Small Backpack Recommendation

[bsskier]

I could use a small backpack that also has a chest strap for skiing. I’d just like to carry a small water, some snacks, sunscreen and phone. I’m really over my jacket pockets being weighed down. Any recommendations? Anyone looking to sell?

 

[diymom]

Kulkea Micro?

 

[marzNC]

I also thought of the Kulkea MicroPack. Here's the review by @ski diva :

https://www.theskidiva.com/gear-review-kulkea-micro-pack-a-multi-activity-daypack/

I bought one after checking it out at the Kulkea booth at the Boston Ski Expo a couple years ago. It had hold plenty of stuff for resort skiing at a large place like Big Sky that has multiple bases.

The smallest backpack I have is a 11L Dakine that isn't made any more. There is a 12L version called the Dakine 365 Mini 12L.

 

[bsskier]

Thank you for info on the Kulkea Micro. Interesting pack. I think I’ll look at that small Dakine. I’ve got a small North Face, probably made for a child, picked up at Whistler years ago, it’s perfect size but has no chest straps which is a feature I’d like.

 

[elemmac]

Take a look at the Dakine Heli 12L. Awesome little pack. Osprey makes a similar pack called the Kresta 14L (or Kamber for the men’s version). Camelbak Powderhound 12 might be worth a look too.

 

[VickiK]

I have a small Osprey hydration pack, they make nice stuff. I used it for cycling & skiing.

 

[Analisa]

+1 to the Dakine Heli series. I use the an older version of the 20 for work & inbounds skiing, and it still looks brand new. It fits a little bigger than the Osprey Kresta 14, so if you're on the super short side, I'd start there.

 

[fgor]

Seconding the Osprey recommendation in general; I have three bags from them and they're all pretty much bulletproof so far. I have a ski backpack that isn't made anymore (osprey karve 11) but their newer stuff looks great too. My do-everything osprey backpack dates back to 2012 or 2013 when i was using it as a uni bag, hauling textbooks around. Since then it's been used for all manner of things and it still looks new.

 

[lisamamot]

I recently picked up the Gregory Maya 10L for dog walks, biking, etc. I haven’t tried it skiing yet but I might as I feel the same way about loaded jacket pockets!

https://www.sierra.com/gregory-maya-10l-backpack-for-women~p~223rk/

 

[marzNC]

I recently picked up the Gregory Maya 10L for dog walks, biking, etc. I haven’t tried it skiing yet but I might as I feel the same way about loaded jacket pockets!

https://www.sierra.com/gregory-maya-10l-backpack-for-women~p~223rk/

Is that at least water resistant? One of the features I like about the old Dakine 11L was that it's pretty much waterproof and has zippered front section.

 

[WaterGirl]

We did have several other threads on the small backpack, but its perplexing to say the least to find something that is 'just right.' In reviewing these I realized I misprinted that I had the deuter speedlite 12 but actually its a 10L. And they don't make it anymore.
I ordered a 12 for DD but its at least 1+ inch longer than the 10L, and doesn't have a waist strap.
I'm looking for a lightweight backpack for her to use xc skiing. She will need to take the bus to the xc center and will need extra jacket etc to stay warm. She can leave shoes/boots at a 'yurt,' but nothing else... I was thinking the 10L would be good and it fit my back well. I really like skiing with mine so wanted to get her one. So I started looking at other options that maybe were a bit shorter and different Uswe Vertical, or maybe even something for ski mo thats super light. If not, there is a 10L on poshmark or a few on eBay from far far away..... For me its about how it feels on your back - I don't like the firmer back panels unless I have to carry weight - i.e. probe, shovel skins.

https://www.theskidiva.com/forums/index.php?threads/backpack-for-out-west.23637/

https://www.theskidiva.com/forums/index.php?threads/backpack-choice.22060/page-2

 

[elemmac]

I ordered a 12 for DD but its at least 1+ inch longer than the 10L, and doesn't have a waist strap.
I'm looking for a lightweight backpack for her to use xc skiing. She will need to take the bus to the xc center and will need extra jacket etc to stay warm. She can leave shoes/boots at a 'yurt,' but nothing else... I was thinking the 10L would be good and it fit my back well. I really like skiing with mine so wanted to get her one. So I started looking at other options that maybe were a bit shorter and different Uswe Vertical, or maybe even something for ski mo thats super light. If not, there is a 10L on poshmark or a few on eBay from far far away..... For me its about how it feels on your back - I don't like the firmer back panels unless I have to carry weight - i.e. probe, shovel skins.

I have a Salomon Agile 12. that's super light weight, really wraps around the waist really well, and doesn't have a firm back. I use it for short hikes and biking, but have used it skiing too.

Looks like they've changed it a bit to be more of a trail running bag...which actually might work well for x-county skiing.

Here's the "old" one that I have...you might still be able to find it on sale somewhere. Here's the "new" version.

 

[marzNC]

Kulkea has a promotion going for the Micro Pack. Buy it and get a free Lapi Laptop pack (20"H x 16"W x 10" & 6"D).

 

[bsskier]

Thank you!

 

[StayWarm]

I mentioned it in another thread recently, but I've used the Camelbak Zoid for the last two seasons and love it. It's very low profile and has a chest strap. Carries ~2L of water and would fit a cell phone, small tube of sunscreen, and snack bars in the outer pocket. The hydration tube is insulated, so works well in the cold.

 

[Christy]

Do people not have issues cleaning the straws and containers on hydration reservoirs? I got a camelback when it was the new thing and couldn't keep it clean, but here we are, many years later, and people still like them, so I guess everyone is dealing with it okay?

 

[StayWarm]

Do people not have issues cleaning the straws and containers on hydration reservoirs? I got a camelback when it was the new thing and couldn't keep it clean, but here we are, many years later, and people still like them, so I guess everyone is dealing with it okay?

I haven't noticed any issues, but confess I'm also not cleaning it all that often (eek). I use it at least weekly so the water gets cycled through very regularly (at least so I tell myself). I haven't found a better way to stay hydrated while on the slopes since bottles are bulky and (if reusable) really hard if you fall on them.

 

[newboots]

Mr. Blizzard uses a Camelbak, and he has a long thingy with a scrubber at the end. Like a bottle brush, only appropriate for the long tube. I assume it comes with the Camelbak, but I don't know. He cleans it with a bit of dish soap and hot water, as well as lots of rinsing.

 

[BlueSkies]

Mr. Blizzard uses a Camelbak, and he has a long thingy with a scrubber at the end. Like a bottle brush, only appropriate for the long tube. I assume it comes with the Camelbak, but I don't know. He cleans it with a bit of dish soap and hot water, as well as lots of rinsing.

I have this too. It's an accessory that's available separately.

 

[SarahXC]

In addition to the hydration pack basic cleaning tools (craft type pipe cleaners have even been pressed into service in a pinch) I find removing any detachable pieces (esp the bite valve or tube) and hanging them all separately propped open to dry helps.