Black Diamond Alias with Avalung Pack - 1831-1939cu in

This is a great touring pack. It has one main compartment (top-loading) with a pull cord top for easy access, plus a small zipper pocket on top for small items. It has a separate front pocket for shovel, probe, etc. Several straps on the outside allow for adequate compression and an outer shell can easily be thrown under the top pocket. It holds skis well when boot-packing- make sure you have a ski tie of some sort for the tips (A-frame style). I've carried my EP Pro's (127mm underfoot) with this pack many times; fat skis are not an issue. Luckily, I haven't had to use the Avalung, but it could be considered a good safety device.

There are a few parts of the pack that I dislike, but they don't take away from the overall positive feeling. The waist belt could definitely be a little thicker for more comfort and support. I also feel that an outside attachment for a shovel handle would be much more appealing than throwing the handle in the snow pocket. Maybe my Voile TelePro shovel handle is longer than others, but I it pokes up into the top pocket when cinched down.

I put a nylon cord through the small loops on the top of the pack to secure small items down. I found this to be convenient.

Overall, I love the pack. It's the perfect size for touring (30L), holds skis securely, and is comfortable to wear. Also, the Avalung may dig into your shoulder if you buy the wrong size for your torso, so definitely try it on before buying!

This pack rides like a shadow and carries everything you need (plus some) without hampering your style. I spent 5 days skiing everything from groomers to chutes and cliffs. The pack excelled at steep back country terrain. Two areas which were problematic: bumps and "tucking". In bumps, I noticed the pack more than I would like and needed to tighten the straps... which solved the problem. When "tucking" I found the top lid prevented me from really lifting my head, so if you want to drop into a tuck this pack really isn't for you. Otherwise, BD hit a homerun in my opinion. 1800 cubic sounds large, but the pack zips down to a manageable size. The pack does exactly what it is designed to do with out the 'bells and whistles' of the airline luggage models.

The Alias is my pack of choice for light and fast missions when traveling in avalanche terrain. BD has done their research and come up with a highly efficient tool for gaining and dispensing vertical with the added safety of an avalung. This pack is lighter than the other BD avalung packs of similar size. While I prefer the BD anarchist for carrying heavier loads the Alias really shines on long tours and climbs where I am going light and fast.