DaKine Pro II

Heavy, bigger, and seemingly more cumbersome after coming from a light summer hiking pack. This pack proved me wrong. Its construction in solid and had ties for skis or boards for hitting the backcountry. The outer pouch has multiple organizing features for the wet stuff, and then the pouch on the very back gives room for whatever needs to stay dry while sharing the space for the bladder.

When it comes to weight I've had this thing loaded down with books for school close to twenty pounds and have had it fit comfortably. I do question how adequate the side storage for a snowboard works. 

The only downsides. It has no external waterbottle holders, though there is a zippered are on the lower left of the pack that will fit a .75 litter camelback bottle snuggly. It is on the heavier side to accommodate being thrashed about on the slopes. 

P.S. - Dakine makes a really unique tie-down system that uses a wire throughout the pack that you tighten to full secure the snow riding method of choice to the pack.