Resort Backpack Suggestions?

[SquidWeaselYay]

Last year my favorite DaKine Heli pack showed its age and got absolutely soaked multiple times throughout the season. I tried some waterproofing spray, but TBH it's probably just better to replace it at this point. I also got a rain cover for it, like the kind used in backpacking, for the rainy East Coast days. But man, it's kind of a pain, and I get nervous about the cover getting caught on things because it's not s super-snug fit.

Does anyone have a resort pack that they love? I'm 5'1", about 115lbs, so I'm not opposed to a junior's one if somebody found one they like. I mostly use it for water, snacks, and extra gloves/socks/goggle lenses/a mid layer. Occasionally a lift beer in there too, but I'm getting to the age where that isn't very frequent. I know that it is ideal to have NO backpack because it affects your form, but with my circulation issues not having extra gloves on hand and whatnot just results in wasting time with extra trips to the car/lodge/condo. It's part of an autoimmune disease, so even though I've put a lot of work into my layering system, it's still enough of a hassle to keep up with the sudden needs that a backpack just makes the most sense. That, or just stay on the runs closest to the base, but that's no fun.

I don't need backcountry features, but I do love a good ski carry option for longer treks to the base area. Insulated hydration hose sleeve is also a plus. I only need like 18L or so. I could just replace the DaKine with a newer version, but was curious if anyone found any hidden gems before I just get the same thing. TIA!

 

[Jilly]

Liftrider

The World's Greatest Ski Backpack

www.liftrider.me

Does everything you're asking for.

 

[SquidWeaselYay]

Liftrider

The World's Greatest Ski Backpack

www.liftrider.me

Does everything you're asking for.

That looks awesome!!! It says that people under 5'6" may find it too big, does anyone here have any experience with it? I'm 5'1", wondering how big of a deal it would actually be.

 

[Jilly]

Well this too some looking....I have mine on in this picture. I'm 5'4....

 

[ski diva]

That's a nice backpack, but for someone who's 5'1", I'd be afraid that the top wouldn't rise above the back of the chair (as it says it does), so it'd be uncomfortable. Here's what they say about fit on their website:

The pack is adustable and fits individuals 5'5" - 6'6" tall. If you are shorter or have a petit frame you will likely find the Liftrider to big. Please do not purchase. Hopefully we will have a smaller size in the future.
The website says they're working on one for smaller people.

 

[MsWax]

I'm 5' 3" and I've skied with my kid's 18L kids backpack. It worked well and fit everything I wanted, without being too bulky. Maybe try something like that? Below are some links similar to what I've used.

kids 18L backpack - Google Shopping

kids 18L backpack - Google Shopping

 

[marzNC]

I am petite and have the Kulkea Micropack.

What I have used most often is the Dakine Cosmo 6.5L. Found it at the shop at my local mountain.

Neither would would fit a mid-layer though.

 

[SquidWeaselYay]

I'm 5' 3" and I've skied with my kid's 18L kids backpack. It worked well and fit everything I wanted, without being too bulky. Maybe try something like that? Below are some links similar to what I've used.

kids 18L backpack - Google Shopping

kids 18L backpack - Google Shopping

Ooooh those Osprey ones look reasonably low profile! Can't beat that Osprey warranty too. Thanks!

 

[SquidWeaselYay]

I am petite and have the Kulkea Micropack.

What I have used most often is the Dakine Cosmo 6.5L. Found it at the shop at my local mountain.

Neither would would fit a mid-layer though.

I actually pulled the trigger on the Micropack for my husband last night for Christmas. If he doesn't like it....boomerang gift lol Get it for him, but it comes back to me. Looks like that would work for my east coast skiing - west coast where I tend to adjust layers a lot, I might have to grab something different.

I'm still waiting for some sort of miracle waterproofing product to hit the market. I get attached to my kit and hate when I have to replace something.

Except skis. I'm always upgrading skis.

 

[SquidWeaselYay]

That's a nice backpack, but for someone who's 5'1", I'd be afraid that the top wouldn't rise above the back of the chair (as it says it does), so it'd be uncomfortable. Here's what they say about fit on their website:

The pack is adustable and fits individuals 5'5" - 6'6" tall. If you are shorter or have a petit frame you will likely find the Liftrider to big. Please do not purchase. Hopefully we will have a smaller size in the future.
The website says they're working on one for smaller people.

That is what I was afraid of. I'll be first in line if they ever make a smaller version though. Looks well designed and the safety features are appealing.

 

[newbieM]

I came across this the other day that looked interesting.

Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 25L Backpack - Ski

Buy the Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 25L Backpack online or shop all Ski from Backcountry.com.

www.backcountry.com

 

[elemmac]

I've been checking out packs for similar use. The only difference is I'm looking for one with an avy safety gear specific pocket, and a second pocket for a layer/snack/spare gloves/etc., while staying at approx. <18L. I currently have a Dakine Heli 12L that I love for everything you describe, it's the perfect size for a layer, extra gloves, a snack, some water, and an extra lens or goggles. Only problem (for me) is that it doesn't have a separate safety gear pocket.

I also have a Mammut Nirvana 18L, it's the perfect size/pocket layout...but....my torso isn't long enough. It hangs a bit lower than I'd like on my back, and thus the waist belt doesn't quite fit where I'd like it to. Then I have an older Osprey 30L pack that's great for short days in the backcountry, but it's a bit too much for a day on the resort or sidecountry excursions.

I think I've narrowed my search to the Osprey Kamber 16L for my needs, though I haven't pulled the trigger on one. But during my searches the Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 15L, Patagonia Snowdrifter 20L, Deuter Freerider 18 SL or Dakine Mission Pro 18L were considered, but ultimately ruled out because they only sport 1 main pocket (which sounds like they might work for you).

 

[ski now work later]

Wow @Jilly that pack looks amazing! I used to ski with a pack when I was able to take trips to Big Sky but I was too inexperienced and an instructor said to stop so I could get better balance. Looking ahead I would definitely try this one. I'm 5.6" (used to be 5'7 but age takes it toll) so fit should be good. Thanks for sharing!

 

[floatingyardsale]

I use an Osprey Raptor 10, which is a mountain biking bag and its primary purpose for me. It is a small form factor with a hip belt and it can hold a lot (wallet, snacks three Hydro flask thermoses, etc.). I wouldn't necessarily buy it just for skiing but it works really well - I like having the hip belt and it rides short as it's meant to work on a bike.

 

[Jilly]

Wow @Jilly that pack looks amazing! I used to ski with a pack when I was able to take trips to Big Sky but I was too inexperienced and an instructor said to stop so I could get better balance. Looking ahead I would definitely try this one. I'm 5.6" (used to be 5'7 but age takes it toll) so fit should be good. Thanks for sharing!

I got in on the Kickstarter. They group designed this back after the guy just about hung himself at A Basin. It was a interesting story of design, manufacture and sell, which we got to follow.

 

[WaterGirl]

IMHO for smaller torsos I think the 10L ish range is good -- I have an old Deuter Speed Lite pack that I use most every lift served day --- they don't make it any more and I tried the 12L (now 13L) and found it to be too big. As long as it has a waist strap I think any pack that fits you will work...... I see that Deuter has a Race Lite in 8L as well as the kids pack mentioned up thread.

DD uses a Dakine 8L bike hydration bag which works great. Which gets you back to your Dakine Heli.

This was interesting just a basic pack Solomon 10 L they have some other options - similar to the speed lite I have.....
https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/trailblazer-10.html?CMPID=ps|pm|google|SLM_PER-PerformanceMax-ONG-ECM-USA_MAX_LW|||&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_content=aa-cc&utm_keyword=&utm_campaign=SLM_PER-PerformanceMax-ONG-ECM-USA_MAX_LW&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4uCcBhDdARIsAH5jyUkM8w5ArLa9KNc3_LdQFbfVAy_X-6Tpjje-qkgl7HO-dpyqK7RcfnEaAu06EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#color=38212&size=27106

I understand if you want to ski carry, then something like this may work? https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/product/dawn-patrol-15-pack-1/?colorid=11525
I do really like the Black Diamond Dawn Patrol series and Have toured with their bigger packs in the S/M size - cool that they now make it in a 15L and in S/M and M/L

And you could always try to go for a Ski-mo pack Camp makes a few as well as this -

DNA 16 Backpack

As a reliable unisex backpack for races and training, the DNA 16 offers impressive technical features and intelligent customization possibilities. Developed for ambitious ski mountaineers and racers, the DNA pack supports you in...

www.dynafit.com

Ortovox makes short lengths for women....

Men’s and women’s backpacks for single-day & multi-day tours | ORTOVOX

Discover all ORTOVOX backpacks for mountain sports: Climbing backpacks & backpacks for high alpine tours, ski tours, mountaineering & freeriding – for men & women.

www.ortovox.com

I use an older Arva pack for touring in the 30L size - @elemmac not sure if you saw this one - has dedicated avy compartment ? https://us.arva-equipment.com/backpacks/590-283-tour-20.html#/57-color-sand

 

[elemmac]

I use an older Arva pack for touring in the 30L size - @elemmac not sure if you saw this one - has dedicated avy compartment ? https://us.arva-equipment.com/backpacks/590-283-tour-20.html#/57-color-sand

Thanks. I hadn't seen that one. It is bordering on larger than I am looking for (especially without side compression straps), but it seems to check all of my other boxes...so maybe I could make that work. I'll dig into more reviews, thanks for pointing it out.