Your Everyday Touring Pack

[North]

Layout still seems like a work in progress on the e packs. I've been lusting after the Arc due to the advertised weight, but am not encouraged by the looks of the layout and comments here about the 40L version. I've fondled the Ortovox and new BCAs. The BCA layout was much better, but they are hefty. The 25L could work for me depending on how usable the space is.

[wilcox510]

Waiting to fondle the Arcteryx bag next month to see if it’s more pleasing to pack and use. In an activity where you have to unpack/pack things into your bag every 30min I really value a well designed and useable product - but maybe I get annoyed easily at the compromises that come with an airbag pack.

So does this mean the Arc’teryx airbag is finally actually coming out??

[bennymac]

Only for “pros” this season (which I’m not but going on a trip with a patroller in a couple weeks who just bought one)

[Dromond]

Agreed. It skis well, and i like the length for my height, but it is awkward to pack and retrieve items. I also don’t love the between the leg strap, I can’t put a carabiner to latch to the waist belt because the strap can’t tighen enough to be adequately tight.

Love the look of the BCA E2 35L, and the side stash for skins and water bottle, that’s a great way of making that lower part of the pack more useable. I’m thinking of getting that one and selling this pack.

I have the Scott E1 40L and my wife just got the E2 35L. While she hasn’t used it yet, the features seem more complete and better designed to me than the Scott.

[MakersTeleMark]

I wonder if he pissed off some hunters again or just ate crow. Haven't heard from him in years, but this hit home immediately when I first saw it.

[Meadow Skipper]

I wonder if he pissed off some hunters again or just ate crow. Haven't heard from him in years, but this hit home immediately when I first saw it.

You can run into him if you hang at Utah avy events, a UT friend just passed on a greeting from him. Or if you’re in Greenland or Antarctica.

And I (still) use an Osprey Switch 26 and a 36 for dailies. They work for me - good carrying, reasonable layout, imo, ime, etc.

[Stewy30]

I have the Scott E1 40L and my wife just got the E2 35L. While she hasn’t used it yet, the features seem more complete and better designed to me than the Scott.

Sweet! Would be curious how it cinches down when less than full.

[bennymac]

Cross posting from the Slide Zone forum Litric thread (go there for other posts by mags about these packs)

“ I’m comparing it to my Scott E1 40L pack

1. Noticeably lighter by a lot.

2. No zippered hip pocket but as mentioned it has a stretchy mesh “pocket” good enough for lip balm and an energy gel

3. Avy pocket has both side access and top access but the top access is through the main compartment- so you would open main zipper to expose inside of main pocket where there is a zippered access into top of avi tool pocket.

4. Airbag, inflator, battery are nicely tucked up very high - which is big difference from E1 system where the electronics and fan are smack dab in the middle of your pack which makes it awkward to pack around.

5. Didn’t get to use ski carry system to see if it pulls open the airbag zipper (which can be an issue on my Scott pack)

6. Accessory pocket is on very top of pack and has good volume for snacks, small gloves, goggles/glasses. Way more functional than the 2 interior pockets on the Scott pack.

7. Helmet holder is superior to the junky one on the Scott pack

Is it a perfect airbag pack? No. But it’s more functional than the Scott and is way lighter. I’ll be selling the Scott and moving into it once it’s available to the general public.”

[bennymac]

[bennymac]

[bennymac]

[ezgzy]

https://backcountryaccess.com/en-us/...-backpack-2025 new ultralight contender from bca, looks pretty cool and cheaper than the rest of the “ul” field. Definitely curious to check it out in hand if i can


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[Cocximus]

Anyone try the kume or firecrest from blue ice? How do they differ? From pictures it looks like the kume has an external dedicated avy kit pocket while the firecrest is an internal pouch that can be removed. Any other differences? I really dig it's quick ski carry system and rope bag.

[gavinski91]

Anyone try the kume or firecrest from blue ice? How do they differ? From pictures it looks like the kume has an external dedicated avy kit pocket while the firecrest is an internal pouch that can be removed. Any other differences? I really dig it's quick ski carry system and rope bag.

I have the Firecrest that I use as an all-around pack, but wouldn't recommend it as a ski-first pack. I'm a big fan of the vest-style harness system though.

[Dromond]

I have the Firecrest that I use as an all-around pack, but wouldn't recommend it as a ski-first pack. I'm a big fan of the vest-style harness system though.

Is the vest-style harness all about having those pockets, or do you think it carries better while skiing? I've been using a vest running-style pack for mtbing and love it.

[Cocximus]

I have the Firecrest that I use as an all-around pack, but wouldn't recommend it as a ski-first pack. I'm a big fan of the vest-style harness system though.

Care to get into why not? I need a pack that can pack a my wool zip-up and wool jacket(puffy size). 2 to 3L of water for those big spring missions. Harness, crampons, crevasse kit and 30m of skinny rope inside the pack without anything dangling outside. My random shit like battery pack, immodium, pain killers and leuko tape pack in a 1.5L baggie. I want something with minimal flaffing and solutions to being an organizational clutz.

I love skiing with my running pack when I do solo missions, but that is way to small and it does not carry skis.

[kamtron]

Anybody checked out the new BD cirque packs? I am curious how they carry when not too full. I like a bigger pack that cinches down, and the features on this look great

[Name Redacted]

I have a ski carry idea that I am willingly giving away with hopes someone will make it and, if I am lucky, maybe they will give me one.

So here it is: A ski carry that allows you to attach you skis to the pack without removing the pack. As simple as possible. Thinking a few Voile straps between the bindings, connecting to straps that connect to D rings sewn onto the shoulder straps (can be switched to either strap to relieve pressure) and the second one is slightly longer and attaches to the opposing strap or hip belt. Clip the shoulder, then swing it over and attach the strap to the hip.

I have yet to test this out, but wouldn't it be nice to not have to drop and lift your pack every time you switch over? Especially when just bootlicking? Which I know you all do a lot of.

[Ørion]

If you haven't already, take a look at skimo/rando backpacks. Many have ski carry systems that allow you to keep your bag on.

[~mikey b]

Anybody checked out the new BD cirque packs? I am curious how they carry when not too full. I like a bigger pack that cinches down, and the features on this look great

they look alright and they do pack down ok - I was deciding between a Cirque 50 and a Mammut Trion 50

I like the Trion better for a couple reasons


I think it packs down better than the BD - I felt like I could compress it down better and it felt less like there was crap rattling around in it

full access through the zippered back panel means I’m not digging through the pack from the top - stuff stays in place better and is easier to get at - important if it’s not full

the zipper closure for the top seems nice but will take a little getting used to compared to a drawstring

the Mammut has a lid - I like a lid - I don’t like how the roll top on the BD sits up on top of the pack - it just doesn’t look clean to me

the bottom A frame ski carry straps on the Mammut are separate from the compression straps - I like that better than just the compression straps - skis carry better

[Name Redacted]

If you haven't already, take a look at skimo/rando backpacks. Many have ski carry systems that allow you to keep your bag on.

Nice, I will check those out. I think this would work well and be even more necessary on my Whatvest. Probably needs to be a little beefier than the ski mo ones as their skis weight so little.

[cat in january]

I am interested in replacing my abs pack as it is aging out. Two things are holding me back. The high cost versus the relatively low use (on the EC I only use it on rare days on Mount Washington and the Chic Chocs) and the threat of it being denied by tsa and losing it at the airport. I had a pierced abs tank denied at the airport. Despite my saying that I needed it to exchange and it was ok to go on, the answer was no. At least it was only the tank and not the whole pack.

[~mikey b]

Nice, I will check those out. I think this would work well and be even more necessary on my Whatvest. Probably needs to be a little beefier than the ski mo ones as their skis weight so little.

https://us.blueice.com/products/quick-ski-carry-kit

[helldriven]

Raide Research has updated their Backpacks, seems like they listened to their reviews and made some solid changes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYUJ1KDNLAc&t=6s

[~mikey b]

there’s a thread for that