This pack is the perfect size for a 2-3 backcountry ski tour. It is a top-loading 50L with A-Frame ski carrying capabilities. Although it does not have diagonal carrying option, that can easily be modified with a few straps. Although the weight is slightly heavier than some comparable packs (e.g., Osprey, BCA), the construction is bomber and quality is, well, Arcteryx! The design is very useful with a SUPER LARGE avi gear pocket on the front (easily fits my Black Diamond Deploy 7 Shovel, Probe and skins). The interior pocket is large and can fit all the essentials for 2-3 days (especially using a compresion bag for your down sleeping bag). When not fully loaded, the compresion straps work well to cinch down the bag so ski-carrying still works nicely. The fit of the bag is very nice and it carries well. The waist belt is VERY strong - this was a problem I found in the BCA 50L bag and the BD Anarchist (both have weak waistbelts). The pack comes with a removable plastic internal support. I have taken it out and it weighs practically nothing (I could not tell the difference in the weight with it in and then out). Therefore, I will keep this in as it helps the pack keep its suspension and will greatly assist in carrying full loads. The pack skis very well and is form-fitting to the body. Basically, I strongly recommend if you are looking for a 2-3 day touring bag. Better jump on this as Arcteryx is no longer making these and has replaced with the "Silo" (which appears much different).

Carries with the same plush comfort of the entire Bora series but with that comes the extra weight. Not your "light is right" backpack. Excellent access to tools, however -- modified kangaroo pocket fits the large size Voile alum shovel. Although there are extra attachment points for a shovel handle, the probe pocket is big enough to accommodate a 12' probe, shovel handle, tent poles... Despite the numerous organization pockets, it's still a pretty clean design. The fairly large volume might be too big for a lot of day trippers, but it has good cinch straps, and you don't have to fill it, right?

This version has the biggest improvement in design, the side pouch is big enough to put in a thermarest and tools. The kangaroo pouch is weden so that shovel can go in and out easily.

The little thing that i didnt like is the 2 cord stops they used at the upper closure, i can see why they want to put the flat pull-string stops rather the simple traditional ones., but it just does not work, but $2.00 can fix it.

I used to have Bora 40 , and previous version of Borea, this version shows the versatility and nice choice of fabric.

Background:

I need a pack that allow me to carry a Canon SLR with a 300mm telephoto. And, it need to pack up high so it won't push me out of the lift chair. And, I need to carry all sorts of stuff for my two daughter who are out skiing with me. And, I need a side zipper to get at stuff down low, under the camera, without having to unload the camera.

And, the Borea does the job.

One weakness is that the compression straps compress the sides of the pack. Most of the stuff I carry below the camera is extra socks, gloves and water for my two girls. So, I want to compress that stuff as flat as possible against my back. Also, I want to compress across the back of the pack to keep the camera from slipping down.

But, the nice folks at Arc'teryx sent me some extra plastic buckles that I attached to the loose ends of the compression straps so I was able to compress across the back of the pack.

I've only carried it a few times, but I had about 45 pounds of books and water, and the hip belt was perfect. It's really firm, but shaped just right and the pack fit me very well. I love the features. It's pretty monochromatic, but you can tell it's a top shelf rucksack. I think I'll be using it for everything for years if it doesn't get nicked.

The Arc'teryx Borea Backpack (2750-2990 cu in) is extremely well made and very comfortable to wear. I didn't stress test it in the outdoors, but used it for backpacking through Italy for a month. It could probably be a little bit bigger for that, but with the addition of a small duffel bag, that was plenty. The bag looks incredibly good, is very sturdy and has plenty of straps and the like for different purposes.