kyl3487163

I love this backpack. I am very impressed with all of the features. The hip belt pockets are awesome, the "back door" entrance is genius, the side sinch down straps make it very compact, the snowboard carrying system is perfect, the insulated hydration sleeve seems very nicely done- even though I haven't looked for a bladder to fit the pouch (from other reviews I heard it was a little difficult to find one that fits best). The compartment for avy tools is very easily accessible and fits a BD deploy 7 shovel and any probe perfectly. and the avalung adds a little extra peace of mind and is a perfect addition to a complete set of avalanche safety gear and backcountry knowledge.
Having said that, the only thing that I don't like about this pack is the location of the air valve. located on the left shoulder strap, this one way air valve is cleverly designed to pull oxygen in through the breathable fabric and close when co2 is pushed through directing it out the bottom of the pack. My issue with it is that this approximately two inch long box is placed directly on top of the crest of the shoulder! This inhibits the strap from contouring to the shoulder as the crest is a box. When I first put the pack on I felt this blemish immediately as I had just ridden the train accross the country and had soar shoulders. When I wore the pack on the mountain for the first time it wasn't as noticable because the hip and chest strap system is so supportive it takes the pressure off the shoulders. This pack definately straps on to your back more than it hangs from your shoulders which I love. I think that putting the box behind the head in the body of the pack would be a better place. Or further down the shoulder strap, substituting the length of the tube with the mouthpiece on it, which when fully extended hangs halfway down my thigh. I don't understand how, when testing it, someone at BD could put this pack on and think that this is the best place for this box. I even considered widening the hole that is the tube enterance into the shoulder strap a tiny bit so it would be big enough to move the valve box through it and stash it behind my head in the pack. This would comprimise the avalung system which is designed for you to be able to do all of your breathing through this hose in your mouth, even though I think there would still be enough air back there. I still haven't loaded the pack for a full day in the backcountry, only wore it in bounds on some powder days to get used to it and some small side country runs. I'm sure that the more weight I put in it, the more I'll feel the box. So far it's not bad and for me this is not a deal buster because the pros far outweigh this con.