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Small Backpack Recommendation
- Thread starter bsskier
- Start date
Ski Sine Fine
Angel Diva
Many moons ago I used to mountain bike with a camelback. The trick is to keep the reservoir in a large ziplock in the freezer between uses. Only thing I had to wash was the bite valve.
santacruz skier
Angel Diva
I always wash the bite valve and rinse out the reservoir (stuff with paper towel) and hang on the shower curtain pole to dry. No issues, ever.
SMichael08
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
So like many others, I'm thinking I'll want a low-profile backpack this year due to the lodges being closed. Ideally, I'd like something that I can fit an optional midlayer top into, some snacks, a hydro pack, and probably a flash or a couple beers for midday view enjoying. I was also thinking that with the parking situation being a bit crazy due to folks not carpooling, it might be nice to have a pack that can carry my skis. I'm not doing any backcountry hiking and don't anticipate that changing anytime soon. So with that in mind, I ordered both the Dakine Heli Pack 12L and the Osprey Kresta 14 to compare them.
Initial thoughts are that I like the storage options of the Kresta. The fact that it has two separate compartments, plus a google pocket seems really helpful, particularly for wanting to stow items like Cat Tracks etc without getting any spare clothes wet. It also has an insulated channel for the hydropack hose. However, it doesn't hold my skis well at all. They're basically just flopping around behind me. Whereas the Heli Pack holds the skis like a champ and also has fewer straps flopping about. But it really only has the goggle pocket, one main compartment, and a very small front pouch. I was assuming I'd keep the Dakine for ski carrying utility, which was a slight bummer on the storage capacity front. But it also goes better with the rest of my gear and is a bit more streamlined (i.e., the straps aren't hanging all over the place).
Then last night I discovered these shoulder carry straps for skis and now I'm debating whether this would suffice for the walks from the car and if I should keep the Kresta instead, just plan to use the shoulder strap for carrying skis and then put the ski straps and Cat Tracks in the front pocket where they can't get rest of my gear wet. If I did this, I'd need to trim up the excess strap length as that seems like an accident waiting to happen and I would probably try dying the pack so it doesn't completely clash with my gear. The ski carry thing isn't the end of the world, but I was figuring if I was going to splurge for a pack, I might as well get one that would allow me to be a bit lazy. So the Dakine won on that front as well as color scheme. The mods to the Kresta are a bit of work, but the extra storage would be nice if I'd be just as happy with the shoulder strap as being able to put my skis on the Heli diagonally.
For those who have any of the above, any thoughts? Are the shoulder carry straps decent? How nice is the truly hands-free pack ski carry option? Opinions on the one-pocket on the Dakine vs. the two-pockets on the Osprey?
Initial thoughts are that I like the storage options of the Kresta. The fact that it has two separate compartments, plus a google pocket seems really helpful, particularly for wanting to stow items like Cat Tracks etc without getting any spare clothes wet. It also has an insulated channel for the hydropack hose. However, it doesn't hold my skis well at all. They're basically just flopping around behind me. Whereas the Heli Pack holds the skis like a champ and also has fewer straps flopping about. But it really only has the goggle pocket, one main compartment, and a very small front pouch. I was assuming I'd keep the Dakine for ski carrying utility, which was a slight bummer on the storage capacity front. But it also goes better with the rest of my gear and is a bit more streamlined (i.e., the straps aren't hanging all over the place).
Then last night I discovered these shoulder carry straps for skis and now I'm debating whether this would suffice for the walks from the car and if I should keep the Kresta instead, just plan to use the shoulder strap for carrying skis and then put the ski straps and Cat Tracks in the front pocket where they can't get rest of my gear wet. If I did this, I'd need to trim up the excess strap length as that seems like an accident waiting to happen and I would probably try dying the pack so it doesn't completely clash with my gear. The ski carry thing isn't the end of the world, but I was figuring if I was going to splurge for a pack, I might as well get one that would allow me to be a bit lazy. So the Dakine won on that front as well as color scheme. The mods to the Kresta are a bit of work, but the extra storage would be nice if I'd be just as happy with the shoulder strap as being able to put my skis on the Heli diagonally.
For those who have any of the above, any thoughts? Are the shoulder carry straps decent? How nice is the truly hands-free pack ski carry option? Opinions on the one-pocket on the Dakine vs. the two-pockets on the Osprey?
lisamamot
Angel Diva
I really love Dakine packs - they are bombproof and the ski carry system is solidly functional. That said, a few months ago I ordered in the Dakine Heli 12L as I wanted something small and ski oriented; I returned it due to pocket disappointment, and also because physically it wasn’t all that much smaller than the Dakine Heli Pro Deluxe 18L (when compressed) that I already have. I also have the Gregory Maya 10L, which although it isn’t a ski pack, it is light and small for in resort use in New England.
SMichael08
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
That's actually really helpful as I was just browsing Dakine's website (vs Evo) and am now looking at the Mission 18L as perhaps a compromise. A bit more pack than I need, but would give me two pockets plus the carry-ability as the Dakine 12.
lisamamot
Angel Diva
Too bad Sierra doesn’t have any right now -
I got my 18L there in 2015 and then got my sister the 20L in 2017; both for smoking good deals.
SMichael08
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I just ordered the Dakine Mission Pro 18L off of Amazon (sadly Dakine's website only had one color option left), should be here in a couple weeks. I'll hang on to the Heli 12 until I can compare.
In the meantime, I realized that if I get the shoulder carry strap, I may just be able to use my existing hydration pack, which has served me well on hikes and as a day pack when traveling. I don't think the outside pockets would be waterproof, but the main pocket has insulation to keep your water bladder cool and I think that would keep the pocket dry in snow. It actually holds a decent amount for its size and is very affordable. Definitely not as gear-oriented, but totally sufficient for those wanting some space for water, snacks, sunscreen and an extra layer. I did just notice it has a whistle clasp on the front, but it doesn't seem to work very well compared to the Dakine. For anyone interested, I've actually ordered both of these brands before and I think they're essentially the same with a different name on them (and slightly different color options):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078WMXM6W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077TT9Y7Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
elemmac
Angel Diva
I have a Dakine 12L, and I will say that the single pocket was a bit of a turn off for me at first. Plus, mine is the older version that doesn't have the tiny pocket in the front. The comfort of the pack is pretty awesome to ski with though. It's a decent amount skinnier than comparable packs, which lets it stay really close to your back and disperse the weight of the pack/contents nicely.
I normally pack everything in stuff sacks to make things easier to find, and keeps things dry. I have a set of the Osprey stuff sacks that are super light, and a few light-weight dry bags off of Amazon (I wouldn't dunk those in water, but they keep things plenty dry in my pack).
I can't speak for the Kestra, but I have a few Osprey backpacks, and I can't say enough good things about them...rugged, comfortable, and always seem to be very thought out.
VickiK
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
What about an inexpensive backpack like this $18 one from Amazon:
REI is having their Anniversary Sale--Tarn 12 Kids Pack is on sale. Maybe it'll fit a small adult? It has a sternum strap.
Arcteryx Re-Gear has 2 Aerios 15 Backpacks in a beautiful blue color. One is "Like New", the other is "Great". BUT their Outlet website has the same pack new for $91. So tempted myself but I must resist. https://outlet.arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/womens/aerios-15-backpack
REI is having their Anniversary Sale--Tarn 12 Kids Pack is on sale. Maybe it'll fit a small adult? It has a sternum strap.
Arcteryx Re-Gear has 2 Aerios 15 Backpacks in a beautiful blue color. One is "Like New", the other is "Great". BUT their Outlet website has the same pack new for $91. So tempted myself but I must resist. https://outlet.arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/womens/aerios-15-backpack
Skidreamer
Certified Ski Diva
I use these super cheap ones from Decathlon for skiiing... https://decathlon.com.au/products/c...0-litre?variant=40916671135855&source=algolia
Soujan
Angel Diva
I ordered a Dakine Heli 12L for myself. Apparently, you have to be at least 5'5" for the pack. At 5'2" I didn't come close to fitting the pack and I returned it. I'll just make DH carry anything that doesn't fit into my pockets in his pack. He has the Camelback Powderhound.
I do use the carry straps. Makes life much easier when you have to walk a fair distance from car to lift.
I do use the carry straps. Makes life much easier when you have to walk a fair distance from car to lift.
skinnyfootskis
Angel Diva
I’m 5’7 and it barely fits me. Super long in the back frame. I really want one to carry my skis, extra layer. 12L was actually quite large. Not very comfortable….
skinnyfootskis
Angel Diva
So you find the Dakine comfortable? It is a bit long on my back….
elemmac
Angel Diva
Yup. I find the 12L very comfortable...The waist belt since right on my hipbones, pretty perfectly. I have a pretty average women's torso length at about 16". I've had mine for 5+ years now...so I'm not sure how much it's changed since the version I have.
skinnyfootskis
Angel Diva
I also picked up the 20l because it was on sale at REI. It says women specific and has a shorter frame. Hmmmmm
