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Touring/backcountry backpacks

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ekka
Posts: 32 - Karma: 10
had a quick look, couldnt find much in NS about the topic (i may stand to be corrected, link me up if you find a thread please)

Just recently got set up with some chets and marker barons, need a new backpack since i lost mine last time i was on the piss....still shitty about it...

im in europe atm and need a backpack that is at least 25L, less than or equal to 35L, and can easily be used as a simple backpack for on-piste as well (so not too bulky and cumbersome). I have chets so i need something that is at least 134mm, but probably wouldnt be interested in something with 135mm as it would be tight a fit.

ive been to some shops here, the mammut nirvana pro 35 seems pretty good
(http://www.mammut-shop.de/likecms.php?site=index.html&dir=&nav=639&prod=8292&sea=57&st=ma)

or the deuter freeride pro 30L
(http://www.sport-schuster.de/Ausruestung/Rucksaecke-Taschen/Deuter-Freerider-Pro-30.html)

I bought my brother a dakine heli pro deluxe a while ago, but its volume is too small for me, im looking for something a could still do an overnighter with if i stayed in a hut...

cheers in advance for any replies or advice!
Dec 6 2011 11:33AM
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Dntel.
Posts: 1026 - Karma: 21
I've had a black diamond outlaw Avalung pack for 3 seasons now, and I've been pretty pleased with it. It's 35L, diagonal/ a frame ski carry, goggle pocket, avy tool organizer pocket, rear entry (crucial), hydration compatible, and it has an Avalung in it. Pretty comfortable, and I've found it to be enough space for maybe an overnight hut trip, but if you are planning on doing any multi-day trips I would suggest something larger. Hope that helps!
Dec 6 2011 12:02PM
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BskiP
Posts: 1369 - Karma: 223
Check out Salomons new pack, its pretty awesome.

Dec 6 2011 12:15PM
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Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,612
Osprey kode. Really nice pack
Dec 6 2011 12:21PM
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noparking
Posts: 1123 - Karma: 50
this is what i have and i have no complaints thus far
Dec 6 2011 1:23PM
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ekka
Posts: 32 - Karma: 10
sweet as and you have the 30 not the 22L model? How much did you pay for it if i may ask...?
Dec 6 2011 4:32PM
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arammell
Posts: 117 - Karma: 30
BD Covert Avalung Pack is AWESOME!
Dec 6 2011 5:22PM
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MrLarsen
Posts: 583 - Karma: 16
This. One of the best packs out there!
Dec 6 2011 5:50PM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
Mammut Nirvana is really nice. Go for it.
Dec 6 2011 6:56PM
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AwR
Posts: 5147 - Karma: 1,880
i too have this pack and am in love with it. REI was having a sale on it if that helps.
Dec 6 2011 8:55PM
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Sharpy
Posts: 7596 - Karma: 19
For me it's a toss up between the mammut nirvana and osprey kode. My bibby pros have a bit of wiggle room for the a-frame carry in the kode. The kode can be had for a little over $100. The mammut is pretty expensive. If the mammut fits you, I'd give it the edge as a better pack all around. The kode comes in varying sizes which makes it more likely the pack will fit you.

Well fitted pack > pack with lots of features and marginally more durability
Dec 7 2011 11:26AM
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ekka
Posts: 32 - Karma: 10
big thanks guys. I really like the kode, comes with lifetime warranty, really nice close fit, lightweight, good system. However i popped into a shop over here and put a 10kg weight into it and the straps cut into my trapezius really bad. Like with only a 10kg weight into, it hurt like instantly...Dunno if thats some weirdo euro version of the bag or just me being a different fit!

Starting to lean towards the mammut nirvana pro 35L pack, but i think it might be a bit awkward on the chairlifts to get out, its a tad bulky....
Dec 8 2011 5:27AM
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snomaster
Posts: 3344 - Karma: 5,748
I've been rockin a BD 22L Covert with avy lung since they came out back in 06. Super solid. Besides ease of strapping my huge skis, jacket and helmet to it, I like the little things like the whistle on the chest buckle, totally enclosed hydration sleeve, and of course the avy lung. In my opinion, the BD covert 30L is the best pack out there, short of an ABS. Being an avid BC user, I really want the extra security of at least an avy lung. A co-worker a few years ago was buried in a slide with only a ski tip showing. His buds got him out in
Dec 8 2011 8:48AM
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snomaster
Posts: 3344 - Karma: 5,748
less than two minutes and he was already blue in the face as an ice mask immediately formed over his nose/mouth. Ever since hearing that first hand account, I've been sold on the avy lung concept. Learn to use it and apply accordingly.

Though for myself this season I'm stepping up to an ABS. I like the idea of having some trauma protection from the air bag. I'm lucky to have a bit of extra $$ and found a super good deal.

Choose wisely my friend!

[upon first try, my second half of this post got deleted cuz I used a less than symbol]
Dec 8 2011 8:52AM
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.RYAN66
Posts: 5381 - Karma: 235
Quick question about the avylung. Do you actually think that it will be in your mouth after you are buried? Don't get me wrong the concept is great but I just don't see how someone who is being buried is going to think about having that mouth piece in, however I couldn't know for sure since I have never been in a slide. The airbag seems like the best for multiple reason, trauma like you said already an if you do get buried when your friends get close enough to probe for you the bag will give more surface area for your friends probe to hit. I wish I had the mula to throw down on that pack.
Dec 8 2011 9:38AM
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PowdaPowda
Posts: 15 - Karma: 10
I use a Dakine Heli Pack, that works great for me! 11l is just enought for me.

Look at the Dakine Heli Pro packs! used them once, works fine to!

goodluck!
Dec 8 2011 10:13AM
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teleak
Posts: 2251 - Karma: 105
These packs are dumb don't get them.
Dec 8 2011 1:12PM
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Sharpy
Posts: 7596 - Karma: 19
Your technically supposed to ski with the mouthpiece in. That way if you get caught, you don't need to think about putting it in. I have also heard accounts of people managing to get it in their mouth before the snowpack solidifies.

Remember that an avalung also comes as a stand alone harness. More versatile if you ever plan on having more than one pack.
Dec 8 2011 4:03PM
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Dr.Rick_Marshall
Posts: 407 - Karma: 44
Anyone who thinks the dakine packs are good touring packs have probably not used anything else. Bad ski carry system and horrible fit. Plus they get soaked through in a matter of minutes i can easily say the heli pro was the worst pack i have ever used. Osprey Kode for its fit, function, and price is a winner
Dec 8 2011 4:37PM
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ekka
Posts: 32 - Karma: 10
did you have the 30L model? find it a bit too bulky or ok for riding on the lift as well?

i agree with the heli pro, a bit too small. I have started to be a bit more aware of the colourful backpacks out there! like this one...
Dec 8 2011 5:46PM
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Caveman.
Posts: 9067 - Karma: 330
I have never tried a Kode on. I read a few reviews made it sound like it wasn't very user friendly (lots of nooks and pockets for organization, but slow in a practical purpose of just loading and unloading, especially if you were digging for gear in a hurry) I trust the opinions of NS members more than reviews I find on google, so what do you guys think about the compartmentalization of this pack? Would it be tough to get a medium size camera (HV30), lunch, water, shovel, probe, extra clothes for a day trip? How is it when used for lift laps?
Dec 8 2011 8:41PM
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Dr.Rick_Marshall
Posts: 407 - Karma: 44
I believe the Kode to be the best bang for the buck not the best bag. But better bags are going to start doubling the price tag. The bag does go a little over board on the little pockets but it doesnt bother me. If you are packing the bag right then there should be no difficulty digging for essential gear in a hurry. In that I mean probe and shovel should be at the top of the main compartment where you can grab them with your eyes closed. Other than that yes camera and enough supplies for a day trip should easily fit. That being said i would not take it on anything longer than that. But that is why I have two bags. It would be a little bulky on lift laps.
Dec 8 2011 9:31PM
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Sharpy
Posts: 7596 - Karma: 19
I actually find the only pocket that is a bit superfluous is the goggle pocket. There is the big pocket for avy gear which is separated from the main dry pocket. This separation of wet and dry gear is awesome. There is the camelbak pocket which is great because it helps the camelback keep shape and not sloshing too much even when it's not full. There are then two pockets, one on each hip. These are great for easy grabs for granola bars, cameras, monoculars, etc. There is the pocket that the helmet carry is in, but I don't really consider it a pocket.
Dec 8 2011 10:20PM
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Literature
Posts: 13673 - Karma: 3,085
Black Diamond all the way.

After five years, my Covert Avalung finally blew a zipper, and I just picked up a Revelation Avalung.

Super durable, comfortable, and with just the right features. They've got a lifetime supporter from me.
Dec 9 2011 12:33AM
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J.M
Posts: 2854 - Karma: 254

THISSSSS

absolutely Love my kode 30. i've had it for 2 years now and nothing has gone wrong. just alittle dirty from usage.  I highly recommend it.  I use it for everything. skiing, hiking, biking, and even for school.

Great features and pockets. I paid $120 usd at EMS for it.

Dec 9 2011 12:40AM
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