Backpack for skiing

[Coopski]

Howdy guys. Just after some opinions. I'm looking for a new backpack for my days on the slopes as I usually just go a camelback. I'm after something I can carry my skis on, can put hydration bladder in and goggles/vest in. Reasonable price (as I own expensive hiking packs and I think hubby will kill me ;-). I like the look of the dakine heli pro. Any other thoughts or if anyone has heli pro- pros & cons. Cheers guys

[pboards&mskis]

Pboards has the heli pro. He can strap the board on when required, although it took a little bit to figure out the strap system. It has a great little pocket the right size for googles up the top. The hydration system works pretty well but the mouth piece is different to the camelback equivalent ( I prefer the camelback one.. but thats just IMO). He's had it for 3 years now and we've had no issues with it. he's used it for BC at Niseko and Katskiing in Colorado and NZ and had no issues.

Hope this helps.

[Rednut]

back country access make decent day packs

[Coopski]

Thanks guys. I was reading about the BCA packs and I like the look of the stash diva. I will have to look into where they are stocked in syd to go have a squizz. Otherwise I like the look of the heli pro so I might go have a look at that too.

[Pini Pow Pow]

I have the Da Kine Heli Pro, it is awesome.... for a pack

[Mizu Kuma]

You can't go wrong with a Da Kine pack, Coops, they make good quality gear at a pretty reasonable price! Burton/Gravis packs are top quality as well but can be a little more $$$.
I had a Da Kine hydration pack for trail bike riding and I can tell you that it was put through it's paces and never let me down once!
I even have a Da Kine bag for work (heavy industry) and that thing has had a harder life than any moto pack ever will, and while it doesn't shine (probably due to grease), nothing has ever busted on it, not even 1 thread out of place!
I use Da Kine leg ropes and tail pads on my surfboards.
I have a Da Kine 'coffin' for my snowboard and ALL of my snow gear, even my Da Kine gloves have a spot in there.

Incase ya didn't know, here's a bit of useless information: In Hawaiian 'Da Kine' translates to 'The Best'.

[John Morgan]

The Da Kine Heli Pro is a very good back pack especially for back country and will do all that you require. Myself and friends who go BC with me all have been using this pack for a few years now.

[karen97]

Another fan of the Heli Pro here :D

[John Deere]

The Heli Pro is OK for its cost and for resort stuff. I prefer other packs for durability but they will cost more. Osprey Switch has been a favourite for years, and the BCA stuff does look decent and Paul stocks it. I have recently converted to a Black Diamond pack....mine has an Avalung which is not really something a pack requires for most, but BD do make them without the Avalung. My wife has a very good Mountain Hardware pack that is a great resort pack, very flat and purpose built for ski carry.

The brands I mentioned will be more durable than the Dakine (clips and zippers for carrying skis will be a fair bit better), you have to assess how much abuse your going to give it and wether your willing to fork out a bit more cash.

[Coopski]

Thanks guys. I will have a look around...Kathmandu have also just bought a range of ski/board bags and have got an AT bag in the range. Must say it looks more "in resort" than BC but I must say I will use it majority in bounds anyway. I have a Kathmandu store locally so I might go have a good look at it. Whilst one of my hiking packs (75l) is from there and is my preference pack for multi day walks, some of their smaller packs aren't quite as good quality I've found. There sale is about to start in a couple of weeks and it will be $100 off so it might be an option.

[Mizu Kuma]

The brands I mentioned will be more durable than the Dakine (clips and zippers for carrying skis will be a fair bit better), you have to assess how much abuse your going to give it and wether your willing to fork out a bit more cash.

JD,
Black Diamond gear has 1 year warranty, Don't know what BCA offers (Paul?), Da Kine offers 2 years in Aus and if ya live in Nth America you got warranty for life! That's confidence in what they make!
The company is now also owned by Billabong, so you know it's backed by $$$, plus it is widely distributed around the globe just incase ya need assistance with any of their stuff while ya OS!

[John Deere]

Mizu Kuma, Osprey gear has a lifetime warranty in Oz.....

To me I really dont care about the warranty, it will do you no good whilst perched at the top of a precipice with a busted strap. If the product looks well made and is from a reputable company I will recommend them. I have seen Dakine zippers and clips fail under load and it can be very inconvenient, I have not seen BD or Osprey gear fail but I am sure it has happened.

I am not saying Dakine are bad packs, many people love them and I own some of their gear, but they are at a certain price point, and other packs at higher price points are better quality (naturally). Usage needs to be assesed and the purchaser must then decide wether the extra cash is woth it for them.

Also....Whats the point of everyone just recommending one pack? I think it is important to describe alternatives based on personal experience, thats what was asked for ;)

And as Paul always says...Quality/Service/Low Price....pick any 2!!

[Mizu Kuma]

Mizu Kuma, Osprey gear has a lifetime warranty in Oz.....

JD,

Osprey back their gear, therefore Osprey gear is a good recommendation!


I have seen Dakine zippers and clips fail under load and it can be very inconvenient, I have not seen BD or Osprey gear fail but I am sure it has happened.

I retailed Da Kine products for 5 years and in that period not 1 was returned for a warranty issue (not to say that a customer just couldn't be bothered to claim), and that is a pretty rare thing in the industry!


....Whats the point of everyone just recommending one pack? I think it is important to describe alternatives based on personal experience, thats what was asked for ;)

The point of so many people recommending the Da Kine Heli Pro, is that it must be a good pack, especially if everybody is saying that they are happy with it, surely they wouldn't recommend it if zippers and clips were braking? And based on personal experience the Heli Pro is getting the vote (if I ask for advice on a product and the overwhelming majority says that one particular item is good, then I would be doing myself a disservice by not taking the feedback in good stead) and that is what was asked for ;)


as Paul always says...Quality/Service/Low Price....pick any 2!!

Quality/Low Price will do (ya probably will never have to need the service part anyway)!

[Taxman]

I'll back JD on this one. Coopski may not need the quality of a Osprey (I have 2 of the Switch packs 16 and 45 ltrs), but I've never seen a Dakine pack in the backcountry. However, I've seen Osprey, Macpac, BD, ...... because they work (not designed by a marketing department) and don't fail.

[John Deere]

I retailed Da Kine products for 5 years and in that period not 1 was returned for a warranty issue (not to say that a customer just couldn't be bothered to claim), and that is a pretty rare thing in the industry!

OK, so your customers never carried alot of stuff.




The point of so many people recommending the Da Kine Heli Pro, is that it must be a good pack, especially if everybody is saying that they are happy with it, surely they wouldn't recommend it if zippers and clips were braking? And based on personal experience the Heli Pro is getting the vote (if I ask for advice on a product and the overwhelming majority says that one particular item is good, then I would be doing myself a disservice by not taking the feedback in good stead) and that is what was asked for ;)

1. If the people recommending dont use the gear to the fullest, their recommendation is not worth much at all.
2. Majority does not rule with gear because needs are so specific, and you need to learn that your opinion is not the only one and I doubt very much it is always right.




Quality/Low Price will do (ya probably will never have to need the service part anyway)!

Like I said, they are fine for their price point, but, in my experience of carrying much crap (5kg plus of camera gear and all the other stuff one needs to day trip) in the backcountry and in resorts, there are better but they cost more.

I am not going to continue to debate with you the merrits of one against another, as we are drifting way off topic, I am fairly certain that Coopski is now armed with more knowledge than before I joined the thread (the point, remember that??)

Good afternoon.

[Coopski]

Sorry for causing a great debate guys. I do appreciate all the info. :-)

JD I've used osprey and BD packs over the years for hiking and agree they are great quality packs. I actually was in a local hiking outdoor store today and they can do the ospray 22l for a pretty good price as they have a special on atm.

Mind you I will also take a trip to a store tommorrow to look at the dakine (as it certainly has some nice features).

I will definitely have to put pros against cons and have a look at a few different packs. Whilst my use for it will be mostly in resort/boot pack stuff thats not to say down the track I won't expand it's uses :-)

Thanks again everyone.

[karen97]

but I've never seen a Dakine pack in the backcountry. I go BC and I use Dakine packs. I have a Heli Pro and a Dakine Guide 50LT. I agree that there are better quality packs out there, but my packs fitted into my budget at the time. Also another point to remember that you need to get a pack that fits you best!

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j73/karen-97/010-2.jpg

[Coopski]

Kaz you've hit the nail on the head. To be honest I will go with what harness fits best and if the quality of the pack looks good. I have no doubt the dakine is up to scratch as they wouldn't sell so many if it wasnt. I also will agree with other comments as there are better packs on the market (which you pay for the pleasure of owning :-) I don't think the dakine was ever built for backcounty heavy day/multiday trips (they certainly aren't marketed in that way). That's not to say that I don't think it couldn't do it, however I know if you were in the market for a pack for alpine touring I don't think dakine would spring straight to mind.

It's always nice to get something with a female harness which I have to admit does limit choices too.

Thanks again guys. I do appreciate the wealth of knowledge on snowatch :-) I tell you we would make a good market research group for the alpine arena.

[Mizu Kuma]

1. If the people recommending dont use the gear to the fullest, their recommendation is not worth much at all.

Do you know, first hand, how the other contributors to this thread use their packs? Because I assume that their input is worth as much as the next!



and you need to learn that your opinion is not the only one and I doubt very much it is always right.


I have never stated that my opinion is 'gospel', and realise that I am not always right, yet I thought that I was entitled to voice my opinion freely! Something that I did learn however, is that you definitely don't doubt the worth of your own opinion!

[Taxman]

..... To be honest I will go with what harness fits best and if the quality of the pack looks good. ......

It's always nice to get something with a female harness which I have to admit does limit choices too.



Which is why brands like Osprey make each model in different sizes, to get the best fit for your body type.

Coopski, if you are looking at the Osprey packs, make sure you look at the Switch series as they are specifically made for skiing/boarding with dry pockets, draining pockets (for wet skins and avy gear), internal hyrdation bladder pocket, reinforced loops and clips for carring skis and boards. If they weren't very good, JD and I (and other users) wouldn't be passionate about them.

[Coopski]

Thanks taxman. I will follow that up with him as he was waiting on stock of the one we were talking about (model name has completely left me but it wasn't switch) however he can order in any pack I'm after so I will chat with him again tommorrow. :-)

[SA]

Coopski - do you know, or have a preference of how you want to carry your skis (diagonal/straight/a-frame)? I think it's a pretty important factor to narrow down what pack(s) you might consider buying.

[Coopski]

Just looked on their website. It was the kode 22l he was waiting on.

[Coopski]

Coopski - do you know, or have a preference of how you want to carry your skis (diagonal/straight/a-frame)? I think it's a pretty important factor to narrow down what pack(s) you might consider buying.

To be honest I've never had a pack that carries them so I guess that's also the type of feedback I'm after. Do you find one way more cumbersome than the other?

[John Deere]

I go BC and I use Dakine packs. I have a Heli Pro and a Dakine Guide 50LT. I agree that there are better quality packs out there, but my packs fitted into my budget at the time. Also another point to remember that you need to get a pack that fits you best!

Yep, I seen plenty BC (including Kaz's, albeit in summer), they do the job. I personally wouldn't hump a set of 180cm 100mm under foot skis out of Watsons Creek on one, but they could do it.

[John Deere]

Which is why brands like Osprey make each model in different sizes, to get the best fit for your body type.

Coopski, if you are looking at the Osprey packs, make sure you look at the Switch series as they are specifically made for skiing/boarding with dry pockets, draining pockets (for wet skins and avy gear), internal hyrdation bladder pocket, reinforced loops and clips for carring skis and boards. If they weren't very good, JD and I (and other users) wouldn't be passionate about them.

I like the BD design better. It has much better access than the Switch, but the Switch is hard as nails, probably better built than the BD.

[Taxman]

Coopski - do you know, or have a preference of how you want to carry your skis (diagonal/straight/a-frame)? I think it's a pretty important factor to narrow down what pack(s) you might consider buying.

The Osprey Switch packs can carry skis either A-frame or diagonally.

[John Deere]

To be honest I've never had a pack that carries them so I guess that's also the type of feedback I'm after. Do you find one way more cumbersome than the other?

SA raises a good question. I prefer to have mine bound together and strapped firmly straight up and down on the pack. I find A frame a little cumbersome to get rigid and diaganol tend to be easier to overbalance for me.....it is a personal thing though and much depends on your height, ski length, ski weight etc.

[SA]

To be honest I've never had a pack that carries them so I guess that's also the type of feedback I'm after. Do you find one way more cumbersome than the other?

Yes, I definitely have a preference with mine, eg. I generally carry diagonally; but inevitably it will differ from person to person. What length/width/weight skis will you carry? Will you have wide/super wide brakes or not? Are you short or tall? Some of these things will make a real difference when you're boot packing - will the tails of the skis stab you in the calves or knock the back of your head repeatedly, or will you list to one side with an uneven weight distribution?

Without wanting to make choosing more difficult I've found some packs offer multiple carry positions but do one/some far better than others. If you're going to spend a bit on the pack it's not a bad idea to take your intended skis in and have a go strapping them on, seeing what's comfortable for you walking around, working out which straps/positions work better than others, and which might slip loose.

Taxman alluded to skins above - are you going to be boot-packing mainly, or also skinning? This would change how you'd mainly use a pack.

[SA]

The Osprey Switch packs can carry skis either A-frame of diagonally.

Yes. I own one.

[Coopski]

Boot packing for the mean time. Certainly down the track I would love to do more BC but that would be a fairway down the track. I have a young one that limits my ability to go bush these days ;-) (mum can't go too far a field without being missed..mind you I think mum would miss him more ;-). Good idea SA re taking the skis with me. Now I'm loaded with amunition I think it's time to go play in a few stores and see what I like best :-) let's go ssssssshhhhoooopppiiinnnggg!!

[Mizu Kuma]

If he's hanging of the apron strings at home surely he can hang off ya backpack straps, while ya BC :D Let us know what ya end up getin Coops!

[SA]

I think it's great that you're getting out there, young one or no. Good luck. I'll be interested to hear what you end up with.

[Coopski]

SA raises a good question. I prefer to have mine bound together and strapped firmly straight up and down on the pack. I find A frame a little cumbersome to get rigid and diaganol tend to be easier to overbalance for me.....it is a personal thing though and much depends on your height, ski length, ski weight etc.

JD if you have your skis bound and verticle does that mean your using the central snowboard strap vs the ski straps/loops on the corners? Sorry if that's a daft question. Its gettin late in the day :-)

[SA]

From memory, I think JD's BD pack has 2 straps going horizontally across the face of the pack that allow him to strap vertically, one near the top and one near the bottom.

[John Deere]

I don't have snowboard straps on my pack...how offensive :p Like SA says, two horizontal jobbies.... this is the pack

http://www.campfans.net/wp-images/Black-Diamond-Outlaw-Avalung-Pack.jpg

But the clip behind the grey bit on the bottom I usually dont thread through the grey bit but over the top of my skis!

[Coopski]

Sorry JD...hangs head and walks away ;-)
Nice looking pack btw!

[Coopski]

I don't have snowboard straps on my pack...how offensive :p Like SA says, two horizontal jobbies.... this is the pack

http://www.campfans.net/wp-images/Black-Diamond-Outlaw-Avalung-Pack.jpg

But the clip behind the grey bit on the bottom I usually dont thread through the grey bit but over the top of my skis!

I think someones telling porkie pies...
"A deluxe all-purpose snowboard or ski pack with unique “back door” access, the AvaLung-equipped Outlaw has plenty of room to comfortably carry all your day-tripping needs"
;-) ;-) :giggles:

[Mizu Kuma]

Chin up Coops, we snowboarders don't care if ya put ya skis in our straps! ;)

[John Deere]

High quality, but just one year warranty.

Mine is 18 months old, done some heavy days, always over packed looking like it will burst at the seams, but it hasn't ;)

[John Deere]

I think someones telling porkie pies...
"A deluxe all-purpose snowboard or ski pack with unique “back door” access, the AvaLung-equipped Outlaw has plenty of room to comfortably carry all your day-tripping needs"
;-) ;-) :giggles:

Yeah, that website is terrible....i'd report it ;)

[John Deere]

Chin up Coops, we snowboarders don't care if ya put ya skis in our straps! ;)

I'll be sure to do that if I ever see you ;)

edit: Gently of course, wouldn't want to damage dragging knuckles!

:outtahere:

[Coopski]

Oi keep your chins to yourselves please....;-)

[Mizu Kuma]

I'll be sure to do that if I ever see you ;)

edit: Gently of course, wouldn't want to damage dragging knuckles!

:outtahere:

Where ya gone JD, I was just about to give ya a big Kuma hug! :happy:

[John Deere]

I try and avoid unwanted encounters with sub humans.

[Mizu Kuma]

Oi keep your chins to yourselves please....;-)

Don't worry Coops, my chin wont be leavin me! :D

[Mizu Kuma]

I try and avoid unwanted encounters with sub humans.

Never know what you'll come across in the Back Country JD!

[Paul Oberin]

I thought this was more suited to the back country forum as the main discussion seems to be around carrying skis etc.

[John Deere]

Prepare for anything, avoid annoying pockets of hot air!

[karen97]

Prepare for anything, avoid annoying pockets of hot air!
So don't feed JD beans in the back country and under no circumstances pull his finger if you know what's good for you :brr:

[Coopski]

So don't feed JD beans in the back country and under no circumstances pull his finger if you know what's good for you :brr:

:giggle: @ kaz. So that's how he gets up the mountain so fast ;-)

[John Deere]

Beans...who needs beans....dehydrated curry is my weapon of choice!

[karen97]

Your jerky is fartalicious too!

[John Deere]

Mmmmmmmm Jerky!!!!

[ozgirl]

My Dakine pack is 7+ years old and I have done two seasons with it - mainly in resort and tiny bit of boot packing. I don't go on the mountain without it. It has never skipped a beat (no faulty zippers etc) except when I have to replace the bit on the end of the hydration pack due to my own stupidity...

[Coopski]

Thanks ozgirl. To be honest I'm still heavily leaning towards the heli pro. I think it's a nice functional pack for the price point and for the time being what you've just described will be it's exact use :-)

[Coopski]

Now now mizu I ev not yet made any decision as of yet. A also like the look of the deuter freeride (and gosh knows I love my deuter packs). You never know....I may just surprise you :-)

[Coopski]

Well after an epic day of driving round and looking at options I'm no closer to a decision. :-( I tell ya it's been a day and to also have some Joe average customer service thrown in I was a little turned off :annoyed: to go into a reputable ski shop that I've frequented/purchased from over the years and have a hard sell attempted on me for a hiking day pack where apparently any old pack with flimsy side straps will do the job??? Not to mention being called practically stupid for wanting under 35litres. Oooooohhhh :-( sorry rant over but I know my hiking packs and if I wanted one of them I'd use my own.
So at the moment the dakine is a maybe and the osprey kode 22 is also looking mighty appealing. This is it-
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/Gusboy333/photo-9.jpg

[Mizu Kuma]

Looks the goods Coops!

[Coopski]

Must say it is rather sexy (so far as backpacks can be sexy ;-)
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/Gusboy333/photo-10.jpg

[SA]

I like the trend to minimise the number of unsecured/flapping straps.

Did you take your skis in to try with it?

[Coopski]

Must say SA it's one of the features I like about the osprey (nothing puts your tummy in your mouth more than that feeling of something catching on the lift). I'm yet to get my mitts on this bag as they were waiting on it to come into store. But yes when they do I will take my skis along. But on paper (well computer screen) it looks like a winner.

[Mizu Kuma]

Did ya get to see the Da Kine Pro II while you were out and about Coops?

[Coopski]

No they were out of stock. They only had heli 11litre, heli pro and heli pro dts (hmmm I think I have those three letters wrong but you get the idea :-)

[Mizu Kuma]

Might have been the DLX for deluxe? What was the diff beetween the Pro and the DTS/DLX (whatever it's called)?

[Coopski]

To be honest not a great deal. Biggest diff is the ski attachment is a retractable cable system. Otherwise they are very similar (especially from a snowboarding perspective so if you were in the market I'm not sure it would make any diff which pack you went :-)

[SA]

How does the cable system work?

[Coopski]

SA it's a retractable cable loop instead of having a large fixed loop at the bottom of the bag. Sorry that doesn't explain it well. Instead of having a bottom loop off the bag for diagnal ski carrying it has made the loop a retractable one. Good again for not catching it on a lift. It's also a little better for fat skis being adjustable.

[Mizu Kuma]

SA I think ya can see it, in it's retracted state, in the image above of the Pro II (maybe Coops could verify this)

[SA]

I got curious and went looking. Diagonal carry only.

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-49174692646927_2105_66433617

I'd want to be sure about how secure it is before taking it out, because it looks (going by the pic and nothing else) like it might bounce about a fair bit. Does the retracting cable 'lock' so that it can't extend from the weight of the ski on it?

[Coopski]

Yep it's the black little dongle on the bottom right that has DK written on it.

[Coopski]

To be honest SA I didn't play with it that much as I'm not going for that pack. The owner of the ski shop used one in France earlier in the year and loved it. It's now his regular pack. Mind you he used the baby of the range which is the heli (11 litres). He was fiddling with it as I had the heli pro in my hands.

[John Deere]

Osprey looks good. Make sure you look at it in the flesh tho.

[Coopski]

Osprey looks good. Make sure you look at it in the flesh tho.

Definitely! My local outdoor shop is getting it in for me to look at. My interest prompted them to get a couple in actually as they have some great gear in there and they like to have a bit of everything. I tell you I could spend a fortune in that shop!! Ohhh my poor husband ;-) mind you his ps3 games cost a bomb so it evens out.

[John Deere]

Did they have any Switch? Not sure if they are still current.

Also, it doesn't look too practical to A frame on the osprey pictured if thats what your keen on doing....Although this is pretty common for a small pack, A framing is more successful on overnight packs.

[Coopski]

If you google osprey switch, the osprey site shows it as being the kode series: switch 26. Though if you go to products and look at the kode series the switch isn't there so I can only assume the kode 22 and 30 are the latest models (also if you click on the product description it says there is none which I can only assume means it's been updated with a current model). Also when I asked about it in store the only alpine packs for in the current osprey catalogue were the kode packs.
As for carrying it does verticle, diagonal and a frame (I think the picture just shows the a frame).
Have a looky at this-
http://www.ospreypacks.com/download_document.php?documentID=132

[John Deere]

yeah, looks like he replacement.

if you go to paddies on kent u could find one on sale....their belt pockets are probably ketter than the one you pictured....getting picky now!

[Coopski]

Also found this
http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=AU#/watch?client=mv-google&v=vyPXsz338Sg
Must say if I get it they are going to give it to me with the current sale discount they have on packs (plus five mins from home vs 50min train ride to the city with a 15 month old...I think I can cope with smaller waist pockets :-)
Once it's in next week I'll let you know how I get on

[SA]

Here's another link to the same vid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyPXsz338Sg

btw - that helmet carry system is really well thought out. I've seen it in use on other Ospreys and wished mine had it!

[Paul Oberin]

This looks like a good place to buy BC gear and is an Australian owned shop.

http://www.thecornicestore.com.au/index.php

[Caboose]

WOW 8 pages of Back Pack Pron and sledging

another vote for dakine heli pro for day trips

had mine for nearly 10 seasons and still going strong and it gets abused

can carry skis diagonally or vertically on the back, can't do the "A frame"

you could even try it horizontal - but that might be a bit uncomfortable ;)

[John Deere]

8 pages.... you could reduce that by reviewing your settings.

Did you end uop looking at the Osprey Coopski? The diference in structure of older Ospreys to the Dakine is worth the cost difference IMO, be interesting to see if you think it is still the case.

[Caboose]

but then it doesn't sound as impressive .... ;)

[Coopski]

I checked yesterday and was still not in. And to be honest the price they are giving it to me there won't be much difference ie I have seen the heli pro cost more in some stores. I will post once I get my greasy little mitts on it. Got to see the Kathmandu pack yesterday good for the current sale price but I wasn't that happy with fabric and buckles. Will keep you up to date :-)

[Coopski]

SA in response to an earlier question about how the heli pro retractable ski cable works I can now tell you (was in a shop today and had a better play).
It's like a rubberized wire cable that's attached to a strap that runs vertically through the bag. Up the top of the bag there is a small zippered compartment that houses the buckle for the strap. Losen the buckle the cable comes out the bottom, slide your skis through the loop then tighten strap and zip up compartment.

[SA]

I think I get the idea, thanks. How would you rate the ease of use/fiddle factor?

[Coopski]

Well it's definitely a process but I guess it's a trade off. Normal loop- slide ski through and then do up top strap. Not adjustable and sometimes too small for fat skis (plus potential to catch on lift) but quick and easy.
Retractable cable- open compartment, loosen strap, slide ski through, tighten to skis size, close zip and do up top strap for ski.
If you had your skis on and off the pack often, the traditional loop would be easier though not as snug however if only occaisionally carrying skis this system would be great.
More feedback on the bag- to me it is robust, well sown, strong zippers and straps however I don't feel the fabric is as abraision resistant as some nor as waterproof. The zippers also do not have waterproof rubber seals. The harness is good and the straps easy enough to citch (and it's comfortable). For your average day around the resort and it's surrounds this would be a fairly bomb proof pack. If you were after a technical pack for all conditions/extreme conditions then I would look at the other packs as discussed. :-)

[John Deere]

Yep, pretty much sums it up.

Watch the clips, these I have seen let go when the pack is overloaded and it is a major pain. Of course if you dont overload it might be better.

[Coopski]

Well the osprey is a no go. The only one left at the wholesaler is a 30l large which ain't what I'm looking for. Paddy palin only do the 30l and are out of stock, mountain equipment haven't heard of it so it's off the list. The black diamond is well out of my price range so it's now down to bca and dakine at this point. Will keep y'all posted

[Mizu Kuma]

If ya end up gettin the Heli Pro coops, you'll be in good company anyway!

Da Kine Ski TEAM

» ANDY MAHRE

» CHRIS BENCHETLER

» DAN TREADWAY

» ERIC POLLARD

» GRETE ELIASSEN

» MARK ABMA

» MICHELLE PARKER

» MIKE RIDDLE

» PEP FUJAS

» SAMMY CARLSON

» SEAN PETTIT

» TANNER HALL

[SA]

We'd all take one if given one for free!

;)

[Mizu Kuma]

They not only take one, they get paid for it but most importantly they use it! :p

[Coopski]

We'd all take one if given one for free!

;)

Gosh I'm slow! That took me going back to the previous page twice before I got it. I think I need a holiday/sanity break. Anyone got a free holiday house in jindy for me ;-)
Now that I have got it :giggle:

Well it looks like the decision has been made but I will keep you all on your toes till I have it in my hot little hands and I'll take a photo of it. Might still be a week or two away...that will depend on the awesome retailer I'm going through ;-) let's just say the exact pack I'm looking at has not yet been discussed. Hmmm :-) :-)

[John Deere]

No John Deere on that list :p

[Mizu Kuma]

Funny that! :p

[Coopski]

And the winner is- drum roll....

The BCA stash BC rider-

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/Gusboy333/photo-16.jpg

I'm looking forward to getting my new beastie.

And a huge thanks to our favourite snowatcher mr Paul Oberon for organising it and sending it my way.

After a great deal of deliberation I went with the bc rider pro. At 35l this pack is slightly larger than I planned but the pack straps down to be very compact. I went with the bc rider vs the plain bc as I do the occaisional day of knuckledragging and this will happily take both. Now on specs it is the snowboard specific system however the pack is simply the bc pack with the top velcro ski straps removed. So the bottom ski loops are still there so I can vertical and diagnal carry using the front straps and the a frame straps are still on the pack so it's got the best of both worlds. Most important for me is its the fabric I'm after. I want something that will take a bit of punishment as I will also use this on some day walks as well and I don't want any huge snag issues. My current day walk/hydration pack is a touch too small especially if the weather is looking "special" and I need to carry goretex jacket, gaiters etc.
So very excited and a big thanks to everyone for their advice. I'll be sure to take a happy snap of it in action in the coming weeks :-)

[Mizu Kuma]

Sweeeet, Coops, don't forget to give some feedback, as to how it goes on the slopes!

[SA]

Nice looking pack there :)


...as I do the occaisional day of knuckledragging

:eek:

[John Deere]

Looks purdy!!

[Coopski]

In case your curious here is the difference between the two packs-
stash bc rider
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/Gusboy333/photo-17.jpg

stash bc
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/Gusboy333/photo-10.jpg

[Coopski]

Well first off all I would like to say a great big thanks to Paul for his super speedy delivery and wonderful service. I love my new toy!
I must say the quality of this bag is fantastic. The fabric is very strong diamond ripstop. All buckles and areas of high wear have rubber reinforcing. The zippers are very strong/waterproof. The pack is longish vs bulky and the straps cich the bag down to a minimal size the backpadding/harness has a light weight frame in it so the bag maintains it's shape really well under weight. Mind you the fit is great. I'm around 5'7 and it sits just below C7/T1 and finishes smack on hip height. So perfect for me and anyone taller. Much shorter than me and it may be a touch long.
Now I apologise jd and sa. I had to get my boards down this morning (one is off to a new home today) so I strapped it in. I promise I'll get a shot with skis in soon.
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/Gusboy333/photo-18.jpg
board on
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/Gusboy333/photo3.jpg
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/Gusboy333/photo2.jpg
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/Gusboy333/photo4.jpg
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/Gusboy333/photo-19.jpg
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/Gusboy333/photo2-1.jpg
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/Gusboy333/photo3-1.jpg
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/Gusboy333/photo4-1.jpg
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/Gusboy333/photo5-1.jpg
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/Gusboy333/photo-20.jpg

sorry for the excess in images but i figured there are only a few reviews on the pack with limited images so it may help someone down the track.
Now last but not least the crown jewel of this pack. It's amazing hydration system (yes the bladder is included). It is fully insulated and has it's own zip in compartment to prevent freezing.
Well that's it for now but I will let you know how it travels in a couple of weeks time when it hits the man made snow ;-)

[John Deere]

Nice work...certainly looks like a good pack! Hopefully you can see and feel the difference between something of this standard and something of the Dakine standard which was what I was getting at early in the thread. There is a noticable difference IMO and it is reflected in the price points too, although I hazard a guess that you were well looked after with the BCA pack.

[Coopski]

Nice work...certainly looks like a good pack! Hopefully you can see and feel the difference between something of this standard and something of the Dakine standard which was what I was getting at early in the thread. There is a noticable difference IMO and it is reflected in the price points too, although I hazard a guess that you were well looked after with the BCA pack.

The quality is fantastic. Not that the dakine is of bad quality but this pack is of a standard of your big name technical packs if not a little sturdier in some regards (ie rubber reinforcing and frame. Plus the fabric is great). And as for price I was looked after very well. It was cheaper for me to have this pack sent to me than to buy the heli pro in store :-) and the hydration is fitted standard. Very happy gal :-) :-)

[Mizu Kuma]

Looks sweet Coops, keep on boardin! :D

[Coopski]

Looks sweet Coops, keep on boardin! :D

Fear not mizu I will. I've been doing it for 17 years :eeek: so I will always have a place for my board.
However the older I get the less keen I am to "traverse". I ruled out the long periods of backside sittery by purchasing flow bindings (must be the skiier in me).

[Coopski]

Now to even the pictures up to make everyone happy
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/Gusboy333/photo2-2.jpg

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/Gusboy333/photo-21.jpg

Must say both front and a frame were equally as comfy and skis felt secure. I didn't even citch straps properly for a frame and they didn't budge when I put the pack on (albeit a little squiff looking).

[John Deere]

That looks much better!

[Mizu Kuma]

Nah, I liked it the way it was in the first place! More style!

[John Deere]

True, better to have the ski's on ur feet, but if they must be on the pack...it looks good!

[Mizu Kuma]

Nah, still like it with the snowboard!

[John Deere]

I guess when the board is on the pack your not getting a cold behind sitting in the snow!

[Mizu Kuma]

I guess when the board is on the pack your not getting a cold behind sitting in the snow!

You said it! :D

[John Deere]

Got a BCA pack off Paul a few weeks back. I was going to use it as a gym bag, and I still am, but it will also be my pack of choice for day trips in Oz!! I think it is better than an Osprey, and they have been my benchmark for years!!

The OS trips will still see the Black Diamond get used only as it has an avalung, but in Oz, this BCA pack will be great!

Thanks Paul!!!

[Paul Oberin]

The BCA packs are certainly great quality and and have all the features you want, being the importer as well as the retailer sees them very cheap compared to all other similar packs in Australia, you can see the range on my online shop, many people look at the low price and think they can't be any good at that low price.