Splitboard.com Forums

Hi there - I'm a UK snowboarder considering what rucsac to purchase to go (multi-day, i.e. up to 6 days) ski-touring this season with...and wondered whether anyone had any thoughts as to models and any recommendations? I would want a narrow profile, not too much depth and approximately a 50 litre capacity - with obviously enough straps for holding poles/ice axe/crampons etc.

Out of the three that I've considered today were the Osprey Variant 52, the Lowe Alpine Attack MX 50+10 and the Mountain Hardwear Dihedral. At the moment the Variant is my favourite for comfort, weight and features. I do apologise if the product names might be different in the States.

Any help or opinions would be most welcome! Also any tips would be most welcome if you think that I might need something bigger. I know there's another post regarding this topic but that was for a single day pack and I need something bigger...

Thanks, Jonathan

Mate...

I guess if I was going backcountry for 6 days I'd be lookin at a 70 litre pack. But I guess if your staying in huts 50 is sweet.

Anyway check out the Osprey Argon 70 - plenty of straps and what not for attachments, and plenty of compression!

The Variant looks like a great climbing and mountaineering pack but the lack of board carry seems like it would be an issue.

The Argon can carry a board and it will carry a heavy load well but the pack itself is a little heavy too.

Have you looked at the Osprey Exposure 66?



Normally I'd refer you to one of our affliates like bc.com or REI but neither have the pack in stock. The folks below have it in stock and it's even on sale!
http://www.usoutdoorstore.com/outlet/os ... re-66.html

You might also check out the Aether line which are lighter than the Argon and for slightly lighter loads.


http://www.rei.com/product/733136?AID=1 ... ID=2315910

Thanks for your replies guys, much appreciated and your opinions are very welcome.

Groovstar - yes, you guessed correctly that I would want the pack for hut-to-hut touring, as well as to use walking here in the UK. So, hopefully (!), a 50L pac will do the trick.

My main concern in looking for a bag is that it doesn't have too much depth (the Lowe seemed to stick out from my back for miles!) and what the profile width is like - the Variant seemed to be narrower at the bottom widening at the top whereas the Lowe was the opposite.

BCRider thanks for your comments and to thoughts on the Ospreys. I did try the Aether in the shop but just felt that it wasn't as comfy, the Variant was a whole different league at the top of the shoulders. The Exposure is on offer here in the UK too so I think that I need to try the Variant, the Exposure and the Aether and really compare them. I'd planned to use my splitboard with the bag for touring but stupidly hadn't clocked the lack of board strap on the Variant - that's why I needed some guidance!!! Bit embarassed about that!

Thanks guys, I'll let you know how I get on.

JP

Check out these packs:
Deuter Guide 45+ - http://www.deuterusa.com/products/produ ... futuraZero
Arc'Teryx Silo 50 - http://www.arcteryx.com/product.aspx?Silo-50
Osprey Variant 52 - http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/Varian ... Variant52/
Golite Pursuit 50 - http://www.golite.com/Product/proddetai ... PA5256&s=1

Note: I'm a rep for Deuter and do some product training for Arc'Teryx as well, so I'm obivously bias towards those two companies. Let me know if I can answer any technical questions.

Shouldn't it be noted that it appears only the Silo will carry a board in solid mode?

A-frame carry is better than no carry but having to split the board just to carry it seems like sorta a PIA in my opinion.

I have been quite happy with my Deuter Glide 35+, and know several individuals that own the Guide and are incredibly happy with its performance.

Thanks guys for all your replies, much appreciated. It's quite hard to find a Deuter or Arc'teryx dealer here in the Uk but I'll definitely be checking those out. Much food for thought. Best wishes, Jonathan