Norrona Lygen 45L
I’ve had a lot of packs, this is by far one of my favourites. It’s light, well thought out, can fit all my glacier / mountaineering stuff, but still packs down small for quick laps.
Printable View
Norrona Lygen 45L
I’ve had a lot of packs, this is by far one of my favourites. It’s light, well thought out, can fit all my glacier / mountaineering stuff, but still packs down small for quick laps.
I'm 6'6", average-ish proportions and the ortovox haute route 40 fits me reasonably well. I also really like the pack so far
Edit: I really like it for day in day out touring, but with enough capacity and features that it can handle a rope etc. for those kinds of adventures
I use a dakine heli pro 12l. Holds everything i need inside and the just voile strap skins to the shovel blade on the outside for the way down
X2. The targhee line of packs is solid.Quote:
Originally Posted by Huskydoc
I have the Cirque 35 also. I don’t know if I’d call it ‘simple’, but it is fairly light, although, like most big brands, it still has unnecessary weight.Quote:
Originally Posted by MagnificentUnicorn
The quick ice axe deploy actually works. Nice ski carry. Drain holes in the safety gear pocket (why this is not universal is beyond me).
Top access is easy and fast to open and close, even with big gloves on.
Side access zipper and waistbelt pocket, both of which are on my required list.
Biggest reasons I got it was low weight and that it comes in a tall torso size.
Why not the current model? Seems as good as anything else available, comes in a long length, at a reasonable price, and with the Patagucci warranty. That Norrona Lyngen 45 also seems potentially ideal (haven’t touched one), amazing they can include those features and volume at that weight, but priced accordingly.Quote:
Originally Posted by dangerdad
By simple I mean a top loader without a lot of pockets and excess zippers. It’s not the lightest but it’s really durableQuote:
Originally Posted by Tjaardbreeuwer
Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums
Thanks for all of the responses!
Bumping this to find out if others are having the same problem. I'm trying to replace a 15yo granite gear pack that's only about 20L and has been my go to daytour pack. Somehow fits my shovel and probe, water, lunch, gloves, shell and goggles on the way up. But I've got complaints:
- aside from the shovel pocket, it's one big pocket that's annoying to dig through.
- my helmet just has to kind of dangle off of it
- I can only carry A-frame, and to do so, I have to swap my probe and shovel handle into the pack.
I wanted something more modern, with better helmet and ski carry as a priority, and a goggle pocket as a nice-to-have. Problem is none of the packs I've tried in the 22L-28L range fit my avy gear. I don't think I have anything weird... an older Voile D-handle shovel and a G3 speed probe. But the probe and handle have been to long for the Osprey Soelden, Ortovox Cross Rider 22 and Free Rider 28, and the BD Dawn Patrol 25L (and the shovel too wide for the Cross Rider).
Can anyone recommend a 25L-ish pack that fits a decent sized shovel and probe? I don't believe in buying miniature avy gear that won't actually do the job if/when I need it. I also don't want to carry a 35L pack that's half empty, just so it will fit my avy gear.
Mystery Ranch saddle peak?Quote:
Originally Posted by flip
Seems to check all your boxes… Two zippered compartments (outer is for avy gear, goggle pocket, external helmet carry system, A frame and diagonal ski carry ready (though can’t do diagonal while carrying helmet).
Can’t speak to whether or not it’ll fit your avy gear but don’t see why it wouldn’t at 25L.
The trusty Voiles are bigger than almost any modern shovel, and the handle attachment isn't nested into the blade like the new ones, which makes them even longer. I had one for many years and it only fit really well in modern 40L packs. I'm using a Mammut Alugator Pro Hoe now. Works great, fits in everything etc.
The voile shovel is large compared to most that are being made these days. Mine has been relegated to the get-unstuck bin in my Jeep for the same reason. That g3 probe is like 2" longer when folded than most other probes too. I ended up giving mine away and getting a new ortovox probe because it was too big for most of my bags.
Another good option if you need an airbag ready bag is the Mammut Pro 30. Basically identical to the saddle peak.Quote:
Originally Posted by east or bust
As mentioned the classic Voile is a bomber shovel but the design is outdated and they don't pack well.
Ortovox Kodiak or Mammut Allugator Pro are both big D-handled shovels that will fit better into modern packs, plus give you a non-round shaft (easier to assemble) and hoe mode.
I don’t think that I’d consider a pack less than 30L a real day touring pack. My Cirque 35 is usually full for day touring with what I would consider the minimum for survival in a winter mountain environment.
Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums
That's how I feel. I have the Pro 35 and it's full for a day tour. Anything less and I'd be pretty nervous.Quote:
Originally Posted by MagnificentUnicorn
Yeah, 35l is a really good sizeQuote:
Originally Posted by MagnificentUnicorn
Sent from my moto g 5G using Tapatalk
Pinch outside your range, but Patagonia Snow Drifter 30L?Quote:
Originally Posted by flip
Has separate avvy pocket, helmet carry, and can do diagonal or a-frame carry.
They also have a 20L, but I think it switches to a single compartment design but with pockets to hold the avvy gear separate from your stuff.
I have an older version of the 20L that has separate avvy tool and "stuff" compartments that I like. I use it for resort (or cat/heli) skiing when I want to carry a pack as well as for inbounds skinning up the mountain. Only complaint about the old version is it doesn't have a helmet carry option. But it does have a nice fleece-lined goggle pocket, bladder sleeve and insulated strap for hydration, and options for A-frame or diagonal (or snowboard) carry. Fills up fast though if you are carrying avvy gear...I can do a jacket (maybe a shell+puffy), gloves, 1.5L bladder, goggles, avvy tools, and some food, but that pretty much stuffs it.
My bigger pack is the Mountain Hardware Powabunga 32L. I like it, but it feels more spacious than 32L so probably too big for your needs. Dedicated avvy tool compartment, goggle storage, helmet holder, a-frame or diagonal carry, nice side pockets (big enough to take a pair of skins for non-superfat skis), and I've grown to like the back-panel access system. Nice waist belt system that moves with your hips too. Biggest con in my mind is that the hydration bladder storage is towards the outside of the pack rather than keeping the weight against your back...but that only matters if you carry a bladder.
I have a Mammut Nirvana Ride 30L backpack that I love. I’ve tried a few others over the years, but keep coming back to it. It’s not an airbag pack. Vertical or diagonal ski carry, water bladder section, a few convenient pockets. Nothing super unique, design-wise, just exceptional construction quality, with rugged materials and excellent zippers.
:::::@:::::
I think a lot of you guys that have small packs do not carry emergency stuff, or not enough
You need a puffy warm enough that you can spend the night outside, extra gloves, hat, tools, .
Room for crampons, food, snacks
Sent from my moto g 5G using Tapatalk
this ^^Quote:
Originally Posted by rod9301
Maybe he’s just looking for the smallest pack that would carry a big Voilé shovel?
Deuter packs have been good for light days. 35+ expandable.
Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums
Yeah, that's differentQuote:
Originally Posted by plugboots
Sent from my moto g 5G using Tapatalk
I live in Tahoe too, but without a big puffy i could not survive waiting for search and rescue even in the spring, once the temps dropped.
Sent from my moto g 5G using Tapatalk
Patagonia Descensionist 40L for most touring. Simple feature set and <1kg. Bigger than I "need" for a typical day of touring, but really easy to stuff a puffy (including a big, warm synthetic puffy) into the top without having to compress it super small. For instance, stuffing an XL Patagonia Macropuff or L Arc'teryx Nuclei SV.
I find a simple 40L pack carries and skis the same as a small ~24L pack if you have the same stuff in there. But I understand the temptation to fill a 40L pack with potentially more than you would take in a 24L pack. Avoid the temptation and make accessing/sorting your gear easy with a bigger pack.
The Patagonia Descensionist 32 L works great for my needs. My strategy is always to carry the minimum necessary, and for a few years I was paring back my gear list to make a 24 L pack work, but this size seems about right, especially on cold days when an extra layer and a full size thermos are appreciated. The avy gear pocket is tight getting my full size (SOS) shovel blade in and out, but I make it work. If money was no object I’d splurge on an Alpine Threadworks pack with a Purcell pocket, but that’s a lot of $ for addressing a pretty minor inconvenience.
I am launching a pack brand in about 4 to 5 weeks that I think addresses some of these shortcomings. The pack I am launching is 40L and expands to 50L so it might be a bit bigger that what flip was looking for. I am taking the fabrics that guys like Alpine Threadworks are using (Challenge Ultra) and getting the pack produced at one of the best pack factories in the world in Vietnam. This has allowed me to create a 1080g pack that is fully featured with back panel access, large avy pocket, removable aluminum frame, removable back panel, helmet carry that is some dinky strap on thing, and much more. Most 40L packs are coming in at over 1400g. I chose this volume because I think it works for 90% of skiers, everything from your dawn patrol or post work lap to a hut trip. Part of the impetus for starting is that I had not seen a pack that is lightweight with a back panel access, which IMO is superior because it is the only access method where you can easily get to everything in your pack with your skis on your pack.
I'm super excited to share more on TGR soon, but happy to speak more to it in the meantime.
Congrats and hell yeah - can't wait to see it! Post a link to this thread when you start your own.Quote:
Originally Posted by concierge
How much weight can it comfortably carry?Quote:
Originally Posted by concierge
Sent from my moto g 5G using Tapatalk
I'm anxiously awaiting the day we have Star Trek replicators (or on demand textile manufacturing a-la what 3d printers have done for platics) that I can combine with some ChatGPT.
Hey AI,
Please make me a bag that uses the body of X 30L pack, but expands the main compartment to 35L.
Ok, now swap in the waistbelt from Y pack.
Now add a helmet carry strap like on Z pack.
No, put it higher up so it wouldn't interfere with a diagonal ski carry.
Great, now redo the colors so it matches any of my current ski wear which includes [insert photos of jackets/pants]
Cool, manufacture and send please.
I was just reading this thread wondering which of the mentioned packs had back panel access - this is what I miss the most going from an old Osprey pack to an airbag pack - I want to set my pack down in the snow without the sweaty back panel getting soaked by snow.
Concierge - I’m intrigued - maybe start a new thread when it’s time to reveal your creation!
A roll top with a side access zipper is great, lay it on it’s side or bottom. No snow sticking to the sweaty back. Cirque 35.
Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums
Exped Serac 35 is similar and I've been happy with it for days sans airbag. With some contentious packing I think I like the side zip more than back access.Quote:
Originally Posted by MagnificentUnicorn
Stoked for you! I just logged in after years of inactivity to essentially do the same thing :biggrin: I wish you luck and please reach out to me. Maybe we can help each other out somehow. It looks like we'll probably have competing lines, but together maybe we can move the needle away from some of the crappy designs out there.Quote:
Originally Posted by concierge
Our ski packs won't be out until fall 2024, but we will definitely be testing and gathering content this winter. We're launching these packs at OR and regional trade shows in a few months.
www.pingora-gear.com.
rod9301 the goal of this pack is for it to flex up for hut trips and big missions so I didn't skimp on comfort. I had a horrible experience skiing Rainier with a ultralight pack that cut off circulation to my arms and that really drove home that comfort can also add to speed even if it adds a bit of weight. I think 3 things that really impact comfort are the shoulder pad construction, the frame of a pack and the shape of the back panel. I have 9mm foam on the shoulder straps which is about double what you see in packs like the Cirque 45. The pack has a full aluminum frame that distributes weight to the hip pads which have ample foam as well. This pack also has a molded back panel that has shape and shape from the frame to get the pack on to the hips and off the back. It can carry at least 35lbs comfortably. I'm able to achieve this at a low weight by employing some tricks with removing foam in less needed places.Quote:
Originally Posted by rod9301
Regarding the discussion of back panel access vs. side zip I think the back panel access is superior for a number of reasons. You get complete access to your gear, there is a lot, lot less stress on the zipper when the bag is stuffed, and you can access the pack when the skis are A-framed. This is enough for me to always want a back panel access pack. @bennymac I'm stoked to hear you feel the same and I will definitely be sharing the brand on here once i have everything lined up for launch. I will shoot you a dm if that's ok when it is live.Quote:
I was just reading this thread wondering which of the mentioned packs had back panel access - this is what I miss the most going from an old Osprey pack to an airbag pack - I want to set my pack down in the snow without the sweaty back panel getting soaked by snow.
Concierge - I’m intrigued - maybe start a new thread when it’s time to reveal your creation!
SLCMunchie I will shoot you a DM! Looks like you have an awesome brand and I'd love to chat.Quote:
Stoked for you! I just logged in after years of inactivity to essentially do the same thing :biggrin: I wish you luck and please reach out to me. Maybe we can help each other out somehow. It looks like we'll probably have competing lines, but together maybe we can move the needle away from some of the crappy designs out there.
Thanks, I'm interested. I had a custom mc hale pack, dead after 10 years. Now i have a35+10 peuterey, good pack.
Sent from my moto g 5G using Tapatalk
Yes feel free to pm me when this goes live - always wanted a backpack concierge!
Wow! Psyched to see these new packs!! Please post them up here when available.
I’ve been using the cirque 30 lt lately and loving it. It definitely shows it’s alpine climbing roots even more so than the 35. No structure to the back panel or waist strap and no zipper access. But it’s great for my use and has worked for more than one overnight. The main feature I want in a ski pack is a dedicated avy tools pocket. I attempt to pack stuff such that what I know I want to get to easily is on the top. Of course my crampons and puffy are always at the bottom and I want to get to them all the time so…maybe my next pack will have back panel access [emoji23]
Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums
Hip belt pockets? Shoulder strap pocket? Or at least an attachment point for a shoulder strap pouch/pocket?