Ski mountaineering pack

Has anyone used the Kaniq 33 from Mountain Equipment? Looks like an alpine climbing pack that can attach skis more so than a true ski mountaineering pack. 

NateC wrote:

The Peak Light 40 is an excellent alpine pack but there are much better ski mountaineering packs, especially from Ortovox. 

Which ones? Did look at the peak dry 40, a dry pack is certainly tempting but maybe gimmicky

Nate LaHue wrote:

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.
Thanks!

I would certainly advice the Mountain Attack by Lowe Alpine: 

https://olympusmountaineering.com/2017/05/30/lowe-alpine-mountain-attack-35-45-lt-review/

John Douglas wrote:

I would certainly advice the Mountain Attack by Lowe Alpine: 

https://olympusmountaineering.com/2017/05/30/lowe-alpine-mountain-attack-35-45-lt-review/

Looks like it has been discountinued

Nate LaHue wrote:

Looks like it has been discountinued

Ah, I see. It's a pity cause this was a great one.

Take a look at Apocalypse Equipment if you're looking for a customizable option. I have two packs, planning to get a third. Girlfriend just purchased one as well. They climb really well too!

https://www.apocalypse-equipment.com/packs-1

NateC wrote:

The frame is removable. I don't really like frames in ski packs and removed mine immediately. 

Thanks! Also how much can you over load it for overnights? Looks like it lacks a daisy chain so wondering how easy it is to attach extra gear for overnights.

Nate LaHue wrote:

Thanks! Also how much can you over load it for overnights? Looks like it lacks a daisy chain so wondering how easy it is to attach extra gear for overnights.

It's pretty streamlined so attaching a stuff to the outside is mostly contained to the side compression straps or the top rope/compression strap. Realistically speaking, 38L is plenty for an overnight or hut trip if your gear is of the ultralight/compact end of the spectrum. 

Decided to go with a more ski specific pack so I have back access. So went with a Soelden 42 since it has a pretty small frame.  Think it will work okay.

If I buy a ski pack with avi-specific storage I'd probably go for an Alpine Threadworks Monashee.

Any additional thoughts on the Kume? Specifically how well it carries and whether or not you get precipitation in the top of the pack if it’s snowing?

Caveat: Ive only had this pack for a month and have used it for ski touring only including a 7-day hut trip. 

To answer your question, I find it carries extremely well. Likely due to the fit: my short torso long legs (its torso length is 47cm I believe, im 5'11 155lb). I like the separate pocket for avalanche gear. It fits nice and tight. It feels like a true 38L but Ill be packing with overnight stuff next week and can report back. Unlike others, I really like the separate crampon section (which is removable). Can use it for first aid kit and rope when sharp things arent in there. the ice axe carry is really comfortable. Ive had troubles fixing the helmet carry so far (quite tight and worried without the helmet Ill lose the sling). Like the side pocket alot for 18L yeti.

It does lack place for goggles etc without the top part and I will say that that snow will get inside the pack on the top. Ive tried to keep my helmet there to prevent this but acknowledge that if it rains, this will get through the top bit (can send pics if interested). To prevent this I lined it with a garbage bag as I have done with my other packs. 

Last point: I got this pack cause it fit my frame so well (removed the frame proper to save weight) and has been so far so good. Since there have been a few questions I may post a review once I have a bit more experience. Feel free to ask any more qs. 

Tapawingo Markey wrote:

Any additional thoughts on the Kume? Specifically how well it carries and whether or not you get precipitation in the top of the pack if it’s snowing?

I really like the pack. It does carry well, even with skis or dumb things like hanging double boots off the back. I haven’t taken it through heavy snow, but the top does close better or worse depending on how much you’ve packed and how. I would be extremely confident in the seal if the pack was full or nearly full so the draw enclosure is covered completely and there’s some compression from the top. If the pack is half full it is harder to keep the top sealed up. It definitely works best when the end of the top flap ends up just short of where the latch strap starts, if that makes sense. Overstuffing is not going to work well with this pack. 

IMO: Any pockets are best for wet skins and anyone digging a lot of pits. For everyone else, they're unnecessary. 

I ran into the Dynafit Free 32 the other day at the store and think it probably would be my top pick along with the ATX Alpha SK or FL (I have both). 

Jeremy Bauman wrote:

IMO: Any pockets are best for wet skins and anyone digging a lot of pits. For everyone else, they're unnecessary. 

I ran into the Dynafit Free 32 the other day at the store and think it probably would be my top pick along with the ATX Alpha SK or FL (I have both). 

I like the Avy pocket for keeping things dry and ease of access (even if I’m not digging many pits). But I do agree that sometimes it’s over emphasized. 

Sorry to diverge here, but how does one fit overnight gear in a 40L pack? I feel like I was pretty stuffed with my 50L BD speed pack last weekend.

Maxwell Dergosits wrote:

Sorry to diverge here, but how does one fit overnight gear in a 40L pack? I feel like I was pretty stuffed with my 50L BD speed pack last weekend.

Same. I also recently picked up the Soelde 42 and have my first hut trip in April. With food, sleeping bag, extra clothes, plus all the stuff I normally have, no idea how I'm going to make it all fit. I have a big pack that I was going to use and just lash my regular pack to that, or pick up a pulk. Then I saw one at REI and they wanted $50+ for a piece of molded plastic. 

Maxwell Dergosits wrote:

Sorry to diverge here, but how does one fit overnight gear in a 40L pack? I feel like I was pretty stuffed with my 50L BD speed pack last weekend.

I usually put a stuff sack with food on the top of my pack for the skin in, that then gets left in the hut/cave and I’m good with the smaller pack for the rest of the trip

Just wait for spring and hit some garage sales for a sled.   But a quick google search says that the REI option is not a bad price these days  (supply chain issues???).

Latro wrote:

Just wait for spring and hit some garage sales for a sled.   But a quick google search says that the REI option is not a bad price these days  (supply chain issues???).

I had the same discovery. I was like "ok well, I can make do with a crappy kids sled" and they were still like $30?! This is how I know I'm getting old...