Best pack for skiing and hiking

By Re Wikstrom October 3, 2011

The Contrejour 35 is hands down my favorite pack. It carries enough gear for a day of shooting in the backcountry, and it carries it well (it actually feels lighter than my old pack, despite being bigger, and cramming more stuff into it). I use it for skiing, ski touring, hiking in the summer, and general all purpose camera storage.

This pack will easily carry a pro body (or 2), with 3 to 6 lenses (depending on size and how you set up the dividers), extra batteries, CF cards, shovel, probe, extra layers, lunch, water, skins, radios. You could easily throw in a few speedlights and pocket wizards if needed. And then throw in more snacks, and yet another layer, or extra goggles, extra mittens, whatever you need. I have even used it for an overnight yurt trip with an extra stuff sack strapped to the outside.

When not skinning/touring and you find yourself needing to bootpack... the "A" or "H" frame ski carry option works great. You can also run them straight up the back of the pack, and that works great, too, but I have found that I prefer the "H" carry for skis.

When traveling by plane this pack fits perfectly into the carry on luggage size requirements. You can also fit a 15" macbook with a soft case easily into the outer compartment. The weight starts to add up with camera gear, laptop, hard drives, magazines, books, etc., though so be careful if you're flying through some place like Auckland, New Zealand. They are crazy strict about the weight of carry-on luggage there!!!

I am about 5'5" and this size is perfect for me. If you are taller and think you need the extra space, then you might want to check out the Contrejour 40.

View Details: Clik Elite Contrejour 35 Camera Pack - 1800cu in

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes