Daypack Suggestions

Shopping for a new daypack and looking for suggestions.

Just returned my Northface Patrol pack due to a seam failure and realizing it had some other faults to avoid like not able to stand upright by itself and my BD Deploy 3 shovel didn't fit well for easy access.

Airbags aren't high in my priorities at this point, avalung might be nice but not required. I do like multiple compartments and easy access to avy gear. At 6'2" and thin I usually take the large size and then have to switch out hip belts sometimes.

Trips are generally a few hours around baker or snoqual, or longer trips like muir or St. Helens. Also use pack for longer summer day trips.


Any backpack experts out there? Thanks for the feedback.

I've been a fan of the BD Covert pack -- you can get it with or without the Avalung. If you carry a lot of emergency gear (I do) it can be a little small -- if you want a size up that still carries and skis really well, the BD Anarchist is also really nice. Again, comes with or without avalung.

They're not the lightest packs, but they're durable and well thought out. If you really want a lightweight pack, look at Cilogear. Very well designed, but you lose a few of the bells and whistles to get the lighter weight.

I got the BCA Stash Alp 40 last year and really like it so far.

It's heavier than my previous packs (Vaude) but in 3 years I had to warranty 2 packs so I think they were too light.

I'm a big fan of the BD Outlaw, which comes with or without an avalung. I owned a Covert before melting it on my snowmobile exhaust. I liked that pack but like the Outlaw much better. I think it's one of the best ski packs I've ever owned. The only improvement I'd ask for are bigger pockets on the hip belt.

I use it as my every day ski pack in the winter but it's also big enough for a trip like the Haute Route (that's with all the extra guide gear).

Thinking about the Osprey Kode 30, but have seen some mixed reviews on it. Any first hand experiences with it, good or bad?

I have the BCA Alp 40 and it's a nice pack. I love the hydration system and uses my nalgene bottle.