One backpack quiver for ski adventures, day hikes, and EDC?

zuren

Adventurer
I'm trying to arrive at a backpack solution that will cover 4 major uses:

  • skiing - including resort/inbounds downhill, cross country, and occasionally backcountry alpine touring
  • day trips with the family for pretty much anything (hike, picnic, etc.)
  • everyday carry (EDC) - my main bag for carrying my laptop, lunch, and assorted extras to work and home
  • Get Home Bag (GHB) - This would be coupled with my EDC point above. I wasn't a boy scout but I tend to operate with the idea of being prepared. I work 15 miles from home and if something were to happen where my vehicle was not able to get me home (breakdown, natural disaster, manmade disaster, etc.), I want a backpack that is comfortable and has room enough for some essentials to keep me moving

I already sold off my Dakine ski backpack as it was too small to be much use for anything; it barely held a shovel for touring in avalanche country. I have a couple shoulder laptop bags but I suspect that type of bag is causing me some shoulder problems, hence why I'm seeking a better backpack. I already have a Mystery Ranch Big Sky (3000 cu. in./50L, a bit too big for most of what I want to do) and a large Osprey internal frame pack (way too big), so I'm looking at packs in the 1500-2000 cu. in. range (about 25-30 liters). Are there some brands and models that members here have had some luck with?

One major requirement is that the pack have a waist belt, and that belt needs to be removable. A couple examples are the Kirafu Antero and the Mystery Ranch 3-day Assault Pack; I just can't afford the price tag on these ($300+). One that is looking more interesting is the Deuter Freeride Pro 30:

http://www.deuter.com/US/us/winter/freerider-pro-30-3303417-blue.html

This one is definitely more focused on skiing which I think I would prefer. Most other day-size packs have too much organization or one big pouch.

I know that it will be hard to have 1 backpack that can do it all, but I really don't want to manage, store, and buy multiple packs. I'm trying to find the best compromise and wondered if anyone has gone down the same path? I'm also try to stay away from tactical type backpacks; I'm not sure I really want to draw that kind of attention to myself.

Thanks!
 

JoPedition

New member
Hi zuren,

I guess Dakine has recently introduced some bag models suitable for skiing. You can definetely find those on Amazon and they are not expensive. Otherwise I have a Kifaru bag, which I bought for like $320 a year ago - high price but is defintely worth, especially if you are practicing the diagonal stride or the double pole technique (also described here https://www.sport2000rent.com/en/skirental/blog/cross-country-ski/ ), where your bag has to be stable enough and not bouncing constantly. The Deuter Freerider should be also an option.

All the best,
Joe
 

Ashton

Newbie
national park depot dot com had some good deals on monkeypaks, the smaller 25lt ones with a water bladder. Mine serves me real well, with enough pockets for EDC and MOLLE for when you need to expand for your longer hikes/trips.
 

jpachard

Adventurer
Mystery Ranch 3 day assault or, if that’s too large, one of their smaller offerings like the ASAP. They have a patented sizing system, built in the US and last forever. Mine has been with me for trekking in Nepal to Colorado to every day use. No affiliation, just a happy customer.

http://www.mysteryranch.com/

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:

High Country Nomad

Mountain Explorer
Deuter Freerider Pro 30 is probably good for everything you listed. I just picked up this bag and it is great for in resort/ side country and /or a weekend get away bag.
 

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