Marmot Fireball 25 Backpack - 1500 cu in - 2007 BCS

Really solid. Lot's of little things are right. I have a couple Osprey packs which I like, but this pack has the backcountry ski options I was looking for.

I.Love.It. i've had it for about four months now, and i use it every day. there is not much else that compares to the stress on this bag while i'm at school; having it thrown, dropped, stepped on, spilled on,caught in doors, lockers and chairs. it has held up very well. the front pocket expands to be enormous for the overall size of the pack, it can fit a shell and a fleece at the same time, then shrink down to almost no volume when you don't need it. all the compression straps are very useful, and cinch down very tight. they attach right to the back panel/ frame of the pack, which obstructs the zippers, but that means that not just the outside pocket, but the main compartment, gets compressed. there are some great features, like the hidden ice axe/walking pole holders, and the "goggle" pocket closest to your neck. it is very waterproof, i took it on a day-long hike in pouring rain, and i was soaked, but the stuff in the pack was not. on top of that, the colors are stunning. i have the stellar/tempest(blue) model, which looks absolutely great. also, the shape of the pack is very squared off, which makes it look really stylish. as to the size, this was the smaller version (the larger version is the La Meije), as i said, it is very expandable, and to give you a rough idea, i can fit about 10 school notebooks and a change of clothes. really recommend this pack if you are going to use it in the outdoors, or just for work/school, or a little bit of both.

This is a great pack for skiing. The compression straps on the side help reduce the pack when you don't have as much gear in it. The front pocket can expand with plenty of room to put your jacket, gloves, hat, food, etc. The square body makes it great easy to pack everything you need (including a shovel, probe, shovel handle, skins, etc). The waist belt is very comfortable. The sippers are great, the entire pack is waterproof. The goggles pocket is made with very very soft fleece for protection. The only complaint is the metal frame inside the pack adds some weight to the pack. Other then that, great pack!

on the right right hand side of the page, under tech specs, they say no ice ax loops, which is a lie, they are hidden in a little pocket just above the top front compression strap. obviously marmot didnt send the guys at back country enough info on the pack, or they didnt spend enough time reading it/looking over the pack. no offense this site, we love you.