Feb 19, 2014 Best Ski Pack?

Curios to hear what people's thoughts are on their favorite backcountry ski pack - size for couple days out.  What features do you want in a pack and/or what don't you like?

Gregory Serrac 45. But they don't make it any more and it's hard to find.

Excellent suspension, super comfy. Not over build. I can rig a diagonal ski carry or a frame easily. external pocket for stashing skins/jacket/crampons. long zipper that opens the entire skirt of the pack, excellent access (way better than all the awkward side zippers out there). Well designed lid. Small, effective, comfortable waste belt. Light weight. Easy to remove the carbon frame sheet and the aluminum bar.

For me, a ski pack should be a good alpine pack too. Clean, light weight. ability to do A frame and diagonal ski carry fast and easy. Good access to the main tube of the pack. Comfortable fit that supports the weight of skis and boots. Fast and easy way to attach and detach ice tools.

Because they don't make this pack anymore, I would probably choose the Cilogear 40B.

for 2-4 days I like 45-50L packs.

Lots of good things are said about the new Gregory Targhee packs, the only thing I don't like about these packs is the ice tool attachments. But they are comfy and roomy and well designed--and bomber.

Curios to hear what people's thoughts are on their favorite backcountry ski pack - size for couple days out.  What features do you want in a pack and/or what don't you like?

Good question.  I loved my Dynafit Manaslu until it went from water repellent to water attractant.  I love the gear section on the bottom, worked great to hold skins, crampons, and 1st aid kit; I could reach back open the velcro door and pull the skins out without taking the pack off.  The pack could be unzipped to open like a clam shell; that is a great feature I will not do without in the futures (see below).  Nice pockets on the belt for skis and camera. The ski carry system worked well with a near empty pack, but with extra clothes, shovel, probe, etc. it was kind of sketchy.  

I bought 2 packs to replace the Manaslu.  ArcTeryx Kode 22 (summer and nice-day ski pack) and Deuter 35+ Guide (winter heavy duty pack).  The Kode is nice and light, has a waterproof pocket for gear, but with a shovel and probe and 1st aid/repari kit, a bottle of water, and a layer or two and spare gloves is kind of cramped and the top openings are limited in how much they open and the thing becomes an irritant with a medium-size shovel (even a small shovel).  The Deuter is heavy, sturdy, and has good capacity but lacks side pockets on the belt; it has a side zip that works but not as nice as a clam shell.  The Manaslu was easier use use than either of these but didn't carry big skis as well when the pack was full.