I was excited to have one pack that is dedicated just to skiing. It is great to have a seperate compartment for shovel, probe, saw, etc and I absolutely love the top pouches for googles, snacks, skin wax and phone. The access zip against the back is also key. The fit is big on me (I am 5') and with a bit of extra weight (insulated pants and ja... Read Morecket for AK skiing, repair kit, 1 L water, skiis on back) it rides down on my lower back too far. Other than that, a solid backcountry ski pack that is versatile and well designed!
This bag works great for backcountry outings. I've had the bag about a month and been up Mt Hood 3 times with it so far.
I upgraded to this bag from the osprey kestra. The bags are similar in many ways but the big difference for me was fewer buckles to undo to get into the zippered back panel. (Osprey has now fixed this problem).
Pros- The ... Read Morezippered hip pockets are great for easy access to sunscreen and snacks. Good carry system for splitboarders. I can mount the board in the vertical carry which I like for the final push to summits where you don't want to spend your time assembling your board back together on the exposed peak. Nice goggle pocket. A few nice smaller zippered pockets inside organize some small tools and ski straps. The avy tool pocket works great for also carrying small ice tools like my petzl gully. The daisy chain webbing on the shoulder straps works well for mounting different water bottle holders in front like the camp flask holder. The dyanafit bottle holder took a bit of ingenuity to get mounted but that works well with small carabiner. The two main straps on the back are isolated on each side so that even if you unbuckle the strap your poles or skis mounted to the sides remain in place.
Cons- I think the avy tool pocket should have a different colored zipper to make it more easily identifiable. The sternum clip lacks a whistle which isn't a problem until you wish you had one there. The helmet carry is a bit loose for my petzl sirocco helmet and will fall out even with the straps all the way down. Probably not a problem for a larger ski helmet. I also find myself wishing the helmet carry could be done on the lid and the back panel like my osprey could do. That way I can use the pack as a seat without crushing my helmet.
Overall a good pack.
I have broad shoulders for a female (17" versus 15"). I had tried a few packs and they all gave me shoulder pain - not this one! I'm 5'7" and the S/M sits perfectly on my hips and under my beacon. Patagucci really did make a pocket for everything, the external helmet carry is money, and I'm pretty certain the zippered ... Read Morewaist pockets were hand sewn by sweet baby jesus. You will not regret buying this pack!
Nice pack. Low profile when not full but its a black hole, it just swallows gear up! A bit confused on how the diagonal Ski carry works. Can anybody clear that up for me?
Bought this bag because Ill be working at a ski resort all winter and wanted a good bag I could ride with. Theres a defect on the right shoulder strap that causes it to because loose with any force. Not ideal in a bag meant for intense activity. Wore it for one day and got back pain from the uneven weight. Shame because the bag seems quality other ... Read Morethan that
Hi Matt, thank you for taking the time to write us a review! We're really sorry to hear about the defect you experienced. We'd definitely consider this a warranty issue so you're welcome to return this. We've reach out to you directly for some further assistance on this!
Just building my backcountry kit. So far, I love the Snowdrifter 30L. Other family members have the same pack and love it. They convinced me and my Husband to purchase ours. Can't wait for more adventures using it.
While I haven't got to use it out in the field yet, there is some much room in the pack. It is designed so well with so many features. Can't wait for some snow to get out there!
Watch the video on this bag to see all the compartments and functions and ways to use it. Fits all backcountry tools and gear nicely. I am a small woman (5”3) and the s/m fits great. Love how you can access everything in the bag by way of the belly zipper. Colour is nice too. Dark enough where it won’t look dirty super quick, but nice enough to sti... Read Morell have something other than black! This bag is comparable with other bags at mec, I didn’t see a better one.
first real backcountry backpack. It's light and easy to use with enough pockets and features for what you need but not overwhelming. Definitely would recommend for day trips backcountry skiing, hiking, traveling!