Winter Packs

Recent Winter Pack Reviews

USWE Pow 16

The Pow 16 is a specialized winter alpine pack for skiers/snowboarders. It is designed to hold avalanche gear, skis/board and features a CE-Certified full back protector. The pack uses the magic of Swedish engineering to keep your drinking tube thawed in sub-zero temps. The USWE POW makes bold claims and lives up to them all. Your new best ski partner. I'll save you the reading and say this; buy this pack. Do you ski or snowboard in front or side country? Need to carry your plank(s) uphill occasionally? Full review

The North Face Cobra 52

Lightweight, bombproof, and well thought out. A keeper for my uses in winter and summer as well. Been through a few nice ski/board packs. All were beautiful for winter sports. The Cobra is all that and then some. Very light comparatively. Has all the bells and whistles I find necessary without the weight. I was amazed at how it hugged my body while descending some steep trails in the thick of winter. That incorporated design impressed me greatly. I wasn't psyched with the bright red color, but… Full review

Mountain Equipment Kaniq 33

The Kaniq 33 is a lightweight, 33-liter day pack with a full suite of features for ski alpinism or just plain backcountry skiing. Solidly built and snow and water resistant, with some well-thought-out lightweight fittings to keep weight down, but doesn’t ride well when full and not everything functions optimally. As the days get longer in Norway, the summits start calling. They come in many shapes and sizes: everything from broad, avalanche-safe slopes that are still steep enough to cut powder… Full review

Deuter Guide Tour 45+

Durable pack, but not as versatile as I hoped. Pack of this caliber should have an adjustable back. I will not review anything unless I have had the product at least a year. I find the pack does not fit well. I am 5'10" and when weighted and all the weight is on my hips a pack of this caliber should have an adjustable back.  I was hoping to replace a 2003 TNF Patrol Pack with this one. It is a great climbing pack. But because the buckles are only used by Deuter I can not expand the harness… Full review

Osprey Kamber 22

Excellent winter pack for day trips, made with very useful and safety conscious features. I bought this for winter hiking and snowshoeing, particularly for carrying snowshoes when not being used. I found it very easy to load or unload the snowshoes without having to remove mitts. The strap system on the pack is just perfect for this, and tucks out of the way when not needed. The pack is made to be very water resistant and lives up to this. It's a panel design with one larger compartment with a divider… Full review

Black Diamond Saga 40 Jetforce Avalanche Airbag Pack

A very expensive bag that lasted less than six weeks. Great components in an inferior bag. The pockets that held the components wore big holes in the fabric. The airbag is not transferable and Black Diamond did not uphold its warranty. Buy Arc'teryx for better quality. The components wore holes in the pockets where they were contained. I never put anything else in those pockets. Within six weeks huge holes appeared. I contacted Black Diamond who brushed it off as wear and tear. You cannot buy a… Full review

Black Diamond Saga 40 Jetforce Avalanche Airbag Pack

Great high end avalanche backpack that can be deployed multiple times. Best for single to multi-day backcountry expeditions and ski tours in alpine, medium to high risk conditions. If you only do a few days a year in these conditions, renting may be a more rational option. Excellent fit and carrying system for an avalanche pack. I'm a longer dude and got the M/L version. The hip belt has a metal buckle and is comfortable during longer ski tours. The volume is not accurate. It can probably hold around… Full review

Osprey Kode 22

Osprey's Kode 22 may be designed as a skiing pack, but it is so much more. This pack should be considered by anyone who is searching for a multi-use/multi-season day pack. I find myself reaching for my Osprey Kode 22 ski pack over and over again. Whether I am skiing or not, it has proven to be the most versatile daypack I have owned. I am able to strap my mid-fat Black Diamond Amperage skis to the sides and crush my thighs on a boot pack, or I can use it during day-hikes, canoe trips, fly fishing,… Full review

Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 32

This pack is designed for backcountry ski touring. It is comfortable and big enough for emergency gear, food, etc. I've used this pack for almost two winters in the mountains of northern New Mexico. It's as good as new; it's trustworthy. Unlike the packs I previously used, I can wear this on a full-day outing and hardly notice it, even when it is fully loaded. I'm a medium size in most clothes, and the Dawn Patrol 32 is a good fit. In comparison, standard rucksacks, such as the BD Nitro pack, feel… Full review