DAKINE Poacher Backpack - 2300cu in

Got this pack about a month ago and I'm really loving it. Haven't used it snowboarding yet, but its perfect for everything I wanted it for, hiking, camping, backpacking, carrying my dive stuff, traveling. Everything works great, holds a lot of stuff. The hydration system works good, and contrary to what someone said before, there IS a holder for the bladder, its velcroed up under a flap. That's just one of the many things I discovered on this pack. This bag is sick, get it

The poacher has been working real well as a extended tour backcountry ski pack - with enough room for me to stash all my safety gear as well as food and layers. My only gripe, is that the left shoulder strap hydration tube sleeve is a bit small for my 90 degree outlet spout, and there is no "hanging system" to support the hydration bladder inside the pack. I've rigged a string between the two back supports to hang the bladder from, but a dedicated hook or loop would be better - (like DaKine has done in the "Blade Runner" pack).

I'm not a big fan of the suspension for it doesn't fit my 6'4" frame that well but I must say, this pack has a ton of compartments, straps, and little nuances that make it well worth it. First and foremost, it holds my snowboard vertically with two straps and it is capable of holding skis in a diagonal position. The hydration sleeve is exactly just that - a sleeve - but what makes it cool is that it can be rolled up and tucked away when not in use. Also, to keep the hydration system from freezing, there is a way for the tube to run straight from the hydration sleeve to the padded strap to keep air away from it.

Perhaps the best part of the pack is all the pockets because there are so many of them. There is a side pocket for a shovel or water bottle, there is a pocket on the hip-belt for a cellphone, there are two pockets in the lid (one is fleece lined), there are smaller mesh pockets in the main compartment for storing tools and other smaller items, and there are loops on the side for an ice axe. The main compartment can be reached from either the top or from the back which is extremely convenient and it is large enough to stow everything you'll need for an outing. My only complaint is that it is a one size pack so it won't fit taller users as well. Other than that, it does everything a backcountry pack is supposed to do.

Beautiful design. Best backcountry boarding pack I've owned. On those days when you need it, everything goes in: rescue kit, rope, first aid kit, poles, crampons, snowshoes, probes, shovel, spare layers and lunch. All comfortably stowed yet immediately accessible through the back panel. Can't emphasize enough just how useful the back entry panel is - so much better than groping through a porthole at the top of a bottomless sack! For the hike out from the bottom, the board is attached quickly and easily, and it sits nice and stable. When you're not out at the extremes, it compresses flat and light. I have smaller day packs (good ones) but it's rare that the Poacher doesn't make more sense. Even has a bottle net on the side, integrated hydration and a removable frame. Genius.

Bought this pac for my husband for both skiing as well as snow shoeing and he absolutely loves it. It is very versatile light and has a lot of storage.