Gear Guide 2018: Packs
Choose a gear hauler for your exact brand of adventure, from lifts to hut trips and beyond.
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Orotovox Ascent 30 Avabag 30L
Airbags are great; less so if you don’t know how to use them. The Avabag allows skiers to practice without wasting cartridges. Ortovox also slimmed things down to just under five pounds, including the airbag. $720; ortovox.com.
Dakine Poacher 14L
The Poacher’s compact design still manages to squeeze in some nice features, including an insulated hydration sleeve, goggle pocket, and helmet attachment loops. This is a smaller pack, but can still fit almost any probe or shovel should the backcountry come calling. $85; dakine.com.
Deuter Rise Lite 26L (Women’s Specific)
With room aplenty for all of her adventure gear, this medium-sized pack can accommodate an impressive 20 pounds of gear while only weighing three pounds itself. A solid choice for ripper chicks who come prepared for anything. $149; deuter.com.
MAMMUT Nirvana Pro S 30 L (Women’s Specific)
Mammut rolls out its best-selling men’s backcountry pack for like-minded women. At just over three pounds, it has a large main compartment with radio pouch, padded goggle sleeve, and pocket for avy equipment. $200; mammut.com.
BCA Float 17 Speed
Thanks to a new airbag design that’s 30 percent smaller and 20 percent lighter than the previous model, the Float 17 offers up a spacious interior with plenty of room for your gear. $535; backcountryaccess.com.
ARC’TERYX Khamski 38 L
This tried-and-true pack is your go-to on longer excursions thanks to several roomy compartments, including waterproof front pocket and internal snow science pocket. All said, the voluminous Khamski can hold 46 liters with its extendable top lid. $259; arcteryx.com.