Reviewed by dreed from Steamboat Springs, CO on Sunday, November 04, 2012
This pack seems really well built on first inspection. I have not gotten to use it yet, but all the stitching is of good quality and the buckles are well placed and well designed. It holds the same amount of stuff as the pack it is replacing which is 5 liter larger. Even when loaded with skis on the ski carry it carries nicely and doesn't flop around. The helmet carry hold helmets confidently. My only disappointment is that the avalanche pocket is not ideal. It hold a shovel pretty good and has space in if for something like your backcountry repair kit if you wanted it, but like pretty much every other avalanche safety pocket I've come across It doesn't hold a probe very well. This comes from the pocket being on the outside of the pack so the curvature of the pocket interferes with the length of the probe, like I said though, I have yet to find a pack that this isn't an issue on. I plan on putting the probe against the back-panel of the pack where I usually do where it will accessible, so this design flaw is not a big downfall, but I thought it was worth noting. Overall it looks like a great pack and I'm excited to go skiing with it this winter.