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Ski mountaineering pack
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Hi, Looking for advice on a good ski mountaineering pack, around 40L or so. Looking for something that that can hold a couple nights of gear but slim down for summits. I am also looking for something that climbs well. Ideally something with a removable frame as I like the support on the way in but find my helmet always hitting the back of frames while climbing. Some I am looking at so far are the osprey mutant 38 (but no dedicated avy pocket), the gregory targhee ft 35 or 45 (the regular targhee is too heavy), the blue ice Kume 38, Mammut trion vesalite (but seems the frame is not removable), and the BD speed (though again no avy pocket). Curious if anyone has experience with these packs or other recommendations. |
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The Kume 38, hands down. Incredible pack. Super versatile. Lots of ski carry options. Top access, side access, rope compartment, hip belt pocket, dual axe carry, helmet holder. It ticks every box I'm looking for in a ski mountaineering pack. |
NateC wrote: Look good! What does that vertical zippered pocket thing on the shoulder strap do? Edit: also fyi the back length is fixed at 18.5" |
RJNakata wrote: It appears to have a bartacked strap with 5 clip points. Probably for clipping gear. If you zip up the pocket the bartacks won’t hold snow. Just a guess. |
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I like the BD Cirque for this, but it might not have enough frame for your liking. |
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Another vote for the BD cirque. Love it. |
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The kume is mega for skiing and ice climbing if ur into that, the shoulder zip is for a hook and loop that is for a type of ski cary |
Terry E wrote: Behind the zipper is a bartacked daisy and ski carry hook for the speed and diagonal ski carry options. |
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I've been enjoying my Patagonia Ascensionist. It's pretty bare-bones, if that's your thing you might like it. |
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Arc’teryx Alpha FL or Alpha SK. I have an FL40 I use ski touring when it’s not avy bag season and the simplicity and light weight are impressive. It carries very well for the weight and lack of perimeter frame. Lack if avy pocket really isn’t that big a deal when you have a simple kit. Wet skins can go in a stuff sack. The Patagonia Descensionist 40 has some very nice ski focused features (avy gear pocket, side zipper, slightly beefier hip belt, integrated ski carry) for a bit more weight (no surprise there) but the size and construction are similar to the Arc FL40. It will probably be my go-to non-avy pack this season except for the lightest fastest missions. I have the older ~2018 Descensionist and no experience with the updated version. |
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Another option to consider, Ortovox peak light 40. Link |
NateC wrote: Nice. Looks like the frame isn't removable, does it get in your way on steep routes? |
Nick Niebuhr wrote: Do you find you get your gear out fast enough without on any pocket? I was pretty set on the osprey 38 which is similar until I started worrying about not having an avy pocket |
Derek DeBruin wrote: How much weight do you think you can carymry with it being frameless? |
Nate LaHue wrote: Not 100% sure, maybe 30lbs or more? I've done 3 day/2 night ski traverses with it in the Cascades just fine. |
Nate LaHue wrote: Honestly I haven't used a pack with an avy pocket for years now and haven't had issues. Shovel parts and probe are pretty easy to find in a hurry since they're long and hard. But yeah if you like having a dedicated avy gear pocket, I think the Descensionist has that option as well as more ski-related features. |
Nate LaHue wrote: The frame is removable. I don't really like frames in ski packs and removed mine immediately. |
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Mutant 38 has worked really well for me in the Cascades. I'd say it's more of a general climbing pack than a ski mountaineering pack like the Kume 38, but it carries skis in an A or H frame well. I've never felt the need for a dedicated avy pocket; this may be particular to the severity of avalanche conditions where you ski. I use all of the features of the pack - ice clipper slots, daisy chains with shock cord (nice for crampons), general stripability for summit day. The frame transfers loads really well to the hips, which I appreciate when it's overloaded (i.e. carrying skis with boots attached, rope, and tools).  |
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The Kume is also the best ski mountaineering pack I have found and used this far. My only complaints after two seasons of use is it isn't nearly as durable as other brands on the market (Arc'teryx, Mystery Ranch, etc) and the diagonal carry is pretty small and doesn't fit wide skis. |
James C wrote: Agree with this |
