Backpack recommendations?

[shocker]

What backpacks do you guys like for skiing with? I need to get something for use with touring and BC skiing. The Black Diamond Covert looks pretty good, but whate else is out there? Any recommendations?

Thanks.

[Tri-Ungulate]

Anarchist is a better pack. I like my 22L Covert, and use it mostly for sidecountry, but my 32L Anarchist is a much better design. Both are Avalung models.

[AKbruin]

I like my Arc'Teryx Khamski a lot: it's simple, light, burly, relatively cheap (by Arc' standards), and the kangaroo pouch rocks. They had a good deal on them on BC Outlet a half year ago.

[Hugh Conway]

Anarchist is a better pack. I like my 22L Covert, and use it mostly for sidecountry, but my 32L Anarchist is a much better design. Both are Avalung models.

Hmm. I dig my 32L covert as a sidecountry pack, partly because I really dislike the shovel pocket on the Anarchist. The next seasons Covert sounds to have a few changes (I remember pockets on the hip belt) that would be nice.

[Spats]

The next seasons Covert sounds to have a few changes (I remember pockets on the hip belt) that would be nice.

An usable hip belt, and the ability to carry more than 3 pounds without sagging off your back, would be a good start.

Seriously: the Covert has strong features and usable ski/tool carry, but it carries weight worse than any pack I've ever shouldered. 22 or 32L, doesn't matter.

[Vicious]

IMHO, the Covert design sux.

I had a 42L Anarchist for a while that was better, but still not the best fit for me.

Just got a TNF Patrol 35 and it's the best pack I've ever owned...super stoked on the features, weight distribution and fit.

Osprey packs also carry very well and are some of the most comfortable I've ever tried.

[Buster Highmen]

I like the BCA stash pack for sidecountry. It's a little small for day tours with big skins, but it works. I guess I most like they way it fits.

[whyturn]

Love the BCA stash, it is a boarder pack, but have put skis on. Very compact, low pro, shovel, probe, down sweater, wool gloves and very easy to strap skis flat like a snowboard would go. have used it and love it.

[El Jefe]

I have the guide Dakine and the Osprey 26. Love them both...... wish the Osprey had diagonal ski carry.

[cold_smoke]

I have only been truly happy with Da Kine packs, I think they carry weight very well and are really functional as far as storage and ski carry goes. Had a BD covert 32L and hated it, the only useful thing on it is the avalung.
I just picked up a Da Kine Tactic on BC Outlet for $55 and love it. Add avalung with zip ties and duct tape and voila, the sweetest avalung pack around!

The BCA packs also seem nice. I like packs where the top of the back straps connect to the top of the pack/frame and not several inces below (the BCA has this too). A supportive hip belt is also a must that so many manufacturers seriously drop the ball on....

[Fenris]

wish the Osprey had diagonal ski carry.

Last time I checked it does. There is the big loop on the right side for it and the left strap can be moved over. That is if you are talking about the switch line. I believe the only other 26 that they currently have is one of the resource series of packs.

[Crystal_Mt_Dreamin]

Just got a TNF Patrol 35 and it's the best pack I've ever owned...super stoked on the features, weight distribution and fit.

Interesting, I've been trying to decide on a pack in the 40L range lately and that one has been in my sights. Good to hear some mag input.

[Hugh Conway]

Seriously: the Covert has strong features and usable ski/tool carry, but it carries weight worse than any pack I've ever shouldered. 22 or 32L, doesn't matter.

32L or 22L wtf are you putting in it? lead bricks? It's a nice simple pack, without useless bullshit (looks at Osprey, Dakine and Marmot)

Once again I'll say people thinking ductape and zipties will keep an avalung on in an Avalanche are fucking retarded.

[bornincolorado]

NO, duct tape and zip ties are guaranteed to keep a _________ on in a ________. Fill in as you wish.

[123ski]

I have never used it but I have heard great things about the Deuter Erik Hjorleifson pack..which I would also like to learn more about if anyone here has used it.

[Hugh Conway]

NO, duct tape and zip ties are guaranteed to keep a _________ on in a ________. Fill in as you wish.

the rabbit foot market is huge here

[AK]

arcteryx borea.

simple, burly, easy zipper pulls w/ gloves, side access, good compression straps, front shovel pouch and it's comfortable.

[cold_smoke]

Once again I'll say people thinking ductape and zipties will keep an avalung on in an Avalanche are fucking retarded.

well, if it is powerful enough to rip off my attachment, i think it would probably be strong enough to rip a tube out of your mouth as well regardless, and if shit is getting ripped off of you, you are probably wishing you had an ABS pack and not an avalung,...

One thing that annoys me about the avalung packs is that you have less of a chance of getting it in your mouth in an emergency while skiing as compared with the tradidtional design unless you are skiing with it in your mouth because it just bounces everywhere. The traditional avalung sits solid right where you set it. I don't think there is an easy solution to solve this though when incorporated into a backpack.

[Graham]

I have never used it but I have heard great things about the Deuter Erik Hjorleifson pack..which I would also like to learn more about if anyone here has used it.

Seriously...Me too. I started a thread about the EH pack, Shirk is the Deuter Rep, said it's awesome, I'm still waiting for a review though. The only people I've seen who have them were (Other than Hjorleifson) Chris Rubens, and Pete Velisek. I can't find the damn things in ANY stores that I've been to around Vancouver or the Kootenays. I'm beginning to think that three were made.

[bean]

I went with BD Outlaw. Back panel access is $$$

[robnow]

Seriously...Me too. I started a thread about the EH pack, Shirk is the Deuter Rep, said it's awesome, I'm still waiting for a review though. The only people I've seen who have them were (Other than Hjorleifson) Chris Rubens, and Pete Velisek. I can't find the damn things in ANY stores that I've been to around Vancouver or the Kootenays. I'm beginning to think that three were made.

They are in Banff, or at least were in the fall. Give Monod's a shout. Unfortunately I only had a too brief look at it to give any details.

[Sillygoat]

Hjorleifson pack... soooo hot right now

[Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer]

arcteryx borea.

simple, burly, easy zipper pulls w/ gloves, side access, good compression straps, front shovel pouch and it's comfortable.

+1 on the Borea.

I have a Dakine Blade for day tours. It is a 30L. Good diagonal ski carry, top-loader with dedicated avi gear pouch.

For 2-3 day tours, I have an Arcteryx Borea. 50L bag. A-frame carry, HUGE kangaroo pouch for avi gear/skins, and top loading design. Carries awesome.

EDIT: Note Arcteryx no longer makes the Borea. Do not confuse this with the Bora. The Borea was the dedicated ski-mountaineering pack. The new ski-mountaineering pack is the Silo, which I have not used. I am sure the Borea is still available on backorder (I got mine from bc.com about a month ago for super cheap).

[I've seen black diamonds!]

New ski backpack from Osprey:

[Rob Stokes]

any more info/piks? ^