note the sizes available! I had originally purchased a large but then realised after the fact that it was meant for a long torso whereas I'm stout and needed a small for the shorter torso.

It rides snug on my back when noodling through tight trees and hasn't given me any problems. Overall, it is fairly rugged.

[skiyak777]

I've got a Dakine poacher that works great ($69 at Dicks sporting goods a few weeks ago.) I like diagonal carry (better tree clearance),as long as you're not carrying boots on your skis. If you want an A-frame pack, I like the Arcteryx Khamski (except my shovel is too wide to fit in the pocket without taking the handle off- have to put it in handle first.)

[skibumnh]

Im most interested in the dual carry position packs, diag for skis only, a-frame for skis and boots. has anyone tried boots-in on a diag? seems like it wouldnt be ultra sturdy or evenly displaced.

[NtrentT]

Ive never done diag with boots in.

Im not a fan of diag much anywayz, it seems A frame is alot more stable, at least the times I have done it.

I use the North Face ORYX
http://www.luggagesource.com//ImgUpload/P_809889_857307.jpg


A mid-sized panel loader for backcountry skiing or riding. Standard Volume: [M] 2080 in³ (34 liters) [L] 2260 in³ (37 liters) Average Weight: [M] 3 lbs 14 oz (1.7 kg) Fabric: DuPont High-Tenacity 420D Nylon, 600D / 1000D IronFiber® Access: Panel Torso Fit Range: M 17"- 20", L 19" - 22"

I dont know if you can buy it any longer, I have had it for about 3-4 years now, and love it.

It can hold enough gear for an overnighter, but I wouldnt consider taking it on multiple night trips.

Heres what the North Face says about it
Dynamic X-Frame suspension is designed to integrate with the back, providing a lightweight and efficient full suspension that flexes with the body during movement Built to carry skis and snowboards; mount skis a-frame¿ style or down the pack face; pod drops down to carry board fin-style Carbon composite stays are 40% lighter than aluminum and feature an engineered flex profile for optimal performance during movement Aerofoam backpanel shapes to back and breathable wicking mesh moves moisture away from the body, keeping you dry and comfortable Maximum Surface Area (MSA2) backpanel provides support and comfort by shaping to fit individual back contours, even when moving Independent suspension backpanel is connected to pack via stretch components allowing suspension to stay conformed to the user rather than pack load Adjustable shoulder straps for a custom secure fit Color-coded load lifters and hipbelt compression straps to eliminate confusion between webbing straps Durable DuPont 420 denier high-tenacity nylon is lightweight and tightly woven for water and abrasion resistance, and is 40% stronger than regular nylon No-scratch goggle pocket on top of pack; soft fleece lining on pocket protects goggles and glasses from scratching by pack contents Removable tool flap for lightweight summertime use Internal and external tool tubes provide options for organizing gear Internal organizer mesh pocket for energy bars, first aid kit or sunscreen External map pocket for easy accessibility Hydration-compatible; contains bladder sleeve, hose port and hose storage for complete hydration system



I bought a camelbak bladder 70ml for it and it fits perfectly, dont buy any bigger it wont fit, and you push the hose back into the pack when your done drinking and it works better than any insilating tube you can get, it will never freeze.

Material is pretty tuff, as the edges from the A-Frame have not cut into the bag yet, only some wear marks.

[NtrentT]

Just found a place you can buy it,

http://www.luggagesource.com/IBS/SimpleCat/Shelf/ASP/Hierarchy/0M01.html

Its 158.95 which is close to what I paied for it a while back.

[Justin]

Ive never done diag with boots in.

Im not a fan of diag much anywayz, it seems A frame is alot more stable, at least the times I have done it.




Diagnol is the way to go IMO, your skis don't get in the way --up high or down low-- and as far as stability goes, unlike Ntrent I prefer it. It quite find with boots as well -- though I'm not sure why you would be carrying boots anyhow?

The A fram thing take more time and if it's twisted or skewed it feels funny IMO.

[RR]

.... has anyone tried boots-in on a diag? seems like it wouldnt be ultra sturdy or evenly displaced.
yup, no sweat on the poacher as long as the snowbard stabilizer strap is still with it. Run the loop over the skis and around the lower boot ankle and snug the strap...stabilized! Also transfers the weight upwards where it is redeistributed by the suspension system.

I like putting plastic grocery bags over the boots when I carry...covers the hole so the boot liners stay clean and dry...

[NtrentT]

I like putting plastic grocery bags over the boots when I carry...covers the hole so the boot liners stay clean and dry...

This works great !

I buckle over the bags, and power strap them, so they cant move, it seals in the boot funk too ! But seriously though its a great way of keeping them dry.

I picked up this trick while hiking up to tux my first time 3 years ago, and thinking to myself "Hey thats a great Idea !"

Diag works for many people, it might be my pack, so if you want to do Diag, dont get my pack, cause I cant find a stable way to do it.

A-Frame is a Sinch with my pack though.

[skibumnh]

though I'm not sure why you would be carrying boots anyhow?

Its any time after late april, theres plenty of snow in the bowl, but none on the trail, so you cant skin, or you dont have an AT/Tele setup in the first place, so you have to hike in and out and you need a place to put your boots, because well you know... they're pretty essential for skiing.

[PWDR8S]

Nahhhhhhh! Ski barefoot! http://www.timefortuckerman.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[astrotech]

With packs I usually go through a process of first figuring out what I want to do with it. Meaning where will I be going. I ask this question because it helps me figure out what features I need as far a space, do I need bladder pockets, ice tool tubes, haul points, etc., etc. I ask a bunch of questions like do I need a place to put crampons, shovel, ice axe(s), rope, skis. Then I go about looking at packs, though weight is always a consideration, I tend to make sure it has all the features as I know I will probably go to more technical places and will need a place on my pack to put all the junk.
That being said I find that Osprey makes some damn good packs that meet as many of my needs as seems to be possible. Someone mentioned that they are a bit on the heavy side, which I guess they might be, but they aren’t the heaviest either. I have been looking a t getting a pack for two/three day trips and I think I have settled on the Osprey Exposure 66, though I think that may be about 2 or 3 liters too small.
Another manufacturer that looks good is Cold Cold World (http://www.coldcoldworldpacks.com/intro.htm). The only place I have seen in the NE area that carries their stuff is IME. Which means you may have to buy their stuff without seeing it.

[sbbeckett]

I'm also looking for a pack but am bewildered by the choices. For day trips to TUX, would something around 1200 cm^3 be considered about the standard size?

[RR]

The Lowe mountain series of packs is worth a look. I have an eight year old Alpine Attack50 that is still kicking.

Here is a link to their ski compatible pack line:
http://www.lowealpine.com/Products/SearchMenu.asp?ProductTypeID=11

[Justin]

Its any time after late april,

you weren't up last year at that time huh?
because well you know... they're pretty essential for skiing.


hey thanks captain obvious ;)

[Justin]

I'm also looking for a pack but am bewildered by the choices. For day trips to TUX, would something around 1200 cm^3 be considered about the standard size?


depends on what you are bringing and how big your gear is... 1 centimeter^3 = 1 milliliters ( or at least google said so) but heres the thing -- Pack size , or volume, is measured in CU's ( cubic units ). This is true for the U.S. and I assumed it was elsewhere as well just b/c it's metric.

At any rate, I use a 2500cu pack for SKI day trips but you could go a little smaller for sure and have all the room you need IMO.

[Rainman]

I got the La Meije from Marmot this season after doing a lot of research and I love it.


This pack has been 1.5 years in development with Doug Coombs. The focus of this ski pack is fast transitions: from skiing, skinning, climbing and cramponing. Skis can be attached diagonally as well as in an A-frame style. The pack easily carries a snowboard as well. Crampons and a rope are conveniently accessible due to the external compression straps on the top portion of the bag. Easy access to all safety equipment is taken care of in the rear compartment of the packbag. The compartment accommodates all shovels from all manufacturers as well as an avalanche probe, pickets and ice axes. The main compartment is accessed via a zippered panel on the back panel of the packbag. This keeps down/synthetic insulated layers and lunch separate from the snow equipment. Two neat pockets keep the snow study kit separate from the sunscreen.

http://www.shop-of-skiing.com/shopitems/backpacks/lameije-backpacks.asp

I had a hard time finding a pic of it. It's pretty much sold out everywhere. This was the only site I could find that still has one. I like the gear loops, the top completely zips open and so dose the back, it has a separate skin compartment which I also use for my heavy gloves .. so if you need them on the skin it only take a few seconds to get them .. no more opening your whole pack for 1 thing. It’s pretty compact but if you want to carry more gear it’s got lot’s of ways to attach things externally without being covered with straps. Great pack. Lighter than most with similar options.

[Ispoiler]

My biggest complaint with all dakine packs is the lack of weather proofing. I keep re-appling a DWR treatment and after a powder day the insides get wet. For day trips, ultra light overnights and ice cragging I use an arc'teryx borra 35 for everything else my osprey ceros 50 has me covered.

[Castlerock]

I use a BCA Stash Pro (not made anymore) but the BCA packs are excellent.

BCA packs (http://www.bcaccess.com/bca_products/stash_packs.php)

[mainwaring]

My biggest complaint with all dakine packs is the lack of weather proofing. I keep re-appling a DWR treatment and after a powder day the insides get wet. For day trips, ultra light overnights and ice cragging I use an arc'teryx borra 35 for everything else my osprey ceros 50 has me covered.

i found this as well, especially with the one i have which has a zipper down the back. best solution is OR hydroseal bags for your goods inside.

[PWDR8S]

i found this as well, especially with the one i have which has a zipper down the back. best solution is OR hydroseal bags for your goods inside.
Drybagging stuff is good practice anyways.... easier to pull out what you need without dragging out everything in your pack to find the item you want. As for getting wet, I've found my Osprey Switch 40+5 happily dry.... mind you, the 'external' pocket may get wet, but hey, that's where your tools, crampons, and emergency gear, etc. sit while your dry goods are safely dry in the main body. I've never had anything get wet in the main compartment except when fording a stream that was much deeper than I had expected. Ooops! http://www.timefortuckerman.com/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif That was a wet few days.

[Justin]

I second OR's those things ROCK! They are an absolute must for down bags when temp is a real concern!

[RR]

I second OR's those things ROCK! They are an absolute must for down bags when temp is a real concern!They are handy for fetching water too!

[skibumnh]

you weren't up last year at that time huh?

I was there inferno weekend, I had to walk out the last 150-200 feet of sherb, and judging from others reports and the increasingly warming weather after that weekend, I doubt it was skiable to the bottom much later than that (April 16th), but what do I know? :rolleyes:

[skicdave]

I've started to look around for a pack for this years Tucks trip. The one I have used in the past isn't designed to carry skis and its a heavy beast for a day pack.

Any suggestions on a good day pack. Need to carry skis, boots, etc, clothes and food.. thats about it. Will not be carrying avi equipment, ice axes or shovels. Room for at least one :beer: would be necessary as well.

[PWDR8S]

skicdave, take a look at the Osprey Switch 18....
Switch 18

If you spend most of your time riding lifts and hiking out-of-bounds, take a long look at the Switch 18. It incorporates the same medial-zippered insulated hose/bite-valve access as the AquaSource Snow - but in a built-in version. A panel load design allows easy access to your gear, even while sitting on the lift. Reinforced snowboard compression wings, foam reinforced side-crescent for A-framing skis, a diagonal ski carry strap and a shovel slot help you journey beyond the boundaries in comfort. A large front slash pocket stows extra gear and a deluxe ErgoPull hipbelt with pockets round out this superb and simple pack.



Ice ax loop and upper bungee loop with cord lock
Zippered hipbelt and hipwing pockets
Hypalon reinforced snowboard wings
Upper front goggle pocket
Front pocket with drain
Shovel flap
Molded backpanel



http://www.ospreypacks.com/switch_18.htm

Or the Switch 14....



Switch 14

Everyone needs a pack that can carry the essentials for a full day on the slopes. Enter the Switch 14. With the same panel loading and hydration design as the Switch 18, you'll have easy access to your gear and liquid sustenance. A simple hipbelt with fabric hip wings and a zippered pocket keeps the pack stable without encumbering your movement. Carry your skis A-framed or diagonal. Carry your snowboard vertically or horizontally when you're ready to go build that kicker.


Ice ax loop and upper bungee loop with cord lock
Zippered hipbelt and hipwing pockets
Hypalon reinforced snowboard wings
Upper front goggle pocket
Front pocket with drain
Shovel flap
Molded backpanel
http://www.ospreypacks.com/switch_14.htm


The features are pretty much the same and I use mine 80% of the time while day skiing. It's just the right size and has the right amenities. May be considered somewhat heavy by some but it's bombproof thus giving it longevity. Don't be concerned about the extra loop for an ice axe or about the other avi features like shovel pocket.... they can be used for other things like a tow line loop for towing your kids on an inflatable chair or the pocket for newspapers/magazines. I use mine as my 'extra' carryon while traveling.

At least look for these included features in other packs when comparing.
Reinforced ski straps. These packs have them and they do work well! I usually have vry sharp edges and I've sliced through straps on my Northface and Mountainsmith packs.

[skicdave]

Thanks PWDR8S,

Looking at these I'm wondering how easy it is to get stuff out of the pack. Guess there must be a main top zipper to access inside. Does look pretty good. I'd probably go with the Switch 14. Where can I see one of these in person? EMS doesn't seem to carry this model. Anywhere in North Conway?

[skituxnoob]

I'm just going to throw my info out there even though whe i go into the ravine it's for several nights at hojo's

Dana Design ArcFlex AstralPlane 6200 Cubes

Incorporates an internal frame, one aluminum stay along the spinal cord and 2 carbon fiber stays alog the sides top to bottom. At the Bottom of the CF stays is a strap which cinches forward to in FRONT of the hipbelt. Placing the load of the weight on the hips not shoulders*

I carried as much as 80 lbs with this thing in the Wyoming Rockies and it did all it needed to.

Last year saw me carrying up 65 lbs from thursday afternoon to saturday afternoon.
As a day pack it is big and clumsy and in itself probably weighs almost 5 lbs, but the bottom compartment may be cinched up towards the lower back so as to start the packs bottom above your belt.

Carrying skis a-frame style is no problem, it has a million straps/cinches on the side and 2 loops for ice axes. a removeable hip belt and top pouch makes them available as a real quick summit peice.

[elwood]

I'm looking for a bag too. Can anyone help? ;)

[PWDR8S]

I'm looking for a bag too. Can anyone help? ;)Meet me behind the dumpster next to the pizza joint at 4:20 today.