Backcountry Packs
Dec 05, 2006 · 10:29 PM · permalink
One day last season, my girl and I shared a lift with a couple of Texans at Beaver Creek. One of them expressed “interest” in our backpacks: why, he wanted to know, did we bring backpacks?
We explained that we ski with our backpacks to bring lunch, plenty of water, extra gear, spare layers, cameras, etc. Mr. Texas was perplexed—he’d been skiing for 30 years and had never found he needed water or food, or any extra supplies while on the slopes. In fact, he explained, he always skied the Talon Challenge on an empty stomach so as not to suffer cramps.
I did not say, as I was thinking, “if you’re not getting thirsty, you must not be skiing very hard.” Instead, as we exited the lift I just watched the Texas Torpedos make a b-line for the nearest groomer leaving us to hit the still-powdery steeps.
Outside online has a nice little rundown of three backpacks that they claim work for both front side and backcountry skiing.
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Ironically, I stopped at REI at lunch to pick up the Osprey Switch 26 I had ordered. I would think the Switch 36 is a bit big for the usual ski day, but I guess I’ll find out when I try the 26.
REI also has a decent bag, the REI Double Diamond. I bought one of those too, but I’ve been waiting for my Osprey bag to arrive so I can do a good comparison.
I’d like to check out that Arc’Teryx pack too, but I’ll have to find someone locally that carries it. Contrary to the Arc’Teryx site, REI does not carry it.
I’m not sure he was “perplexed” as much as he was “disdainful” or possibly just “a pathetic guy looking for a reason to feel superior”. In any case, I don’t need him to understand why I appreciate having everything I need — sunscreen, lip balm, extra gloves, extra hand warmers, food, water, walkie talkie — all handy yet out of the way. Who wants to waste time going to the lodge for lunch and water when there’s 16” of powder waiting to be skied?
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