 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi,
I am doing my first multi day tour in April and will need to buy a bag. Currently I am looking at Osprey bag but welcome any advice that you may have.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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A Vaude 34 Powder also looks quite good and cheaper ... just.
The Osprey looks really comfy
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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?
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plectrum, I have an Osprey bag and it's far and away the most comfy I have ever had (not that I do anything as demanding as ski touring with it, mind you). It seems to load almost all the weight onto the hips, leaving the shoulders almost unloaded, which is just what I want. It is well made and well designed, for hill walking purposes at least. The OL has one too, and is also very happy with it. The model I have is not in the range anymore, but it's like the Stratos 40l, probably not what you want.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Mine (which is not very different from the Switch, although not specifically for snowsports) would be nbg for carrying a shovel, I think, but they made a slightly different version which would have been, I think. As you probably know, some models come in different volumes. There are also different back lengths, and back length is adjustable (mine is, anyway). It would probably be worth dropping in to S&R or somewhere to try them on.
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I use a Black Diamond Revelation 35 L which is designed for the job and light, but is just touch small for multi day tours, but it does encourage me not to take too much!
They do a 45l model.
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richmond, I hate S&R and would rather slit my wrists! I feel that although they have alot of equipment generally the staff know next to nothign about it. I much prefer to find out a lot in places like here and then buy from a shop that has good product knowledge and awareness of lines they do not stock.
jbob, I really do not want to take much on the multi day tour and would love to be able to fit it all in a 35L is this possible or am I undersetimating how much need to be carried?
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plectrum, yes it can be done, including some climbing gear, but you may need to carry some stuff on the outside of the bag occasionally (as on a warm ascent when a lot of your clothes will be stowed), such as your crampons and rope. I am fairly ruthless in what I carry, bag with all kit excluding, food, water or skis below 18 lb.
Found one- http://www.telemark-pyrenees.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=6_166&products_id=1190
I got mine in cham dont know if any UK stores do them.
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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.
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Hmm perhaps Deuter who make a reasonably priced 40L+10 bag.
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is this the winning bag...
'Removable foam mat for summit snack-time'
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| plectrum wrote: |
| Hmm perhaps Deuter who make a reasonably priced 40L+10 bag. |
I use a Deuter Trans-Alpine cycling bag for my daily cycle commute. It's very well put together. If they make ski-specific bags, they'll be very good I'm sure.
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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.
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plectrum, I would be a little wary of getting anything less that 40l - you really do need about that size. The good things about those bags linked to is the access through the back, which will make packing and getting to stuff much easier - highly recommeneded by a guide just after I'd bought one without  . I got a 40l Macpac Tuatara which has been OK, but the main entry and access to the lid packet are too small, so I wouldn't really recommend it. My bro has a really nice Arc'teryx one, although no access panel in the back, and I did try a very nice Black Diamond one when I was looking, but unfortunately that was a bit short in the back for me. Do look carefully at what you can strap onto the outside - you will need compression straps, ways to strap on skis (special ski fixings unnecessary, A-frame works well, and keeps the skis supported close to your back so avoiding unnecessary leverage on your back), ice-axe and crampons. Whatever you do decide on I think it's really important you try it on before buying it, as different packs have different back lengths and fit differently around your hips - you're going to be wearing it a long time so it's important it fits really well.
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| plectrum wrote: |
| Hmm perhaps Deuter who make a reasonably priced 40L+10 bag. |
Have one of these and have used it for multi-day ski tours. By the time you have all the required equipment (e.g. skins, crampons, merino wool underwear, teddy bear, hydration system, spare gloves etc) anything under 50 litres is a real squeeze.
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You know it makes sense.
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DB, my only concern is that on the Deuter website this is classed in both alpine aswell as trekking. I am wondering if the Deuter Guide Series would be better. This ACT is much cheaper though.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Poster: A snowHead
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One question is if you say get 40L and the 35+ 8L =43L does this cover or do you mean 40L in the main compartment?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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plectrum, you may already know this but I thought I mention it. If I found I had less stuff than the sack can hold I'd reduce the volume of the sack using the compression straps before packing. This will keep everything close to the body and not in a big lump at the bottom. I've no experience of ski touring but for walking I'd get the larger one (but wouldn't go overboard with size) as it gives the option of carrying more stuff on occasion.
It's difficult to tell what the 35+8L means. I've got two sacks; one is 35+8 which means the main compartment is 35L and the pockets are 8L but I've got another that is 15+10L and that has a zip that opens up a bellows in the main compartment. In the case of yours I'd guess (and it is a guess) that it might be something to do with the "height adjustable lid". Note that although outdoorgb don't state this the larger Deuter is 45+10L.
Something else that may be worth consideration is that the larger sack has a compartment at the bottom of the sack. This may or may not have a zip so you can use it or not as you require - I can't see any info on their website about it. You may feel it helpful be able to separate your gear.
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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?
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plectrum, Just to add to the confusion... be aware that a Deuter Litre may not = a Marmot one ! Agree with GrahamN, you need 40L at least (but you don't have to fill it).
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS FIT !!!
I had to abandon a Haute Route because of back problems caused by a poorly fitting sack. It's really worth the effort to try the sack on first (with the correct weight in it).. so you can get an idea of fit.......
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| plectrum wrote: |
| richmond, I hate S&R and would rather slit my wrists! |
No need for such extreme measures. What I meant was, go to S&R or somewhere to find the right back length, then buy on line.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Marmot La Meije. End of. (assuming it fits)
40l is plenty. I know someone who happily goes on serious hut to hut tours with a 28l sack. The bigger you get the more you'll be inclined to fill it with stuff you don't need
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Arno, You turn up to this thread late and confuse me! I was already to get the 45+10l bad but now have the option of the smaller 35+8L. There is also a cool Vaude Powder 34 L bag. My guide recommends 45-50L bags but I kinda agree with you that it is easily possible to work with a smaller one as I'm not going up Everest!
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| plectrum wrote: |
| I'm not going up Everest! |
Maybe not this season ... . Better to plan ahead and retain a couple of sherpas as well.
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plectrum, sorry - actually been out skiing for the last week 
have to agree with some of the comments that advertised numbers of litres can be a bit misleading. i have a Marmot La Meije which is advertised as having 38l capacity but it's so well designed that I could probably get more into it than I could with my old 45l Lowe Alpine pack. another guy in my group has the same pack and was moved to say that "it rocks my world" (he is a bit of a gear head even compared with me)
anyway, these things are quite personal (like ski/binding combos!) so if you get it right first time, count yourself lucky! if not, just keep trying stuff until you get the perfect thing for you
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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.
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plectrum, As it goes I have a perfectly servicable Salomon Pack from a few years back. 45L (I think) Carries skis, hydration. If you can get to TW you could have it for very little money......It doesn't fit me ('cos the back is too long)....but if you are a more avarage height it may be OK for you.
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Arno, The bummer is that the UK just ain't geared towards this. BackCountry in Yorkshire has the Marmot and OutdoorGB an online store has the Deuter. I may ring up the shop in the starting resort to see what bags they have and buy out there.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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plectrum, Where are you stating from ? Cham is OK for shopping.. other places less so. Telemark-Pyrenees have a good range, Needlesports in Keswick, and Braemar Nordic Centre good places too.
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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.
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ski, Live in London, skiing from Klosters. I'm sure the range in Klosters will be good and end of season sales but I would really like it sorted so I can back things in it before travelling.
I'm going to go to S&R and just see what 40L looks like ..... and then I may slit one wrist (ahh how I despise S&R)
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| Arno wrote: |
Marmot La Meije. End of. (assuming it fits)
40l is plenty. I know someone who happily goes on serious hut to hut tours with a 28l sack. The bigger you get the more you'll be inclined to fill it with stuff you don't need |
Wow! 28 litre for a multi-day tour. Is he taking a change of base layers along with crampons, harness, first aid kit etc? Is there space inside for his jacket once he warms up on the ascent or is he strapping it to the outside of the rucksack?
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You know it makes sense.
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plectrum, I'm sure there are more shops than S&R - aren't Ellis Brigham still at Covent Garden ?
Mrs Ski did (half of) a Haute Route with a Karrimor Hot Ice - 30L. She had more stuff attached to the outside of the sack than she had inside !
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Fascinating reading. I can see no point in buying a 40+litre sack if you don't think you may need to fill it. Wow, strong legs needed to climb/ski all day with that lot.
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Poster: A snowHead
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achilles, By the time you have rope, crampons (ski and boot), harness, crevasse gear, shovel, water, lunch, probe, ice axe, first aid, the 40L fills really fast.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| DB wrote: |
| Wow! 28 litre for a multi-day tour. Is he taking a change of base layers along with crampons, harness, first aid kit etc? Is there space inside for his jacket once he warms up on the ascent or is he strapping it to the outside of the rucksack? |
My dodgy (at the time) knee meant I had to cry off the tour I was supposed to be going on with him so I didn't get to witness these details. Extra base layers are definitely a luxury
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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?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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DB, well i find my 38l pack perfect for full kit (incl my share of group kit) for glacial ski mountaineering. that's what i took for my trip to the ecrins which was about as full on as hut to hut touring gets in the alps. that did leave my some room for luxuries eg spare socks, base layer and a good book. i'm quite a big fella so if i was smaller (so had less bulky clothes) and cut down on luxuries i reckon 32l would not be a problem
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Arno,
So if you are ascending in the spring sun and strip down to your base layer, is there space for your shell jacket and fleece inside the backpack?
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Arno,
Nice pic.
I find 40 litres is OK for the equipment but to get the jacket and fleece in I expand the 40+10 rucksack. When booting up over rocks in the spring sun it's a pain in the rear end with skis and jacket/fleece on the back of the pack (esp if I have a helmet with me).
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plectrum, I was in S&R at lunchtime (seeing if they are giving anything away in the sale - the aren't, much), and I looked at the Osprey Atmos (so you wouldn't have to), which was prominently displayed. Looked pretty nifty for ski touring to my untrained eye, but possibly a bit small - 35 litres.
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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.
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richmond, I'm either going to take Arno's advice and get the Marmot or go for one of the Deuters. Thanks for the advice.
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richmond, Osprey Spirit 36 is more suited to ski touring though, reinforced compression straps so ski don't tear them with usage and a variety of other features.
DB, I looked at a 35L size and it looks pretty big. Crampons really arn't bulky as quite flat, personally I think alot of guides advise 45-50L because for any more enduring tours I think you would need the space. I also think that by the time you are a guide doing it year in year out touring becomes more about comfort and so extra clothing etc.
.... go large or stay tidy ???
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FAQ
Merino Wool base layers (which don't stink until after a few days wear) are a must esp. if you only have one set for the week.
