Backcountry Access Stash Alp40 Backpack - 2440cu in - 2010 BCS

Starting my second season with this and so far it has been great pack with minor complaints.
Pros:
Nice suspension, skis mount up fine, hydration systems seems to work as advertised but i have not taken it into temps too far below freezing (usually above 20F). It's nice to have separate avy compartment to keep main pocket dry along with a side pouch to keep a probe and saw for quick access. Fabric seems pretty bomber and so far no complaints on durability that seem common with older versions. One size fits all is a bit big for my torso (which is short for a 6' male) but not too far off to make it an issue. The role-top closure is a nice touch (as is the helmet carrier) and seems to keep things nice and dry compared to my last pack (BD slide). The other access point, a side zipper behind one shoulder strap is a nice way to grab/stow the jacket, gloves etc if the bag is not too overloaded - otherwise its a bit too small to sort through compressed gear.

Cons:
Admittedly most of these are small gripes with a few notable exceptions but I'll list them all anyway: Starting with the small stuff, the main avy compartment holds my shovel blade but does not accommodate handle all that well (sorry don't have dimensions on hand but it is a Volie Telepro) so it really needs to go in the side pouch if I need to access it quickly and makes it a bit crowded along with a probe and saw. Overall very minor issue. Another complaint is that the side pouch for the probe has a shooty velcro closure that is too small, especially if getting snow or ice on it so I had to attach stainless steel snaps after making a small jump/drop and having my probe fly out (luckily by buddy noticed it). The probe pouch is also too short to accommodate the BCA 35cm snow saw, which is big oversight by BCA in my opinion. To make it fit I had to cut about 2'' off the saw handle, which is not a big deal, but still should be unnecessary when both products are from the same company (though, maybe I'm missing something?). Finally, the two pieces of webbing holding the lid on from the front (above the shoulder straps) are a little small for the fastener
and slid out sometimes. Not necessarily a big deal if they had sewn a stop at the end of the webbing but mine didn't and they came out of the fastener of few times. Again, took a quick mod to double the ends back and fasten with thread but seems like it should have been so out of the bag - perhaps it was just my particular pack but worth checking.

Overall I'm happy with the bag minus a couple of design oversights that required some at home modifications. I would still buy this over similar packs (BD revelation) if nothing else for the hydration system, but the other perks make it worthwhile and something I will hopefully have for several years of backcountry use.

I looked at this pack a while ago and finally bought it. There are changes I did not realize took place from the version I saw a few seasons ago. I like the pockets and other features. There are only two things I don't particularly like. The top pocket that is Velcro houses a mesh helmet holder but the Velcro gets stuck on the mesh like material and I see it ruin it in the future. I wish this was a zip pocket. The other thing is the front shovel pocket. The fact that it had a separate shovel pocket is one of the reasons I bought the pack over others. However, after I purchased the pack I realized very few shovels fit in the shovel pocket. Just be aware that you need a shovel that breaks down to about 9" by 16" or less in order to utilize the shovel pocket. other than those two things, It looks like a durable pack with great features. I can't wait to use it. I just have to find a new shovel that fits.

I have been using this pack for snowboarding for a few seasons and it hands down is the most comfortable strap and waistbelt system I have EVER used. They are soft, and very flexible. Even though this is a 40L pack I still choose it for sidecountry days over smaller packs I own because I like wearing it so much better. I has a plastic framesheet which helps keep your junk from poking you in the back. Sleeve for camelbak hose works pretty good unless it's WAY below zero. The snowboard carry system isn't the most stable, and that is why this doesn't get 5 stars. It has a nice sleeve for probe/shovel handle, and a big pocket for shovel blade or crampons etc. It has two waistbelt pockets too, which I use for camera and snacks.