Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 32

This pack is designed for backcountry ski touring. It is comfortable and big enough for emergency gear, food, etc.

I've used this pack for almost two winters in the mountains of northern New Mexico. It's as good as new; it's trustworthy.

Unlike the packs I previously used, I can wear this on a full-day outing and hardly notice it, even when it is fully loaded. I'm a medium size in most clothes, and the Dawn Patrol 32 is a good fit. In comparison, standard rucksacks, such as the BD Nitro pack, feel clunky and restrict shoulder movement, impeding XC skiing. 

When one needs to remove one's skis and proceed on foot, skis and poles are easily attached. This seems to take no time at all. I don't ski where avalanches occur, but this pack is designed for Avalung breathing gear.

In our neck of the woods it can be -10° F, but the padded shoulder strap can keep a hydration tube from freezing (blowing water out helps more with a padded strap than without one).