 Poster: A snowHead
|
|
We're planning on giving the Haute Route a go for the first time soon and I've been trying to sort out what i need. There's a lot of info on what you might want in your pack, but not so much on the pack itself (some smart alec is almost certainly winding up to saying just big enough to fit all the things you need inside). My current bag is only 18l so looking for something bigger, thinking maybe around 40l. Has anyone got experience with this that could suggest whether I'm in the right ball park. Looking at pictures, nobody appears to be carrying anything particularly big.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
35-40l should do you
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
What Arno said.
The Othovox one looks nice, not used it. They do a 45l.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
Another vote for about 40l.
You can get away with less if you don't carry a change of clothes, rely on your mates for all the emergency kit and tie lots oof stuff to the outside.
Yesterday I transported a guided group back form Tasch to Cham, all had 40+ packs and all were full + stuff tied to the outside...and they used almost everything they took.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
I have this 38L backpack http://www.deuter.com/US/us/hiking/act-trail-pro-38-sl-3441215-119.html (bought it for the pretty flower on it obviously  ) so strikes me it would be good for a longer touring trip like the HR... except it doesn't have a ski carrying system. Is there something you can buy and fix to a backpack to fulfil that function rather than having to buy a whole new backpack?
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
Thanks for the info guys. I'm tempted by this http://www.sportpursuit.com/mens-blade-38l-backpack-taiga as it seems like a relatively good deal but seeing as none of the stuff i own is the lightest or most compact kit on the market, I'm wondering whether a bit more capacity might be necessary. I haven't really found any slightly larger options with a comparable price though.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@el nombre, looks like a nice pack, I'm tempted. It will still be a squeeze, you might want to think about your other stuff. Modern clothing is fantastic, packs small and is light. Where I struggle is the hardware. I have aluminium crampons, light but take up room. There's not much can be done about the rope, fingers crossed your guide will be lugging it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No airbag?
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
I've used a 40 litre pack for ski tours of 1-5 days for many years.
I have fitted in not only all of the required kit but also a change of clothes (ie T-shirt & very lightweight trousers) plus some of the guide's spare stuff (skin, ice screws etc) shared between the group - including (at a rather tight squeeze) a spare rope on one occasion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beware some ski touring specific rucksacks are very heavy I had a Gregory Targhee 45lt which weighed in at over 2kg. My summer backpacking sack is under 1kg and it's 70lts. The Gregory was also the most uncomfortable sack I've carried in years. it did have all the pockets and carrying straps we're told we can't live without but I binned it in the end. I now use a Black Diamond speed 40, it's just a simple one compartment 40lt sack, weighs 900g.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
I must have seen a couple of dozen high routers heading up to the Argentiere hut this weekend. All seemed to have at least 45l bags. I did see one lad with a 70l sack. Bottom line it's not how big your bag is but how heavy it is!
Snow conditions are mixed. Had some nice chalky snow but the wind has also created some difficult conditions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
|
Lowe Alpine's Alpine Attack 35-45 is a great pack and ideal size for hut trips such as Chamonix-Zermatt. Fairly light too.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Quote: |
Bottom line it's not how big your bag is but how heavy it is!
|
although overly big bags give out a siren call to pack more than you should 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
