Pack for Skiing

**ski_faster** · 12-01-2004, 03:30 AM

What is the pack of choice for all you maggots? I have a Dana Design Bomb pack. Its a little too big most of the time. I was looking at getting a Wookey shovel pack.

**PrankMonkey** · 12-01-2004, 08:17 AM

hmm... that pack is neat, cool concept. I can say however that I've had a Life-Link Boundary for three years now and the thing is absolutely bomber. I use the thing year round. Skiing in the winter and spring, school in the spring and fall (not designed for this, pain in the ass to stuff full of textbooks) and geoscience related field work in the summer. So far the only wear that the thing shows is the dirt (go figure), the elastic in the sternum strap loosing some of it's elasticity (the sternum elastic isn't bcked up w/ nylon, easy to fix w/ 10 minutes and a 6-inch piece of webbing), and a 2x2 patch of abrasion on the bottom left corner of the pack (pretty insignifigant for all the times it's been ground across [insert earth material here]). Also the shoulder straps are awesome and the design of the pack is great. It is just big enough for a shovel, sandwich, an xtra pr of liner mitts and a discarded shell or fleece. Also the profile is long and low, I forget I have it on, and if you ride a chair you can actually fit in the seat w/o removing the pack first The pack cloth is waterproof, however the seams nor the embroidered logo are taped, but its more than enough to keep your stuff dry in sleet or a drizzling rain. other complaints, (get ready for the most trivial complaints ever) it's a real pain in the ass to use as a book bag, only four textbooks and a notebook fit w/o stacking thing s on top of each other, the hole for the hydration system is really tight to get an insulated bite valve through, and the foam used for the pseudo-framesheet is wierd, it doesn't stand up against things, but it doesn't slump down like a normal rucksack. The only real major complaints that I have is the lack of a better hipbelt, and short torso length. 2-inch webbing is great for holding the pack to your back and 85% of the time It's all I need, but when carrying lead-weighted alpine boards, it would really, really be nice to have a hipbelt that could put some weight on my hips. Also, when the shoulder straps are snugged the waist belt runs square across my navel. Now, maybe I'm just freakishly long from shoulder to hip (6'1" head to toe) but for gods sake make a model w/ a longer torso length!
Thats it, in general between any pack in this size range I would buy this pack again in a heartbeat, and I'll probably buy another Life-link if I ever need to buy a different pack. 4.86 out of 5

**Xover** · 12-01-2004, 08:26 AM

ski fasta,

I just went thru search you are; Dakine Heli Pro is the way to go ho

**Steven S. Dallas** · 12-01-2004, 08:31 AM

If you like the Dana packs, check out the Tatoosh 25 or 35.

**Evil E** · 12-01-2004, 10:34 AM

i second the dakine heli pro - great construction and quality all the way around. I can even fit my spatulas in the diagonal carry system which I thought for sure was not going to be possible.

those life link boundaries seem good, but I dig the waist belt for better support on longer hikes

one easy tip to make this pack way better is to add a internal frame/support like i did from my mountainsmith- now it carries my skis much better.

4 seasons of abuse and mine barely shows any wear. Its a steal for around $100

**PlayHarder** · 12-01-2004, 10:50 AM

Anyone ever used any of these guys stuff:

Indigo Equipment, looks like a decent pack - but I've never heard of them. It's got good access, nice compartment for shovel/probe and other avy gear and a hydration system plus a handy pocket on the lower side for h2o, snacks, etc that's easily accessable with the pack on. Bonus is a nicely shaped internal frame that's really comfortable. Interesting ski carry system that looks fairly quick in and out, but no rubberized padding on the webbing so I'm a little worried about durability.
Any input would be appreciated.

**LaramieSkiBum** · 12-01-2004, 11:00 AM

Depends on what your going to use it for, but Heli Pro has been awesome for me. I have had mine for 3 years now, one broken zipper and a tear in the bottom - but only $10 repair. I use it for school during the week, and resort sking/ backcountry touring / camping / hiking during the weekends. It is my sole suitcase. I took it out in wyoming oil fields for 3 months and TRIED to destroy it - it just washed clean (zep soap is bad ass). I literally have used it nearly every day for 3 years and those two problems just happend 2 weeks ago.

**Raps** · 12-01-2004, 11:09 AM

Arc'teryx Bora 30 has treated me well although a little pricey, it has held up well and is a damn comfortable fit. The Heli Pro though seems to be a popular choice - haven't heard too many bad things about it.

**onehotchili** · 12-01-2004, 11:10 AM

i have used and owned the Dana Bomb, Da Kine Heli Pro, and Da Kine Poacher. they were all "ok". now my new favorite is the Osprey Switch 25+5. very cool with great features of day touring in the BC. check it out if you have a chance.

**Mountainman** · 12-01-2004, 12:02 PM

Da Kine Chute. Had to sew some buckles on to make it just right.(which i later found out they added on the next years models)

Just right for day in the BC or an overnight hike. Little too big if you're just carrying shit around a resort.

**72Twenty** · 12-01-2004, 01:23 PM

I use two different ones depending on my size requirements.

1. Life-Link Valdez. This thing looks friggin' huge; and it is, but it actually fits really well, even if not totally full. Super bomber. I don't think they make it anymore; it was the biggest one they offered back in like 2000 when I got it. Skis held diagnolly.

2. Lowe Alpine Countour Mountain 40. Classic pack, great fit. Kinda hard to get stuff in and out of the top zipper but it doesn't move around when skiing. Skis held A-frame style.

**Steven S. Dallas** · 12-01-2004, 01:37 PM

Originally Posted by 72Twenty

Lowe Alpine Countour Mountain 40. Classic pack, great fit. Kinda hard to get stuff in and out of the top zipper but it doesn't move around when skiing. Skis held A-frame style.

I have one of these too; I like it, but it's really hot. I know that sounds weird, but it's a little too warm for me on serious slogs- not much air circulation between it and my back.

**laseranimal** · 12-01-2004, 07:42 PM

I've used the heli pro worked good, definately see why it gets a lot of good reviews but I've since bought a Black Diamond slide pack which I like a lot better. More organized and seems to hold a little bit more stuff then the pro and sits flatter on my back for chairlift rides. For longer trips in the BC and overnight hikes I've picked up the 45L Revelation pack from BD

**cj001f** · 12-01-2004, 08:10 PM

Originally Posted by 72Twenty

2. Lowe Alpine Countour Mountain 40. Classic pack, great fit. Kinda hard to get stuff in and out of the top zipper but it doesn't move around when skiing. Skis held A-frame style.

I had the Contour Mountain 50. Absolutetly the worst pack I've ever skiied with. Worse than 60lbs of winter camping gear. Lets put all of the pack volume low and behind you so you get this nice whiplash effect with every turn

For inbounds I have a LL Boundary which is nice, OB I have a Black Diamond ATtack (no longer made, very similar to the BD Slide Pack) which is damn nice.

**Magoo** · 12-01-2004, 10:09 PM

Another vote for the BD AT -- now the slide pack. Check it out

**Powdurr** · 12-01-2004, 10:19 PM

I use the BD frenzy. They have it in two sizes. For resort stuff and short backcountry stuff the smaller one works, but I would go with the bigger one.

**cj001f** · 12-01-2004, 10:59 PM

Originally Posted by Magoo

Another vote for the BD AT -- now the slide pack. Check it out

And it's available for $50 at Sierra Trading Post

**char** · 12-02-2004, 01:41 AM

Does the Slide have stays?

**marshalolson** · 12-02-2004, 07:04 PM

the wookey sundog is dope as well...
way more usefull for everyday to overnight type stuff...
marshal

**Tri-Ungulate** · 12-02-2004, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by char

Does the Slide have stays?

No. Just has a plastic sheet stiffener, but it still rides pretty comfortably when loaded. It's only 20L so even with skis A-framed and bag full you can't really bog it down enuf that you'd need the extra support.

**hop** · 12-02-2004, 07:32 PM

Originally Posted by PlayHarder

Anyone ever used any of these guys stuff:

Indigo Equipment, looks like a decent pack - but I've never heard of them. It's got good access, nice compartment for shovel/probe and other avy gear and a hydration system plus a handy pocket on the lower side for h2o, snacks, etc that's easily accessable with the pack on. Bonus is a nicely shaped internal frame that's really comfortable. Interesting ski carry system that looks fairly quick in and out, but no rubberized padding on the webbing so I'm a little worried about durability.
Any input would be appreciated.

I have the Elvn 25l, the Rhide (pictured) 40l, and the Tango 44l.
The Elvn is my daily pack for lift-served, sidecountry, shorter day trips. Super clean and easy accessible clamshell dssign, rad suspension and narrow profile that won't interfere w/ your arms. The ski carry straps (maybe longer this year?) were too short to be very useful for explosive+ waisted skis, plus I hate H carry systems, so I looped a long Voile' strap through the bottom where the hipbelt goes and carry skis vertically along the back.
The Rhide just arrived and I haven't had a chance to use it in the field, but in-house fondling suggest it will be a very nice pack. It's a nice size for longer day trips, plus the Lariat ski carry system should prove to be more useful than the Elvn's H carry (which the Rhide also has an improved version of). I'll probably carry fat skis with the removable snowboard strap instead of just the ski strap to minimize wobble.
The Tango is a very nice top-loader with a side zip access for the main compartment and a large top pocket. The PLD is too small to hold anything larger than a 12oz bike bottle but it makes a nice padded easily accessible pocket for a small camera. If you're taller than 5'7" go with a large; the regular is too short for me (I'm 5'10").
One feature of the Rhide and Tango that I really like is the separate "toolkit" for your shovel, probe, and other snow gizmos like skins and whatnot. It's nice to keep all that stuff separate from your spare clothes, food, and everything else so it's easily accessible if you need it quick.
They make a smaller clone of the Tango that's around 30l and a very small pack for bare essentials called the G-ride or G-zone or something that has the lariat ski strap and enough space for a shovel, probe, water, and not much more. Nice little pack if you're not going far.
They're very well built and relatively inexpensive. Keep your eyes peeled for some larger packs from them in the near future.

I'd be willing to sell my Tango to a shorter person for pretty cheap...

and yes, I'm affiliated with Indigo Equipment

**LimesC1** · 12-02-2004, 08:36 PM

Hey I have the Dakine Heli Pro and it is a great pack for out on the slopes, carrying around in general, and bringing your crap on the plane. The only downside, is if you aren't carrying your skis on your pack, there are a lot of straps that are not optional, and they can get in the way sometimes.