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Mountain Hardwear Wayback Backpack - 1800cu in - 2009 BCS

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Wayback Backpack - 1800cu in
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Load up your avy gear, strap on your board or skis, and take off in search of untracked, waist-deep pow. This day-sized winter pack features multiple attachment options for your downhill method of choice, and the large internal cavity stashes your shovel, probe, puffy, and other essentials. Top access and a large rear panel zip give you quick access in case of an avalanche or a caffeine emergency, and the fleece-lined goggle pocket protects your optics.

Bottom Line: Go way back there.

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I bought the wayback pack and so far i love it. the basic idea

I bought the wayback pack and so far i love it. the basic idea to keep snow off the back is great. i can fit my helmet in the main compartment (with goggles and contourhd still attached) while skins, shovel,probe and more are in the back. even so it's easy to wear while riding a chair. it's only downside is the lack of a shoulder strap hydration tube path.
i still haven't figured out how to use the diagonal ski carry system (at least correctly). The obvious yellow straps aren't wide enough for my skis, which are big, but not giant.
i have attached them diagonally from the lower compression strap to the upper with some success, but i highly doubt that's how it was designed. Does anyone have any pictures of skis being carried diagonally.
Thanks

By:
January 10, 2011

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Rating for this product: 4

Current Favorite Backcountry Skiing Day Pack

By: Backcountry.com Sponsored Athlete
March 18, 2010

It took me a little while to grow to love the Wayback pack, but now that I'm use to it, I love it. For me, one of the biggest changes was getting use to the backpanel access, which seems weird if you have always used top loaders or outside clamshell designs. The advantage of a back panel access pack is that it makes for a very clean exterior profile, so you don't have a lot of zippers or straps to catch on trees and such when skiing, which is a great feature. Back Panel loaders are also nice as you can throw the pack down in the snow it's back, then get into the main body of the pack without getting snow all over the back panel, which will then melt onto your back or jacket.

Aside from the back panel, the Wayback has a nice size to it and I can carry all the necessities for a day tour - spare jacket, first aid kit, shovel, probe, food, water, goggles, etc.. Due to the nice corrugated back frame, it carries well and is torsionally stiff, but flexes with your back as well.

The external shovel pocket is nice as it keeps your snowy, wet shovel away from the main contents of the pack. The Wayback also has a nice set of straps which can carry skis/boards in a variety of ways - diagonal, A Frame or straight up on the back.

The top pockets are a bit funky - one is kind of small and I hardly ever use it. I think it is for sunglasses, but I keep mine elsewhere. The little side pockets are nice for gels/bars and the shoulder straps are comfy.

Overall, a very solid pack that will last for year and works very well.

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Wearing a Wayback pack

By: Backcountry.com Sponsored Athlete
March 26, 2010

Andrew McLean wearing a Wayback pack in the Ruby Mtns, NV

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The MHW Wayback Pack for Backcountry Skiing

By: Backcountry.com Sponsored Athlete
April 3, 2010

The Wayback is my favorite backcountry skiing pack - here's why.

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1 Comment Last Comment: September 29, 2010 by:

By:
September 29, 2010

Despite the wind, this video was helpful. Thank you.

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Will my avy gear fit this pack? I've always had trouble trying

Will my avy gear fit this pack?
I've always had trouble trying to get my avy safety gear into packs and i've just been using my current pack because it all fits but it's wearing out and i'm about ready for something new.
I like how this pack looks, nice and simple and light!
Curious if anyone has the same safety gear as me and if it fits:
G3 AviTECH
G3 tech prope 240cm

Hope someone could help as i can't seem to find one of these locally and will have to order and take a chance.
thanks!

By:
January 6, 2011

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Hi Peter - I've carried the same shovel and probe in my Wayback and they fit just fine. The pack "tool" panel is ample.

By: Backcountry.com Sponsored Athlete
January 7, 2011

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Rating for this product: 5

This pack carries me back, way back

By:
January 10, 2011

Strap this thing on your back and you'll feel right at home skinning up any valley. The two ways to carry skis really help when switching from touring to boot packing up steeper slopes. The outer pocket always stashes my bulky gear, probe and shovel, while the inner large pocket stashes my food, beverages (those of your choosing), layers and even has a clip to hang some hydration accessory. The goggle pocket in lined in fleece and store up to two pairs in case the light turns for the worse. The upper pocket is perfect for anything small and not heavy, it might start to bonk you in the head on your ripping turns down the hill. The straps are very well padded and fully adjustable. The rear entry system MH has developed this pack is genius, you can just throw it down in some snow and not have to worry about any extra white stuff getting in there. The back padding is a semi-frame for the pack but is still soft enough to allow you to wear this pack all day long. The hip straps are great and each side has its own pocket for lip balm or whatever you can find a use for. The MH logo bottle opener is an excellent touch, especially when you wanna enjoy a nice frosty one at the end of a long day. Overall, best winter pack I have and the options are endless as to where you can use it.

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Does the hydration on this pack have the insulated zippered sleeve

Does the hydration on this pack have the insulated zippered sleeve in the shoulder strap?

By:
November 23, 2010

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A_Brew. Unfortunately there is no insulated zipper sleeve incorporated to the hydration of this pack. So many bladder hoses froze on me over the years, insulated and not, that I have reverted back to using your standard nalgene bottle accompanied by a thermos of coffee when in the backcountry and this system works great. No insulated zippered sleeve needed. Hope this info helps!

By: Backcountry.com Vendor Rep
November 23, 2010

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Rating for this product: 5

Wayback Pack

By:
November 29, 2010

Outstanding day pack that does not skimp on room. Even the shovel pocket can easily fit your heavier gloves for quick access. The goggle pocket is great and protects your eye wear when you landings might be a little rough. Hydration tube is a negative but I go with a standard water bottle and a small thermos...too many water tubes frozen. Carries two sets of skis easily for hike to terrain in most areas....I think this is why my wife picked this particular model....enjoy...and yes she is totally worth carrying her skis!!

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Change me.

Out of Stock

Item: MHW1224

2009 Model No Longer Available

We have a lot more Winter Packs than that

Winter Packs

Current Favorite Backcountry Skiing Day Pack

4 star rating

By: Andrew McLean March 18, 2010

It took me a little while to grow to love the Wayback pack, but now that I'm use to it, I love it. For me, one of the biggest changes was getting use more...

This pack carries me back, way back

5 star rating

By: Patrick O'Leary January 10, 2011

Strap this thing on your back and you'll feel right at home skinning up any valley. The two ways to carry skis really help when switching from touring more...

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Material:
840D HT Nylon, Hardwear Tarp HD 
Volume:
[Reg] 1800cu in (29L); [Large] 1950cu in (32L) 
Waist-belt:
Yes 
Hydration Compatible:
Yes 
Access Types:
Top 
Pockets:
[External] 1 fleece goggle, 2 waist-belt; [Internal] multiple zip, 1 hydration 
Snowboard Carry:
Yes, vertical 
Ski Carry:
Yes, A-frame & diagonal 
Ice Axe Loops:
Shovel Pocket:
Yes 
Weight:
[Reg] 2lb 11oz (1210g); [Large] 2lb 15oz (1330g) 
Recommended Use:
Backcountry skiing, snowboarding 
Manufacturer Warranty:
Lifetime