 Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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mistermouse, don't bother with a guide the tracks are easy to follow... 
I do multi day tours with a 38L sack which gets over filled, 40/45L sounds about right. Go too big and you will fill it, go too small and it's a pain getting at things when it's stuffed full.
Fit is the most important part so don't worry about what features it does / doesn't have... if it doesn't fit you properly you might not even make it to the end. Seriously, I know a fit guy who gave up half way because of his ill fitting pack (ask my feet about boots too )
Having said that, features that are a "nice to have" include:
Hydration Compatible - it's a love / hate thing. I love it, get a good one, I would only use La Source.
Ski Carry - personal choice, I like A-Frame, it makes walking easier.
Ice Axe Holder - easier and safer to have it well attached.
Crampons Holder / Attachment - crampons, being sharp, are a pain to store.
Easy Access - top loaders are fine but having back panel / side access is awesome, especially when the bag is full. No matter how well I pack at some point I need the item that is always at the bottom of the pack.
External Pockets / Straps - some of these can be added yourself, I like the net pockets on the side of my pack, I can just access them with it on, ideal for skins / maps / food / liquids / rubbish (waste & bits n pieces). Things like ski crampons are bulky and spikey so being able to put them somewhere on the outside but can easily get them is a godsend.
Hip Pocket on Waste Belt - a great little place for all kinds of stuff.
I also always add a small karibiner to my left should strap at chest height, gloves, googles, camera and anything else that I want easy access to and take on / off regularly just clip on.
One of the (many) tiring things about long tours is faffing, if you have good systems for your gear you will be more comfortable and expend less energy.
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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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Fit is the most important part so don't worry about what features it does / doesn't have... if it doesn't fit you properly you might not even make it to the end. Seriously, I know a fit guy who gave up half way because of his ill fitting pack (ask my feet about boots too )
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When trying the packs on (for fit), be sure to put a lot of weight in it. If you are not a male 'average' size, have a look at packs with an adjustable back system.
Ditto parlor, for the features. The solution to
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the item that is always at the bottom of the pack
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is simply to pack everything in the top
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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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Check out the Marmot La Meije. Only 38l in the long back size but it is so well organised I can get more stuff into it than I could in my old 45l pack and it is super-comfortable.
Has all the things parlor mentions except proper hydration compatability. i don't mind this because in my hands hydration systems are more trouble than they are worth.
trying on is a good idea as the people say. i find it a little difficult to imagine what went wrong with the pack to such an extent that someone had to stop a tour but maybe I've just always been lucky with these things. maybe he was carrying too much junk
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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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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Thanks for your replies , the Marmot La Meije looks to be a good pack with all the right features. Do you think it would be big enough for a 6 day trip ? (staying in huts), i know its a kind of 'how long is a piece of string' sort of question, but obviously once started this tour it will be a little late to have made a bad choice.
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mistermouse, I use mine for that sort of trip. it's tight if I am carrying the rope and have taken most of my layers off for going uphill, but that suggests it's the perfect size to me. this thread has some pics of me modelling it:
http://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=26612
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I find my rope normally sits on top of the shoulder straps between the pack and my head when I'm really packing lots of gear. As mentioned I also cope with a 38L but then I start / return to cars or my house so I don't need to worry about other things like shoes, non ski clothes etc etc.
How is your trip organised? Some guides will send your luggage from the start point to the finish...
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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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I'm going with Twid Turner http://www.sheersummits.com/ and luggage is carried by me (i think)
I will be asking them some questions but i also want the opion of the Snowheads massive 
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mistermouse,
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Do you think it would be big enough for a 6 day trip ?
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The advantage, and disadvantage, of a bigger pack will be that you can carry more stuff. As you won't be carrying the rope, 38L should be fine. Note that not every manufacturer's litres are exactly the same. The guides will tell you what you have to carry..try not to take anything more than you need too.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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mistermouse, I can say with almost complete certainty that you won't be carrying anything except what you need for the tour - valley clothes etc will be kept in Chamonix or transported to Zermatt to wait for your arrival there
most guides are quite assertive in making sure their clients don't carry too much excess weight!
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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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FAQ
