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Recommend me a backcountry pack!

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Chinchi
Posts: 1591 - Karma: 4,212
Some friends and I are going to be doing some hiking for a week in the Aspen area this February, and my old backpack is falling apart. I really want a backpack I can strap my skis into and has room for a canon 60d and a lens or two. Preferably something very durable and a hydration system wouldn't hurt either. It also needs to be able to hold my shovel/probe etc. thanks guys!

Btw I was looking at something like this: http://www.dakine.com/p/ski/packs/mens/sammy-carlson-team-heli-pro-20l
If you guys have any input on it.
Jan 8 2013 8:44PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7488 - Karma: 11,550
BCA Stash alp 40. You want to carry layers too I assume. If youre carrying a camera w/ a case, lenses, plus a shovel, probe, etc. you will want a bigger bag than that dakine.
Jan 8 2013 8:53PM
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Valhalla.
Posts: 587 - Karma: 154
I have this. And it's huge.

http://www.amazon.com/Dakine-S-8100200-P-36-Litre-Frontier/dp/B0055BK086

Perfect for BC use, I carry my camera (D90), Probe, shovel, skins, and still have so much room left for food and layers.

Also has a sick dry pocket away from the main pocket to throw whatever gets wet or stuff you don't want mixing with anything else.
Jan 8 2013 9:51PM
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Chinchi
Posts: 1591 - Karma: 4,212
Both of those bags look sick! I know the price difference isn't huge but also anything good under maybe $115 would be great, although if it is worth it i could definitely save up for one of those bags.
Jan 8 2013 9:57PM
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Valhalla.
Posts: 587 - Karma: 154
Just look around, try and find some sales..

I got mine for like $75 this summer
Jan 8 2013 10:22PM
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Chinchi
Posts: 1591 - Karma: 4,212
I did some looking around, and this bag looks pretty sweet, and has basically everything I'm looking for, and only $80, what do you guys think?
http://m.backcountry.com/mammut-nirvana-element-25-pack-1525cu-in
Jan 8 2013 10:39PM
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arammell
Posts: 117 - Karma: 30
http://www.backcountry.com/black-diamond-covert-with-avalung-winter-pack-1343-1953-cu-in-bld0474

I have this avalung pack and love it!  Looks like backcountry has it on sale too!
Jan 9 2013 2:39AM
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jblaski
Posts: 5566 - Karma: 1,078
That BD would be a great choice. What you should really do, is start watching Steep and Cheep, and get the app. That BD bag was on there last night for under $100. And they've recently had some BCA bags for around $60.

I love Dakine, but one of the replies was right, it's just too small. My probe only fits diagonal in mine, and it's still pushing.
Jan 9 2013 11:43AM
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Chinchi
Posts: 1591 - Karma: 4,212
Just downloaded the app thanks
Jan 9 2013 12:15PM
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arammell
Posts: 117 - Karma: 30
Go to cleansnipe.com
It combines all the deal of the day sites.
I got the BCA bag on there for 29.99 for my little brother
Jan 9 2013 1:13PM
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Chinchi
Posts: 1591 - Karma: 4,212
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do want
Jan 9 2013 3:14PM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
I think Dakine packs carry like shit but some people disagree (including the best skier of my regular group), so go figure.

The best thing to do is go to a good shop with your camera gear, avi gear, 1L bottle of water (hydration packs are just hassle) and anything else you regularly carry. Load up a few different packs with all your gear plus a pair of skis from the store similar to your own, and check out the space, fit (important!), comfort, balance, and so on. Find the guy in the shop who knows his shit and he'll help you out, that's what staff are there for. Yeah you'll look like a tool in the shop but fuck it., Then buy from that shop, not online!
Jan 9 2013 3:15PM
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caddyshack
Posts: 706 - Karma: 192
dakine heli pro. i think that they have a 40 liter one. there are straps for your poles and skis, plus your chest and waist. its a good fucking backpack
Jan 9 2013 4:15PM
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Chinchi
Posts: 1591 - Karma: 4,212
Thanks for all the suggestions guys, just to throw it out there if anyone wants to sell their lightly used bag to me I will consider buying them
Jan 9 2013 4:20PM
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Chinchi
Posts: 1591 - Karma: 4,212
any other suggestions?
Jan 10 2013 12:31PM
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m-ruta
Posts: 160 - Karma: 168
I'm a firm believer that Ortovox makes the best packs in the business. They have by far the best ski carries I've used. The freerider phantom 26 and tour-rider 35 kick ass, and I'm sure the rest do too although I haven't tried them.
Jan 10 2013 7:25PM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
I hate my Dakine Heli Pro
It's pack is too small to carry my shit when skinning, the camel back holder absolutely blows, cant't tell you how many times my back gets soaked from the pack sweating, and it's bouncy as all hell
Just got this and I absolutely love it. It carries my jacket, helmet strap, and it has a dedicated bladder zone
http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/product/vertical_endeavors__snowplay/kode_30
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Jan 11 2013 12:07PM
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