Skiing with a pack in the resort

[SkiDork]

word.

 

[kbroderick]

I carry a Dakine Vertex. It's got my first-aid stuff (including a space blanket, trauma shears, bandages, dressings, etc), at least one extra layer, water (in the hydration sleeve), a pair of fleece gloves and OR overmitts, steel and plastic scrapers, trail and BC maps, multitool, lighter, zip ties, at least one granola bar, a couple of ball bungees, and sometimes extra eyewear. (I will be adding a compass to replace the one I lost as soon as I get around to it, which should be sooner rather than later, I suppose). If I want to, I can usually squeeze either my camera or my skins in the top of the bag on top of the other stuff; more often, though, I end up with both under my jacket against the front of my body; I can also stash a lunch in the same spot if I don't have the skins or camera in the bag. I could get my patrol stuff into a fanny pack or a patrol vest, but then I'd still need a backpack if I wanted the extra layer and water. I don't like loading up the pockets in my jacket and pants because I feel like that inhibits movement much more than having a reasonable-sized pack does; I also like the ability to go out for a whole day without needing to come back to my starting point, which is particularly helpful when skiing either (a) larger resorts or (b) with a group of people who may or may not feel like grabbing extra layers at the same time I do.

I actually skied one day at Stowe and several in Utah last year with an EMS bookbag-type pack; at that point, I was carrying my lunch, a layer, a multitool, my water bottle, and sometimes my camera. After doing that a few times, I felt like it was more convenient to ski with a pack than without one (plus it allowed me to ski right thorugh lunch if Iso desired).

 

[SKIQUATTRO]

to each his own, but honestly....how many times during the ski day are you going into you bag to get stuff?? Also, dont you ever have to jump into the lodge to use the 'facilicties'??? Unless you are skiing the large spread out resorts out west or going OB, just seems like alot of stuff to ski around with....i've been out west and use a camelbak with a change of socks/liquid wax and some snacks, but event then a lodge is usually no more than a 5 - 10 min ski away....still really cant see skiing in the east with a pack on....but thats me...

 

[DEVO]

to each his own, but honestly....how many times during the ski day are you going into you bag to get stuff?? Also, dont you ever have to jump into the lodge to use the 'facilicties'??? Unless you are skiing the large spread out resorts out west or going OB, just seems like alot of stuff to ski around with....i've been out west and use a camelbak with a change of socks/liquid wax and some snacks, but event then a lodge is usually no more than a 5 - 10 min ski away....still really cant see skiing in the east with a pack on....but thats me...

I'll say it again...that's 'cause you aren't skiing with kids. I actually go into my pack several times throughout the day for either myself or someone else. You become real popular real fast when you are the only one with a screw driver/duct tape/band aid etc, etc, etc. and and I don't care what anyone says, carrying a bunch of stuff in your jacket and pants pockets sucks, I've done it.

 

[Jay's Dip Powcher]

like a pick up truck

Carrying a pack is like having a pick up truck.....sure they suck and are not functional and you make fun of most who drive them but you sure do warm up to them when you need one, and that seems like the most important times...moving, home repairs, helping out a friend sound familiar?
Being as self sufficiant as possible and not relying on others to help you is not the standard especially when it comes to getting into trouble even more on the mountain but should be the norm. Good to go and not need to go is the way.
Yes I ski with a pack and yes I have kids but when trouble strikes or I want my family or friends to be able to look to me for help or I need help I do not want to ski to the lodge. How does that Boy scout term go? Oh yeah...be prepared! 2K of vertical feet or 18K nothing changes when you need something and need it bad. If you make fun of me in the lift line please do not stop me for help on the mountain when I ski by you ;-)

 

[SKIQUATTRO]

You are wrong.....my wife and i do ski with my 4yr old all over the mountain....she can go 2-3 hours and by that time she usually has to go in and use the restrooms, so we stop by our bags/cooler for some milk and cookies....

 

[Goblin84]

Carrying a pack is like having a pick up truck.....sure they suck and are not functional and you make fun of most who drive them

whats wrong with driving a truck? ;-)

 

[DEVO]

You are wrong.....my wife and i do ski with my 4yr old all over the mountain....she can go 2-3 hours and by that time she usually has to go in and use the restrooms, so we stop by our bags/cooler for some milk and cookies....

Sorry, I know everyone's way of doing things is different. We pretty much did the same when our kids were younger. I just personally got tired of going into the lodge every couple of hours for something minor, and as my kids got older (boy 7, girl 14) I just found it much easier just to carry a few things with us instead of heading inside four or five times throughout the day. Now we pee before we head out, have everyhting we need while we are skiing, head in for lunch, pee, and we are back out for the afternoon.

I also mtn bike alot and have always been annoyed by "that guy" that skis or rides with a group and is always asking for something they should have brought themselves, and then waiting for them while they go looking for something inside.

 

[cbcbd]

I just recently got a Dakine Heli Pro that went on a ridiculous clearance at EMS... they were clearanced at $15!

I got it mainly because I wanted a pack with diagonal ski carry (much less annoying than setting up a-frame carries on my other packs) for BC and this was a great deal.

So... I'd figured I'd try it out at the resorts.

It's been great, especially when skiing on my own - I can keep snacks and a lunch in there, and if I need to adjust my layering during the day I can stuff it in the pack and save a trip to the lodge.

Plus, I'd rather have those extra gloves, balaclava, etc. in my pack on my back than stuffing the hell out of my jacket - I prefer to keep my jacket as slim as possible.

Even though skiing in a resort is not the wilderness, every time I have to go into the lodge (I repeat, "have". I never "want" to go into the lodge), it disconnects me from the skiing and just makes me ansy to get back out and stop wasting time!

 

[SIKSKIER]

Dakine Heli Pro for me too but have only used it on the EC carrying beer to the top of the MT.Use it every time we are catskiing in British Columbia cuz you won't see the lodge for 7 hours.I actually bought it for Tuckermans but have not made it in there for 4 years.Shame on me!