Dream day pack - does it exist?

There are a lot of good (and some not so good) packs out there that are no longer being made.  While i appreciate the best of what s being made today, and some modern inventions aside, i doubt that they're better than the best of what's been available in the last 5 or 10, or maybe longer.   New and improved, gotta have it, drives much of the economy today.  I doubt there's a better pack out there now than the Arcteryx Borea (ski tour interest), but it's been out of production for a couple of years now - what are the chances of finding it on Craigslist?  How about other legacy packs, classics and boutique builders?  Don't know if there is an archive of info on this anywhere, but I'd love hearing about it.  Personally I still enjoy my Dana Bridger (20 some years later), although it could use a little adaptation.

Any other classics still in circulation?

I really enjoy the Black Diamond Revelation. Its small and compact with ski mountaineers in mind. While you can't carry a snowboard its got side straps big enough for a splitboard. Here is a gear review if you are interested.

My Dakine Poacher has really been great for ski tours. I find it a little too cramped for overnight trips and usually go for my big pack.

I've added an Ice Ax loop and a longer ski carry for bigger boards. With the back access, multiple small pockets, and a shovel pocket, it's been great. The snowboard carry comes in handy for carrying snowshoes too.

Packs are so personal, it's really tough to find one that's "perfect" for you.

Commenting on the McHale packs.

To say the web site is a bit cluttered is an understatement, but don't let that scare you away. I'm in Portland and when I chose McHale I made a quick trip up to Seattle, he sized me and we went over what custom options I wanted in my pack down to material, color, size, zippers, daisy chains, pockets, additional pouches, ski attachments, hip belt and the list goes on. Dan was also great to work with and open to pretty much anything I wanted, but of course all that comes at a price.

The construction is impeccable, heavy duty zippers and hardware throughout. What stands out the most for me, other than the quality construction, are the hip belt and the "Bayonet Frame". Once buckled, the hip belt never moves and the "Bayonet Frame", on my pack, will extend the capacity to 8000 CID and down to around 3000 CID.

His packs are heavier compared to mass produced packs, but this is what also contributes to the longevity and, imo, what makes them comfortable.

I really enjoy the Black Diamond Revelation. Its small and compact with ski mountaineers in mind. While you can't carry a snowboard its got side straps big enough for a splitboard. Here is a gear review if you are interested.

Just curious, Is BD one of your sponsors Kyle, so your not brokering some advertisement on the side?

Commenting on the McHale packs.

To say the web site is a bit cluttered is an understatement, but don't let that scare you away.

I have been working my way slowly through the site to get all the info I can. The packs look really nice and have that older boxy style, it reminds me of Outdoor Research's products before Ron died. After his death the company progressed to a more stylish, effective gear design.

Dyanfit Manaslu pack; best ski pack I've had; best ski carrying method, too.

I'm borrowing a friend's Manaslu pack, but I'm having trouble figuring out the water bottle holder attachment. Does its top metal clip go through the same metal loop that the bottom of the ski holder anchors to? If so, then the water bottle is carrying very low and kind of out to the side.