Recommend a Day Pack for BC skiing

[deadheadskier]

Looking for a good day pack. A couple of features I am interested in:

a. some sort of hydration system
b. good ski carrying capability
c. separate largish chambers - one for jackets, layers etc; one for holding ski boots.
d. relatively compact despite having these features, ie. comfortable to ski with


on a budget and hope to find something under $150 if possible

 

[snowmonster]

I ski with a Black Diamond Covert 22L. It's big enough to carry most of my gear on a day trip (including skins and crampons) but if you feel you need more space, get the 32L model.

a. it has a pouch for a reservoir and the tube threads through the strap so it doesn't freeze
b. carries skis diagonally (my preference), vertically and A frame
c. two chambers (one big the other smaller) but the outer chamber is designed for carrying avy equipment (shovel and probe pockets) and you can stuff some things in there. Good compartment for carrying wet stuff to keep them separate from dry clothes. I usually just strap my hiking boots to the side when skiing and, when I hike, I click my ski boots in the skis then carry diagonally
d. small and light so it's easy to ski with

Got mine for about $70 at a sale in SkiMarket. I recommend this pack.

 

[deadheadskier]

Maybe it's unfounded, but for some reason I don't like the idea of having my boots uncovered and exposed to the elements? Perhaps I shouldn't because I like this design a lot: http://www.rossignol.com/US/bootie-transport-pack_MS9145_product_ski-men-bags.html

I guess I just have this image in my head of being out in very cold exposed conditions and that stiffening the boot making them difficult to put on or blowing snow getting inside the liner. You'll probably tell me, never fear, there's a simple solution to that problem too. :lol:

 

[snowmonster]

In my experience, when I hike for winter turns, I'm usually wearing my ski boots. Of course, I have an AT boot with a walk mode which makes hiking/skinning a bit easier. In the spring, with more exposed rock, I use my hiking boots and click my boots into my skis which are strapped to the pack. I tried hiking in my AT boots and I pretty much trashed the bases.

If you're worried about boots freezing, I don't think the pack will give it much insulation. It'll still be frozen -- which is why I'd rather wear it. If you're worried about rain, "never fear. There's a solution to that problem." =) Get a rubber band and some plastic bags and seal up the boot as it's strapped to the outside of the pack. I also looked at that Rossi bag but figured that you can't carry skis on them. They're probably good for taking boots on a plane. But, so was my BD pack.

 

[skidmarks]

Ortovox Free Rider 24

The guide service we used in Monatfone Austria rented these packs and I liked it so much we bought two when we got home. I really liked the size and the clamshell back zipper. (It can open like a suitcase)

No room for boots. I usually hike with boots and if possible skis on my feet.

 

[deadheadskier]

In my experience, when I hike for winter turns, I'm usually wearing my ski boots. Of course, I have an AT boot with a walk mode which makes hiking/skinning a bit easier. In the spring, with more exposed rock, I use my hiking boots and click my boots into my skis which are strapped to the pack. I tried hiking in my AT boots and I pretty much trashed the bases.

If you're worried about boots freezing, I don't think the pack will give it much insulation. It'll still be frozen -- which is why I'd rather wear it. If you're worried about rain, "never fear. There's a solution to that problem." =) Get a rubber band and some plastic bags and seal up the boot as it's strapped to the outside of the pack. I also looked at that Rossi bag but figured that you can't carry skis on them. They're probably good for taking boots on a plane. But, so was my BD pack.

I guess most likely most of any BC I do will be on Washington in the spring and you are right about the boots still freezing up even in a pack.

For some reason I thought the Rossi bag was capable of holding skis diagonally, but I might be mistaken.

Ultimately I'd like to get some AT boots, especially if I enjoy myself like I think I will this winter. I just need to hold off a year on that purchase.

 

[bvibert]

The one time that I hiked for turns I used a Dakine Poacher (I think) pack that carried the skis diagonally. I clicked my ski boots into the skis to carry them, but first I put plastic shopping bags around them and let the bindings hold the bags on. It looked wicked ghetto, but it kept the snow out of my boots.

 

[wa-loaf]

For some reason I thought the Rossi bag was capable of holding skis diagonally, but I might be mistaken.

It's hard to tell if it even has a waist belt. I think that bag is meant to be a to and from the lodge kinda pack.

 

[luvinjaycloud]

Backpack

http://outside.away.com/outside/gear/gear.tcl?gear=Deuter-Cruise-30&gear_id=7810&action=showgear

The Deuter Cruise 30. perfect day trip pack, nice padding, easy to strap skis. fits your price point too!

 

[bigbog]

mine....

I use a smaller 20+ LoweAlpine Snow Attack. Low volume + hydration pouch. Works well...doesn't pack a lot but is light, thus skis great.

..DeadheadSkier, I have a BD Covert 32L(Non-avalung), mint-Never used(06/07 pretty sure, but maybe 07/08?)...yellow/grey. (18" torso, 46cm, size: S/M), can do ~$50. Bought it over @Ragged Mtn.(N.Conway)..I think. Anyways was bought New.
(If desired, I can get a few pics & post up a link).

$.01,
Steve

 

[snowmonster]

Darn, bigbog! I should have asked you first. I was looking for a 32L but only found a 22L on sale. DHS, that's a good deal right there.

 

[deadheadskier]

I use a smaller 20+ LoweAlpine Snow Attack. Low volume + hydration pouch. Works well...doesn't pack a lot but is light, thus skis great.

..DeadheadSkier, I have a BD Covert 32L(Non-avalung), mint-Never used(06/07 pretty sure, but maybe 07/08?)...yellow/grey. (18" torso, 46cm, size: S/M), can do ~$50. Bought it over @Ragged Mtn.(N.Conway)..I think. Anyways was bought New.
(If desired, I can get a few pics & post up a link).

$.01,
Steve

...interested, a photo or link would be great

 

[powbmps]

This one keeps showing up on Tramdock for $95:

http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorg...ung-Winter-Pack-1343-1953-cu-in/BLD0947M.html

 

[deadheadskier]

This one keeps showing up on Tramdock for $95:

http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorg...ung-Winter-Pack-1343-1953-cu-in/BLD0947M.html

I think that's pretty much what Steve has minus the avalung. I don't really think I'll need the avalung though and if for some reason I think I might, it's my hope that whoever I'm skiing with breaks my leg for being stupid enough to think I need to be in that kind of situation. :lol:

 

[bigbog]

pack

DHS..anyone,
Here's my Covert Pack link...little bits of dust still on/in the larger straps and on bottom inside(took pics before I cleaned it up w/water ~20min ago) but other than that...zippers, buckles all in mint/new shape..no tears...

http://sports.webshots.com/album/573689881FsbYWS

Think $50 + $8 = $58 total(within the NE) to any online regulars...is ok with me.
STeveD
________________________
***Guess this is now in the "SOLD to DHS" basket....

 

[deadheadskier]

Hold the phone :lol:

So, I just go into the living room telling J how excited I am about Steve's pack and what I need it for. J doesn't ski, hike, really nothing too much outdoorsy.

She says, that sounds like my LL Bean backpack. I had only ever seen this pack once and had totally forgotten about it. It was deep in a closet.

The only thing I can't tell if it has or not are proper straps for carrying skis diagonally. I've only carried skis on a pack years ago in an A frame set up. It's pretty much brand spankin' new, it has an inner hydration pouch.

The reality is, unless I completely fall in love with BC skiing, I see myself really 'needing' a day pack maybe 4 times next winter. My lazy ass enjoys riding the lift too much :lol:

Here's some photos, what do you all think.

 

[snowmonster]

Looks exactly like my old pack except that I have the panel-loading model. I think you're limited to A-framing your skis on these. I used mine several times in Tux and to hike some closed ski areas and it was fine. Since you're just getting your feet wet, you might start with this before making a bigger commitment. Then again, bigbog's pack is pretty sweet too.=)

 

[bigbog]

Covert's diagonal? skicarry scheme

DHS,
Here is what was prescribed...in image. ...but really, I think a diagonal carry is improvisational(as snowmonster said)(which does work sometimes).. There are buckles enough...but the lower-loop cable correctly aligning the heelpiece closer to the center of the pack...wasn't on this pack. A-Frame was the intended...imho. You can secure the toepiece area as is in the image but I think you must improvise by using the other top buckle_&_strap, pulling the toepiece area closer to pack center. My bad!...has been a couple years in the closet till tonight... *The fit with boots inside...I think could be tight! (with the Hydration bladder inside as well). Looks like last year's offered choice..Diag or A-Frame.
$.01,
Steve

 

[snowmonster]

^ That's how I carry my ski and axe. The bottom loops on the Covert adjust so I wear one long to accommodate my fat skis and shorten the other one so my axe doesn't swing around too much.

 

[bigbog]

..DO try a day pack...the hydration makes hikes easier..

DHS,
Don't dis the daypack_thing, it's a really useful tool...the water hose, handy to use without missing a step....is nice. Try to see if that lower loop will stretch to hold any ski...and if one of the buckles will wrap around that centerpiece? that's up high...looks like that might work..y/n? That's where the newer Covert has a cable loop...