DaKine Poacher 45L

If you are a skier or snowboarder you have to like this pack. It is very comfortable and stable with all the standard straps and adjustments found on larger packs. The best part about this pack is the diagonal ski carrying system that is incredibly stable and the skis are together on the front of the pack so they won't knock your calves on a steep hike. This pack is made by a snowboard accessory company, but it works just as well for skiing. It also has the best board carrying system (three straps and a stablizing strap on the top) I have ever seen. It has tons of straps and bungees to carry everything from crampons to shovels as well. It has a back access zipper to get at the main compartment when skis or a board are straped on the front. It is also camelbak compatable. All in all, it is a great pack. It is just as good as the North Face Patrol Pack and is a fraction of the price. Any backcountry skier/boarder will love it as I do. You barely even know it's there when you're ripping the freshies.

Nice compact pack for backcountry skiing and/or boarding. Holds snowboards, skis, ice axe, shovel and I have modified it a bit to hold snowshoes. Close fitting to body does not flail around when skiing. Ski holders (diagonal) not as good as board carrying system (vertical), so I modified mine, works fine now. Back and top access are both handy, escpecially the back access (you don't have to take your pack off to get at your stuff). Skis don't catch on branches like a a-frame system does. CamelBak compatable and good load suspension system. On the downside it needs a bit more space and a pocket for skins and probe. With these features it becomes a DaKine Guide, what i should have bought (at 2746 cubic inches).