Pack recommendations?

I've got a great deuter pack. Perfect size for day trips. SUCKS for putting skis on (no dedicated straps, etc.).

I'd really like a suggestion or two for the ideal day-trip pack. Want to be able to easily toss on skis, axe, pickets, etc.

Dave.

Great question. I've been really happy with the Dakine Blade pack as a very lightweight, short-approach splitboard touring/BC snowboarding pack. It can hold skis or a board each in two different orientations, plus axe and a few other bits. However, it's not suited for extended alpine touring or long approaches, because it's too small and has no rigid frame. So I've been looking for a bigger pack that's more comfortable for 2+ mile approaches, and I just bought this:

www.rei.com/product/862874/rei-pinnacle-50-pack

I ordered online without seeing it in person, because I was able to pay for it entirely using some gift cards I had been holding onto, and it seemed to fit the bill for a legitimate ski mountaineering pack. I can let you know what I think when I pick it up.

my old daypack croaked a few weeks ago and I got a Mammut Trion Light as a replacement.  Only used it once, but it was comfortable enough carrying all my gear plus skis/boots on it for a several mile approach to snow.   

www.mammut.ch/en/productDetail/251002211..._28/Trion-Light.html

It  has a frame and is a top loader with ski slots, axe loop, and daisy chains for other junk.   My only gripe about the mammut pack is that while the waist belt is padded on the sides, the webbing used across the front is really narrow, so when you have a heavy load and crank down on the belt, it isn't as comfy as belts with wider webbing, but that could be fixed by just sewing on some fatter webbing.

mountain hardwear wayback 30.

the best pack ive used for bc skiing and a great price.

www.mountainhardwear.com/wayback-30-OU4448.html

i love deuter. i also love my deuter freeride pro!

Dynafit Broad Peak 28 www.dynafit.com/product/backpacks/broad-peak-28
or
Dynafit Cho Oyo 35 www.dynafit.com/product/backpacks/cho-oyu-35

Carries well, holds avy tools well, diagonal ski carry is very easy to use, mesh pockets on sides hold skins nicely, "safety pocket" carries ski and boot crampons easily.

Construction is light and good, but not burly -- good enough for careful use for several years, but not sturdy enough to abuse or last a lifetime.