This pack is awesome for all-day backcountry skiing--the skis go on easy, and I love the top compartment for snacks and camera and sunscreen, etc. Not the lightest pack out there but the function and fit make up for it.

Good pack!
For long one day ski tours this pack is great!Same applies for ski mountaineering objectives.
Two options for carrying skis has worked out well!So far the pack has taken a year of abuse!To many straps everywhere hopefully they will make the straps not as long so it does not fly around everywhere.
probe,shovel,down jacket,crampons,rope,ice-axe,camera,snow study kit,food,couple bottles of water,ski goggles and other little odds and ends fit into this pack.With all the gear stuffed in it carrys well ,and comfortable on your back for all day use!

haven't used it with skis but will this winter, doubles as a great hiking pack. only bad thing is that the straps are way too long but i don't mind it

PROS
Fits well, with snug compression straps on the waist and shoulders. Im 6'2 and 165# and the waist belt rests on my hips perfectly (size L).
Many options for attaching skis (left or right diagonal, A-Frame) and the snowboard carry is very snug (vertical) you can adjust the width, so it doesnt slide from side to side if the pack isnt full.
The buckles and straps are strong, and backed by the lifetime warranty.
Internal sleeves are great for probe and shovel handle (allthough the shovel handel does hang up occasionaly from the knobs at the end when pulling it out of the sleeve (voile)

CONS
the only downsides are the skin pocket is a bit too small for wide skins (splitboard) so I just put my sam splint or gloves in it. Also it doesnt have a dedicated pole attachment system for the way down. I just fasten them in one of the ski loops on the side and that works well. The shovel pocket is nice, but it leaves some space after the shovel blade is put into the pack, space that cant be used really well, except for stuffing in an extra layer. I also wish it had a zippered shoulder sleeve for a hydration tube like the Off Chute does ( I have it too). Lastly, the waist strap pocket is pretty small, so dont expect to fit anything but the smallest camera into it, especially if it has a padded case. I carry a big camera so I use the pocket for snacks or map & compass.

Overall I am very pleased with this pack, and would buy it again.

The Patrol is surprisingly roomy and has many great features. Rugged construction yet lightweight. Very good solutions for attaching skis, a Camelbak and other goodies. Not for longer treks but excellent as a daypack!

After a LOT of research I bought the Patrol. I wanted a multi-use pack for: Travel, long day trips, ski hauling. That's a tall order.
The Patrol was, as are all packs, a compromise.
The good: Well built, well thought out, top quality.
Very easy to customize the fit, will take a lot of tough wear, a lot of options on how to carry and stow gear.
It rides nice and tight with NO movement. Doesn't throw off your center of gravity.
The so/so: It's not really the best travel pack from a loading and unloading standpoint. Regardless of the side zipper it is a top loader. That's great if you cram a lot of stuff into the bag, not easy to access it without unloading the whole bag.
The bad: Those straps that make it easy to carry skis and boards are annoying when you're not using them for that purpose. They're long and flopping. I solved the problem with some velcro cable ties from the electronics dept.
The plus on the "fly-trap" system is that I was able to lash a day pack to the back pretty easily when using it as a travel pack.
Summary: Designed as a ski pack, and it excels at that, but versatile enough to use for lots of things. Just takes a little figuring on how to make it work.
I'd buy it again. No question.

i really like this kind of hiking backpack coz it is so nice, useful and attractive while you packed it on your back..and off course, it is so ok when you walk at the city street then you pack this back pack you feel so comfortable.

This pack has plenty of space for a day trip or a minimal overnighter. There are a ton of straps and it took a few for me to figure out all of them. If you're a snowboarder then you get the vert carry which is all I use and there is way to carry skis in the A-frame which is good cause I'm a splitboarder so there is the extra option. If you ride, the diagonal carry strap of skis on the bottom is useless and there is no easy way to tuck it in - I may just cut it off but for now it's not a big deal.
I have never used this kind of a frame before, where the frame is an external piece on the back. I've used old full frame packs and internal molded frames and this is a little different. The frame is study and makes it light.
It's got a "pass though" for your hydration hose but only allows it to go across and over your left shoulder, not a big deal but I've always had mine on the right so it was a little to get used to reaching for that side.
I'm tall (6'4") and I found the waist straps sit right (I got the large pack) or just a little high but comfortable. The small pouch on the waist band is good for ID, a pack of gum or a really small digi camera but that's about all. I just use it for gum and it's easy access but you're not fitting much else in there. The "hidden" mesh type pocket on the inside of the top flap is also perfect for keys and ID and other small items - I overlooked this pocket the first few times out with this pack and was happy to find it later.

Overall, I like this pack. I've used it on shorter daytrips and long daytrips with heavy weight and it was comfortable and had plenty of space. For the price you wont be disappointed.