A Clean, Functional Ski Pack for Day Tours “Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Airman’s Odyssey Testing ski packs is a little like backseat driving; It’s easy to be a critic. In an effort to come up with fresh designs or innovative… Read More
The Best Ski Packs Keep it Simple Backpack design is a funny thing. Designers are always looking for new ways to reinvent the wheel. In my opinion, the hallmark of a great backpack is simplicity. The newest Patagonia SnowDrifter 30L ski pack nails it with a clean, user-friendly and ski-ready design. It also happens to be made with 100% recycled… Read More
Made for Big Days Traditional backcountry ski packs get less attention in this age of avalanche airbag packs. Airbags certainly have their place, but so do regular ski packs. For example, the Gregory Targhee FT 35. It’s a ski pack that’s ready for big loads, overnight trips and technical objectives. Targhee Pack Design The Targhee FT 35 is a traditional top… Read More
Backcountry Ski Packing List What’s in your ski pack? It’s a good question, and it’s one that I occasionally ask myself as I heft the weight of my pack to my shoulder in the morning. There’s no sense in carrying more up the hill than you need to, but there are essential items that you should always carry on a… Read More
Osprey Soelden 32 Backcountry Ski Pack Skins. Shovel. Probe. Layers. Goggles. Food. Water. Check. Packing for a ski tour isn’t rocket science, but dialing in your ski pack for easy access to the gear you want — when you want it — takes practice and a pack with thoughtful organization. The Osprey Soelden 32 backcountry ski pack balances a quick-access… Read More
Light is Right with the Black Diamond Cirque 30 Ski Pack I’ve long subscribed to the less-is-more philosophy when weighing design options and choosing a ski touring pack. The fewer zippers, buckles and accessory pockets, the better, in my opinion. The Black Diamond Cirque 30 ski pack fits the less-is-more profile to a tee. Alpine Climb Inspired For skiers who… Read More
Patagonia Descensionist 32L Ski Pack A good ski pack keeps a low profile. It needs to store avalanche safety gear and essential day trip supplies. But its presence should be subtle and fade away as we skin our way up or turn our way down the hill. The ideal ski pack size varies for everyone, but generally speaking, 30-40 liters… Read More
This winter, we took 10 backcountry ski packs for an extended spin. The line-up included ski packs from Arcteryx, Black Diamond, Cilo Gear, Deuter, Exped, Gregory, Jones and Mammut, Ortovox and Osprey. Here are excerpts from the reviews and a link to the full backcountry ski pack review – pdf. Arc’teryx Khamski 38; $299 Weight: 3lb The newly revamped Khamski… Read More
Ski Pack Testing Testing new packs often tests my patience for locating my gear, as every pack has a different pocket scheme and loading style. Some speak to me, some don’t. In general, I like a simple and pretty traditional top-loading design. Other design characteristics that top my list include a dedicated avalanche safety tools zone, easy access pockets for… Read More
It’s not always easy to let a favorite piece of old gear go in favor of a replacement, but strapping on the Black Diamond Alias ski pack has been an easy transition this season. Redesigned for 2014, the Black Diamond Alias Ski Pack offers a clean, simple interface reflective of BD’s alpine climbing packs but with key added ski features…. Read More
I first took notice of Jeremy Jones when I saw the TGR film Deeper. Jones takes his passion for riding and applies it to the backcountry with the approach of a professional. His 2012 TGR film, Further, is also an example of quality earn-your-turns footage with a good perspective, not simply the normal go-big TGR attitude. Of course, Jones and… Read More
Climbing skins are required equipment for backcountry skiing ’cause you gotta get up to get down. While all climbing skins work on the same principle, skins vary by plush type, tip and tail connection systems and material type. Choosing the best climbing skins for your ski touring needs depends on snow conditions, type of tour, experience level and personal preference…. Read More
A Backcountry Ski Jacket for the Ascent and Descent I’m a longtime advocate of ditching a full-on waterproof, breathable hardshell ski jacket in favor of a more breathable softshell ski jacket. Nonetheless, I always keep a waterproof shell in my pack for windy ridge tops and stormy weather. The Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Ski Sell walks the line between… Read More
Pack-Friendly Ski Goggle Case Goggles are essential gear for most backcountry ski tours, but packing them is not so simple. Big hard cases are just that, big and bulky. And a simple goggle bag offers limited protection when goggle are in your backpack. Our favorite low-profile ski goggle case for ski touring use is the Niner from Tailgate Industries in Bend,… Read More
Skis, boots, skins, poles, goggles, beacon, pack, shovel . . . It’s time to scour your garage, search the basement and rummage through the closet. Winter has returned, so wherever you stash your ski gear for the off-season, it’s time to dig through the boxes and round up your backcountry kit.But is your backcountry ski gear ready to roll? Check… Read More
