Raide Research

Been looking at the Raide Research 40l as of late as an alternative to the Hyperlites (because the Crux doesn’t seem like the right thing for me). Anyone got thoughts/experience with it? I already use an Ortovox Peak Light 35 for day-type skimo and a big Gregory 75 for god knows what, I’m just looking for something in between those for weekend-esque winter stuff, and if I want a one pack to do multiple things, I feel like I may as well go for the lighter weight and fancier stuff. I’m a little bummed about the fact it doesn’t hit 55l max, but with a little modification (adding bottom straps for a pad/tent, make a small bag to attach via the top strap, etc), it can meet all my criteria much easier than the Hyperlite options can. Just curious what the hive mind has to say.

Go find the thread in Tech Talk on TGR.  The company founder/designer is there answering questions.  Sounds like it's a well thought out pack for ski mountaineering.

I actually just got one for free from an instagram giveaway so I am neither biased towards it nor someone who would’ve bought it for $400. It’s really nicely constructed. I’ll say this having only used it for one day of ice cragging so far and no skiing (which is it’s intended use). For pure climbing, I’m not sure I prefer it to my old BD speed 30 with no lid (which has a more tube like profile—rather than the sort of more potato shape of the raide—and moderately better rope + ice TOOL attachement). However, the back panel access and other more ski specific features do seem pretty sweet and work as advertised. The helmet carry is awesome. Honestly my only gripe with it (aside from that nomics don’t fit as well into the tool pouch as a less aggressive piolet) is that the hip belt pocket is only moderately stretchy, not *super* stretchy. It fits an iPhone 12 comfortably though. That’s basically my only criticism, and on the whole it’s REALLY nice and I think a great option for ski mountaineering. I think with the roll top it should get very well big enough for anything short of an expedition (what kind of skiing would you want to be doing with 55+ L on your back, right?), and it’s light / svelt enough that I have no qualms taking it on a day tour, though for a resort fitness skimo day I might take a running vest or something instead. I can update as i get more days on it in CO this month hopefully… 

TLDR: great pack that has a lot of nicely thought out features, especially if you plan on using skis most of the time. It would not be my first pick for a pure ice / alpine climbing pack though it will do that job very well (just at a $$ premium of dubious added value). It does exist at a nice intersection and seems like what I would’ve bought if I was in the market for a bag of this size and price. I’m a big fan so far and the guy behind the operation seems like a good dude (as much as any stranger can). For what it’s worth, the back panel access on this one seems way better than the crux, though I’ve not touched one. 

I just purchased this pack (specifically for touring and mild skimo, and possibly for climbing, and backpacking in the warmer months), at almost full price. So far my initial impressions of it are that its very well built, and thought out(however, I am changing the avy pocket zipper pull to a RED one). I'll be using it this weekend on a all day ski tour(1/27) and will update after.

As far as 50l vs 55l+... I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the packability of this pack, and find that its plenty big for a spring overnighter or extended  hut trip(hence my thinking of possibly using it as my summer backpack) but also by how well it compresses down for a short day tour. So far it seems to be a very versatile pack. 

 I've been using a BD cirque 35 for the last 2 seasons, which I def have a few minor gripes about.

The back panel access is super NICE! as well as the roll top/cinch pocket thats created when you close it(powder day way vs bluebird day way)

The glove holder on the shoulder also seems like a really cool feature, but Ill have to see how useful it really is this weekend.

I have 2 days with the pack now: a day of ski touring and an avy rescue class. I like the pack a lot, there were only a couple pain points. The glove holder is definitely a killer feature that I used a ton - and it's secure enough that it will hold your gloves even with the pack on the ground. The back panel access is really nice, as are the other external pockets. I don't use the hipbelt pocket for my phone (too close to beacon in my pants) but it fits snacks well enough. The pack carries well with my normal overpacked day kit, and it feels like it would carry reasonably well with expedition gear.

Had a small snafu with the helmet holder, my helmet fell out of it while sprinting during a rescue scenario (it is one of those helmets with earmuffs that don't fold in, so that may have contributed). I don't think I would feel good putting anything like crampons inside the helmet if I thought I was might fall while skinning (steep/icy kick turns etc). Not the end of the world and you can further secure the helmet with the chin strap.

The avy tool pocket is great and it is really easy to pull stuff out (especially your probe, as they say in the marketing). However, it is a bit difficult to get the shovel blade back into the pack if the pack is fully loaded. I'm sure the fabric separating the avy pocket from the main pack is durable, but I'm still paranoid that I'm going to rip it someday shoving the shovel blade back in the pack.

Love this pack… carries loads well(including skis). Changed the Avy pocket zipper pull to red.

Also didn’t think the lid garage was a big deal, until it was…

Only complaint so far? Its minor at best…wish the waist belt pocket was a stretchier material