new backpack time...

There are many good ski specific packs out now. You're not likely to go wrong. The Switch series look good to me (in theory), but this year's favorite is the Arcteryx M30. It didn't seem so right on casual inspection in the store, but in this case familiarity breeds respect for the designer's intelligence. The pack has a roll top closure which both keeps the contents dry and is very fast to open wide. Wide enough that access is good to the entire contents of the pack; a side zip isn't needed on a pack of this size. Skis go on it faster than any other of my packs. The rigid frame, and rubbery straps make the skis and pack a solid unit. It does not have internal strap hydration - if you need that, go elsewhere. I just stuck an insulated tube through the port in the pack's back; that seems fine unless it's really cold out, which doesn't happen often here. It seems to have plenty of room for day trip equipment, even for glacier skiing.

I'm currently using the Voile avy-tool pack

The features about this pack that I like are:

o Rear pocket with slots for shovel blade, shovel handle and probe.
o Big enough size for day trips, but small enough to discourage overpacking.
o Straps for both A-frame and diagonal ski carry.
o Zippered main compartment that opens on the back -- so than you don't get snow on the backpad of the pack.
o Hydration sleeve big enough to carry a 3 liter bladder.

In terms of keeping stuff dry -- call me old skool -- but I don't depend on the pack to do that -- I use Sil-Nylon stuff sacks to keep extra clothes dry.  Example

OK, I'm a gear geek, and like most, have my opinions, so take this with a (large) grain of salt.

I currently have the Life-Link Guide Pack, unfortunately Life-Link doesn't make this pack anymore and I haven't seen one that looks as good as this, yet.

I think that the thing missing from many touring packs is a floating top lid. This provides a lot of expandability to the pack; you can remove the lid, you can expand it up higher for a rope or to overload the pack. I've even used this 2200" pack for a quick overnight in the spring. I think that this feature is overlooked by many manufacturers.

Here are things I like in this pack and will look for in an eventual replacement:
- Floating Top Lid!
- Light Weight (about 2lbs)
- Diagonal Ski Attachment
- Extrenal Shovel pocket
- Probe slot (internal)
- Top Loading

Things I want, that aren't on my current pack:
- Key Hook in top pouch
- Small Pouches on hip belt

Things I don't care about:
- Hydration System, I use a (soft) bottle on my hip

I'm pretty satisfied with the BD Revelation 35L.  It carries skies very well, and they attach/detach easily and quickly.  I like the separate pocket for shovel/probe.  It rides very stably downhilling, no shifting, weight very close to the back and its narrow profile lets my slide through brush during thrashing episodes.  Has an access point between shoulder blades in back to allow easy access to interior without undoing top.  Handy for skin glop, energy bars, whatever misc accessories you need quick access to.
Cons: helmet straps on top don't seem well thought out, could be operator error.  Back compartment isn't quite roomy enough for big skins to easily fit.  Tiny belt pockets hold a snack bar, but not much more.  All in all, pretty minor issues.

I've got the BD Stealth 35L, bought a year ago, and as far as I can tell from pics and websites, the Revelation was the replacement for the Stealth, they look almost exactly the same except for the color.  Damn good pack, no complaints...

Does anyone have experience with the Avalung packs as packs (other than that they are heavier)?

Avalung packs are getting pretty rave reviews in TGR forums.