A "little" pack that does it all?

[snowsprite]

Hey, I need a nice little skiing backpack that can:

*carry my skiis
*provide a little hydration
*provide some space for my geek-gear (helmet cam/etc)
*provide a little space for snacks, hair dye, my lava lamp...you know, the little essentials

The main problem I'm having w/ packs you can strap skis to is size. I'm pretty small (5'3" and petite frame). Some packs run the entire length of my back and that's too much for me. I would even happily do w/out the hydration component (hell, I can always eat snow if it's not yellow) if it decreases the size of the pack.

The other thing is because I'm so damned short I think my skis would drag on the ground with most systems. Are there better set ups for short people (like is it better to carry them crossed or something)?

I tried to get my doc to prescribe growth hormone but he won't do it. So I guess I have to find something suitable for shrimpy people. Do you know of anything?
Tanks!

Sprite

[mntlion]

dakine heli pro in small?

some indago stuff might work?

what about some cycling packs? they are small ...




or just grow up

[robokill1981]

Da kine Heli or da Da Kine Heli-Pro in a small.

[runethechamp]

Ortovox TOP RIDER 6.20+. www.ortovox.com
http://www.telemark-pyrenees.com/sho...oducts_id=1842
http://www.telemark-pyrenees.com/sho...oducts_id=1200

[snowsprite]

Nice...thank you! Will be watching for more so I can compare them all.

Sprite

[retirwntm]

arcteryx m packs
osprey switch series
marmot la meije
BD frenzy pack


you may want to stay away from or at least experiment with any diagonal carry systems since you're short. most diag carriers have a bottom strap that settles at the end of bindings. they tend to drop the skis further down than a-frame carriers, albeit diagonally away from the ground. the dakine heli-pro might fall into this category.

[GFP]

Check out Osprey's Switch line: http://www.ospreypacks.com/switch_intro.htm

Snowfire is using the 25+5 for BC skiing and summer day hikes. She always raves about it. The 18 is also a good pack and maybe more the size you're looking for.

[summit]

+1 on the Osprey packs. Ospreys rule.

The switch you can carry your skis diagonal, vertical, or gaperframe.

My osprey pack i always carry them vertical. Sometimes with diagonal you have to worry about dragging the ski on a traverse if your ski is perpendicular. Gaperframe you can get your calves chopped.

With vertical on an osprey (put the skis in the snowboard carry system) its super fast and you can put the bottom strap behind the back of your heelpiece to heft them way up, very usefull for short people or if you have to walk down a long ways (summer skiing).

[Tri-Ungulate]

Hey 'sprite,

Having briefly met you at the ootah mini, I think I have an idea of the size pack you're looking for.

This might be of interest:

http://www.wookey.net

Basically, Wookey packs are overbuilt snowsport specific packs from a tiny company of ski bums based outta Bozeman.

And the shovel pack - their flagship item, and one that I think would suit your needs very well - is currently on sale at a damn good price ($59) at evogear:

http://www.evogear.com/productdetail.asp?pn=1799

[ski_rick]

Check out the BCA Stash pack. Comes with a well insulated hydration system (mine has never frozen), ski straps, and is nice and small. I use it for resort and near country skiing.

[adam]

i suggest the Camel Back Hawg. Although its for cycling, You can carry skis a-frame (i know because I've got one). It also has a separate sleeve for hydration, and has a good amount of room for cameras/food/lava lamp/an extra layers, and a front pocket that works as a shovel blade storage pocket. Plus it is pretty small. I'm around four inches taller than you, but I'd still say it'd fit you.

[snowsprite]

Thank you very much for all the recommendation peeples!

Being the cheap biatch that I am, I went with the Wookey. I'll let you know how that one works out on a shrimpy sized chick like me.

Thanks tri-ungulate and at the next mini I will buy you a brewski.

Sprite

[TomK]

Thank you very much for all the recommendation peeples!

Being the cheap biatch that I am, I went with the Wookey. I'll let you know how that one works out on a shrimpy sized chick like me.

Thanks tri-ungulate and at the next mini I will buy you a brewski.

Sprite

Killer price! Hard to pass it up for sure.
Call and make sure the color you want is a size medium and not a large.

Also sk if it comes with the ski or board carry system straps included.
I know they stopped including both a couple of seasons ago.
If not, you can get it direct from the Wookies for $10.

[snowsprite]

Thanks for that advice Tom!

[Tri-Ungulate]

Hope it works well for you 'sprite.

TomK is right - you'll need the medium (I don't think there is a small) and the carry system might be extra 10 bucks, which works really well for sidecountry skipacking - the end result is still super inexpensive for what you get. They're high quality, well-built packs, and I know plenty of folks who paid full price and still swear by 'em. They're designed to ride high, which some people find a bit wierd at first, but most, once they get used to it, realize it ultimately makes a lot of sense for the intended use.

See ya at the next mini, and if you hate the pack, hope I don't get a brewski in the face.

[72Twenty]

Lowe Alpine Contour Mountain 35?

They have a good deal on them at Sierra Trading Post. I have a catalog with an additional 20% Off code...

[TomK]

Thanks for that advice Tom!

Not a problem. Been very happy with the two we have that have held up "like new" for 3 & 4 seasons.

The high-back carry at first feels a little "tippy" but was gone after a handfull of runs. My buddy's "normal" pack feels like a mutant monkey's riding back there on the few times I've carried it for him.

Suggest you print out the fitting instructions from the Wookey.net site and follow them. Lot's of Tab "A" stuff to follow but once it's set up for you, its a simple "On back, click, click, go"

I did make a Minor tweek/mod by sewing into the inside of the panel a ring so that I could uses a small 'biner to keep the panel pocket contents from slumping down or spilling out when opening it up wide.
If you want a picture of that mod, let me know once you have your pack.

[awf170]

didnt want to make a new thread for this so im just posting it in here because this is already about packs... what do you guys think of the DAKINE Poacher, thinkin about getting it because it is only $100

[TomK]

didnt want to make a new thread for this so im just posting it in here because this is already about packs... what do you guys think of the DAKINE Poacher, thinkin about getting it because it is only $100

If the EvoGear price is still good, go for it. (Can't go wrong with $59 for a Wookie)
http://www.evogear.com/productdetail.asp?pn=1799

The Dakine Poacher is one of the ones that comes up recomended a lot in these kind of threads.
It's quite a bit bigger than the Wookie Shovel pack though (2000 vs 700 ci)
More of an overnighter/deep BC pack than day use.
(The equivalent Wookie pack would be the Sundog, not the Shoveler)

[awf170]

If the EvoGear price is still good, go for it. (Can't go wrong with $59 for a Wookie)
http://www.evogear.com/productdetail.asp?pn=1799

The Dakine Poacher is one of the ones that comes up recomended a lot in these kind of threads.
It's quite a bit bigger than the Wookie Shovel pack though (2000 vs 700 ci)
More of an overnighter/deep BC pack than day use.
(The equivalent Wookie pack would be the Sundog, not the Shoveler)

that is one sick deal but is probably too small for trips up tux, you know where you can get a good deal on the sundog?

[robokill1981]

didnt want to make a new thread for this so im just posting it in here because this is already about packs... what do you guys think of the DAKINE Poacher, thinkin about getting it because it is only $100

Buy it. I've used mine for a 6 week trip in Central America and various ski trips this summer. It's too big for lift accessed skiing, but good for longer trips in the BC or other countries. Super comfortable straps/back pad. I swear my GF got sick of hearing me talk about how much I like that pack on our trip.

[awf170]

Buy it. I've used mine for a 6 week trip in Central America and various ski trips this summer. It's too big for lift accessed skiing, but good for longer trips in the BC or other countries. Super comfortable straps/back pad. I swear my GF got sick of hearing me talk about how much I like that pack on our trip.

thanks, i think im going to buy it because it just seems to cheap to pass up. And for inbounds i wont use it anyway because i dont ussually use a pack and when i do i have a small camelback to use anyway.

[Buzzworthy]

See ya at the next mini, and if you hate the pack, hope I don't get a brewski in the face.

So what are you saying, you want another Utah Mini?

[Tri-Ungulate]

So what are you saying, you want another Utah Mini?

Abso-fucking-lutely

[snowsprite]

Hey! I got the pack today and it is SO right!!

I got the black w/ yellow stripe and the size is really exactly what I was looking for. I'm almost afraid to touch it...it's fuel for an addiction when the supply has dried up.

But really man, thanks for recommending this wonderful pack. The price was really unreal, and the quality appears excellent. I would love it if you could post a photo of your modification you made, TomK.

And Tri-Ungulate you get TWO brewskis next time I see you (hopefully a the Utah mini). You are da man! Same goes for you, Tom and any others who helped out. My credit card is ready!

Sprite