Wangta

Hey guys,

I've been digging around for a medium sized backpack that is low profile and has a good snowboard carry system (vertical or horizontal - not sure I have a preference?).

I'm eying the following bags and was wondering if any of you had thoughts. Unfortunately, I can't find many, if any, reviews on any of these - and I'm especially curious how the snowboard carry system works (is the board carried on the outside of the bag or between the bag and the person's back?):

1. Ride HE Journey Backpack (20L). I really like the design of this bag but I can't find it in stock anywhere.

2. Lib Tech Hot Lap Pack (14L): Nice low profile. Hoping poles, and shovel fit in this?

3. Lib Tech Steep Hill Pack (24L): Probably the biggest I would consider. Looks like it can fit alot of stuff!

Any thoughts would be appreciated. I hope some people own these packs and have some comments.

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2012 Ride Highlife 161
2013 Ride Slackcountry 164

arrrmaty

If you'll be riding snowmobiles ever then get a horizontal carry backpack. If you're not on a huge resort or in the backcountry don't go riding with a backpack, it's kinda gay

Wangta

This is for backcountry days - where i'll have to be hiking with poles and snowshoes...I hate wearing a backpack and typically try and stay as light as possible, especially on pow, but often, they won't even let you go backcountry without some serious equipment...

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2012 Ride Highlife 161
2013 Ride Slackcountry 164

arrrmaty

Yeah, I don't like carrying a pack either unless i'm in the backcountry, cause there's no need. But yeah, if you're hiking you can do the vertical mount, but even then your board can get in the way sometimes but would work for the most part. but if you ever take some sleds out there get a horizontal one, or I think there might be some that do a diagonal but I'm not sure. Good luck

killclimbz

Beacon, Shovel, Probe and partner with the same should go with that pack. You don't belong out there otherwise.

If you are doing more than a quick boot up a ridge for sidecountry, I would recommend looking at a split. Snowshoes suck ass for all but the most basic of approaches. It also gets the board off you back, at least most of the time. Which also keeps you from having to deal with your board on your back in trees and tight terrain, which also sucks. You still want a decent carry, but it will be used a lot less than you would with snow shoes.

I find a 30-35 liter pack to be about the right size for backcountry touring days. It is enough room to carry food, water, first aid kit, shovel, probe, extra warm layer, extra gloves, and extra goggles. Not all of which I use everytime, but I do frequently enough. Water and food needs little explanation. If it gets cold or shit goes way south on you the warm layer could be key to keeping you or a partner from going Hypothermic. Foggy goggles and wet gloves such and happen in the bc. An extra set of each can make a day stay comfortable. Shovel and probe you just have to have. That is the last line of defense for your buried bro. Without it and shit goes south, your friend becomes a dead body. I have various other items, like a head lamp, and tools that I find handy from time to time, but I also don't always have them either. Depends on what I am doing.

If you are just exiting out of a resort for a quick lap, a 20-25L pack is fairly ideal. You can carry your basic avy gear, and an item or two that could be handy in a rescue. I'd probably have a first aid kit and the warm layer plus some snacks and water. That's me of course.

Tarzanman

Lol @ the snowboarding fashion police.

If I am going to be outside all day, its nice being able to have a bag to store my spare goggles, lunch, fluids and a snack without cramming them in my pockets. Besides, the lift is the perfect place to sip on some powerade (hydration pack ftw) between runs.

Snowboard carry is an added bonus for hiking back to the condo.

I guess being 'core' includes paying $2 for a snicker bar and $3.50 for a soda at the lodge since you don't carry a pack at the resort?

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atr3yu

I have the 30l guide pack which I love, but here is a link to the 16L.

Slope // 16l - Performance Backpacks - Snow - EVOC - SPORTS

ShredLife

you are a fucking idiot.

OP - check out the BD Outlaw.

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get the hell off my lawn.

stupidmop

I completely agree. I always wear a backpack. Bring my water, food, lock, etc. In it. I hate having to go back to the car.

Wangta

Hey guys,

Thanks all for the suggestions and comments.

To address some comments - I'm actually getting this bag as a requirement for an upcoming snowboarding trip to Hakkado and Niseko in Japan. Not so much Niseko, but Hakkado will be 90% off trail riding and requires hiking to locations - see picture below. One of the requirements is a backpack that can hold your board, hence the reason I'm buying this.




I typically don't ride with a backpack when on a resort, but plan to do more backcountry riding in the future. At some point, I'd love to get/make a splitboard, but I'm at least a year from that point (plus, I don't live near anything like that).

I've been looking at the Dakine Heli Pro DLX and the Dakine Pro II. I can't really tell the difference b/w the two besides styling and the Pro II seems a bit bigger? I also like the fact the Pro II has a helmet holder - which would come in handy when I'm traveling a long way (like to JAPAN). I was hoping to keep the bag at a minimum size - I don't think I'll need 26 L. I think a 20L one would be large enough?

I am also looking at the Jones backpacks - specifically the 18L. It's pretty new but looks medium size and can carry the board horizontal and vertically.

18 Liter Backpack

__________________
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2012 Ride Highlife 161
2013 Ride Slackcountry 164