Check your shovel before purchasing

By pet2962422 Ranked #261 - Winter Packs October 2, 2011

This thing is tiny. I picked up the Avalung version and I had to work pretty hard to get shovel, probe, 2-liter camelback reservoir, and spare layer in to it, even harder to cram climbing skins as well (I don't like to put them in my coat if I'm not running laps on a short hill). The main problem is that I use a Voile Telepro shovel, which has a massive bail. I still have space inside, but zipping up the pack at the end of all that is pretty difficult. I'm glad I got it on sale because I know that the zippers will blow out pretty early in the life of the pack. Still, the extremely low volume and sleek, low profile design are *exactly* what I wanted in a skiing pack given the sorts of back-country stuff I do. This pack is ideal for short tours, or one-run days, or any time where you don't want to bring the kitchen sink and you don't want a deflated, oddly carrying pack despite your minimalist aspirations. I am/was of two minds about the avalung since I didn't see myself ready to actively court avalanches, but its a nice tool to have, especially in a pack that you can wear all day without complaint.

View Details: Black Diamond Bandit Winter Pack - 690cu in

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