The Winter Pack

I returned my REI Pinnicle and picked up a Muria 50. Hands down the best decision I have made in a while.

Richard88 wrote: Really? I really like my cilogear 30l worksack for skiing. When I bought it I also bought the shovel pocket and have been extremely pleased ever since. I guess that's proof that everyone has their own preferences.

One of their biggest flaws, in addition to having to buy an external pocket, is the side panel fabric does not hold up to ski edges during extended hiking. Maybe I'm unique in my experience but my ski edges tore apart the panels bilaterally. And of course everyone has their own preference, thats just mine. Its too bad their new ski packs uses that same material.

kevino wrote: One of their biggest flaws, in addition to having to buy an external pocket, is the side panel fabric does not hold up to ski edges during extended hiking. Maybe I'm unique in my experience but my ski edges tore apart the panels bilaterally. And of course everyone has their own preference, thats just mine. Its too bad their new ski packs uses that same material.

Yeah i can definitely see that being a problem...I guess i never really thought about it as i mate my skis together and carry between the pack and the shovel pocket where the material is a little burlier. Do you have the balistic worksack or the standard? I've got the standard and i'm curious if the balistic worksack would be better for carrying A style.

The guide service (ballistics) worksack is substantially more bomber. If you have particular wear points that you want reinforced, contact them and I'm sure they'll adapt a pack for your needs.

Personally I've never found a pack that would be great at both. I think the requirements are just to different.

In ice climbing you want simple light design that keeps the weight pulled in close to you're back, and fairly evenly distributed top to bottom. Access is a low priority and top-loading designs rule.

In skiing I find that I really want the weight down low so it doesn't throw me around. I find a good ski pack is wider at the bottom vs the straight cylinder or wider at the top, that I prefer for climbing.

For skiing I also require a separate compartment for shovel, prob, saw. I also like having both methods of ski carry (a-frame and diagonal carry) as they both have different advantages. I like side access compartments too, and I'd imagine this would be even more critical for ski patrol. These features add up to a pack that is far heavier then I desire for multipitch ice climbing.

If your working ski patrol, then you're first priority is getting a good pack for that. If you must you'll be able to use it for some ice until you can afford a dedicated ice/alpine pack. Look at something like the BCA Stash 40. I'm not saying its the best one, just a good example, although be aware, BCA sells it as a 40 litter but it is 32 at best. I would also look into more clam-shell designs.

As much as I love Cilo Gear packs for alpine climbing I think they are poor choices for skiing (ski mountaineering is entirely different), and really poor for patrolling. As a ski patroler you might role up on any number of different incidents that will require a good, durable pack that allows a lot of organisation with fast access.

How about something like the Sweetpea from Mystery Ranch?
mysteryranch.com/adventure/…

The trizip design would allow you quick access to you medical supplies.

Steven N wrote:How about something like the Sweetpea from Mystery Ranch? mysteryranch.com/adventure/… The trizip design would allow you quick access to you medical supplies.

+1 I've never used this pack, but I did use their line packs for wildfire and they're spectacular...pricey, but no doubt worth every penny