For winter backpacking, my wife and I were going to pick up Golite Odyssey packs when they are on sale, for the extra volume (around 5,000 cu. in.). Do you think cinched down with less weight this pack will be comfortable for day trips?

For day trips, which backcountry ski/snowshoe packs of at least 2,500 cu. in. would you recommend that can carry skis/snowshoes and a real metal-bladed shovel (real = respectable blade) without getting easily shredded, in addition to the Golite Quest (around 4,000 cu. in.) and Pursuit (around 3,000 cu. in.)?

I have two packs I use for winter, non-overnight ski trips.

1. Mystery Ranch Saddle Peak
2. Arc'teryx Silo 40

The Mystery Ranch pack is NOT lightweight, but it is very comfortable, will carry my board and the most basic of safety gear. I use this pack primarily for side-country trips away from the ski resort.

The Arc'teryx pack is significantly larger in volume and is what I use for forays into the deeper backcountry (all day skinning trips into the bc). It too is heavy but once again is very comfortable and full of functionality.

I think the Osprey snow packs are pretty sweet.

EJ, I wasn't happy with any of the available options, so I made my own.

Of the ready made ones, the Osprey Variant 37 looks like a solid option. I strongly prefer a beavertail style shoveit pocket for my shovel, as well as both vertical and diagonal ski carry options. Some of the Black Diamond options are good, and their vertical ski carry setup is always very well done, but you have to put your shovel in the pack.

If I were to buy any commercial pack right now, I'd probably get a Cilogear 45L bag and deal with the lack of shoveit pocket.

Sam,

I've used Dana Designs packs before, when Dana was still making them before he started Mystery Ranch - I know what kind of comfort comes with the extra weight. Also those packs are bomber. I sold my old Dana Alpine (5000 cu. in.) because of the weight - it was over 5lbs. I still have my Dana Big Sky pack which I had upgraded with even more solid Dana carry straps - I kept it because it can carry very heavy loads better than anything I have, for when I have to move something heavy but compact (like tech equipment).

What's the volume on the Saddle Peak?
I'll check out the Arc'teryx. I accept that a winter day pack is going to be a little heavier to deal with snowshoes, crampons, skis and shovels.

Jack,

Which Osprey snow packs? Do they list them as winter/snow packs? which models?

David,

Very cool that you made your own. We had in-house gear makers in the army - very cool when you can make something exactly the way you want it.

I like shoveit style pockets too and prefer to have vertical and diagonal carry if possible, but hopefully not for a ton of extra weight. I'll check out the Osprey Variant 37.

Which Black Diamond models do you like? Do all require shovel inside the pack?

I've heard nice things about Cilogear packs for climbing. How's the weight? What are their prices like? Wish it did have a shovel pack option.

Thanks for all the good suggestions.

Is there anyone out there that has used the Odyssey for winter who can comment on what it would be like to cinch it down and use it as a winter day pack?

Just to throw another option in to the mix, I use OMM packs for bc skiing.

The 35L Jirishanca (weighs between 675g and 1040g depending on what accessories you decide to carry):

http://www.theomm.com/products/packs/jirishanca35MSC.html

and the slightly bigger (but virtually the same) 45L Villain (710g - 1160g):

http://www.theomm.com/products/packs/Villain45MSC.html

Click on the 'Tool Carry Capability' tab on either page to check out how to carry skis, shovel and ice axes in numerous ways. These are my tough, comfortable winter day packs of choice and carry skis and shovels no problem.