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Slackcountry backpack advice

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elm.
Posts: 1492 - Karma: 13,497
I'm looking for a new slackcountry pack that is small, can fit a shovel, probe, and most important carry my skis. The skis are a 4FRNT EHP 2009 model with a 116 underfoot. I have tried some of my friends backpacks, but none of them fit my skis because my skis are too wide in the underfoot. A hydration pack would be great to have too, and a whistle...

Any Suggestions on packs?
Aug 2 2013 7:14PM
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japanada
Posts: 13784 - Karma: 1,957
How much are you wanting to drop? For sub $200 you can get a nice avalung equipped pack, dakine, armada and black diamond are the ones that come to mind. I can carry my 125mm waisted surfaces on them w/o any problems. Or invest $500 into a airbag pack.
Aug 2 2013 9:09PM
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malonius_funk
Posts: 2249 - Karma: 1,500
pretty much this. i only use Black Diamond for all of my packs and so far they have been absolutely bomber. I have the Agent (about 20 L) for slack country/resort riding and the Covert (about 30 L) for longer tours.

the avalung BD packs are relatively cheap and are, IMO, some of if not the best skiing packs on the market. like japanada said, if you want to shell out a lot more dough you can get an airbag pack.
Aug 2 2013 9:23PM
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elm.
Posts: 1492 - Karma: 13,497
How well does the covert carry your skis?
Aug 2 2013 9:56PM
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malonius_funk
Posts: 2249 - Karma: 1,500
it carries them very well! the agent only has diagonal ski carry, but i can fit my 120 mm waisted Caylors in there fine. the Covert has diagonal AND a frame carry options, and again, my 120 mm waisted skis fit in both of them
Aug 2 2013 10:03PM
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jca
Posts: 4171 - Karma: 6,311
Check out the Gregory Packs Targhee model. The 32L is a great size for a slackcountry pack. The Gregorys carry loads really well and are pretty burly.
Aug 2 2013 10:40PM
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jca
Posts: 4171 - Karma: 6,311
http://ca.gregorypacks.com/products/mens/technical/365/targhee-26 (the 26 might be better for just slackcountry, but the 32 is optimal for day trips IMO)
Aug 2 2013 10:41PM
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elm.
Posts: 1492 - Karma: 13,497
Thanks for the help everyone! I think i'm gunna go with the Covert Avalung pack.

It's a killer deal too

BD Covert:
Aug 2 2013 11:39PM
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malonius_funk
Posts: 2249 - Karma: 1,500
good choice, you won't regret it!
Aug 2 2013 11:42PM
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bieberhole69.
Posts: 654 - Karma: 1,387
If you don't need avalung, check out dakine heli pro dlx or pro II, or osprey kode 26
Aug 3 2013 12:23AM
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prometheusprime
Posts: 735 - Karma: 677
I'm a big fan of ortovox packs. Went from being a BD guy, to Ortovox and haven't looked back. As far as ABS, can't go wrong with BCA
Aug 3 2013 3:33AM
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japanada
Posts: 13784 - Karma: 1,957
Great price on the BD pack! Enjoy it!
Aug 4 2013 7:10PM
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