The North Face Patrol 35 Winter Backpack - 2260cu in - 2009 BCS

Great pack for an extended mission in the backcountry. Enough space for skins, first aid, and some light climbing eqiupment. Although I was skeptical of the ski carry system at first (because it has no clips, just hooks) it's never failed me and is by far the easiest and fastest ski carry system i've come across.

As someone already noted, the biggest shortcoming is that it has a zip top as opposed to a top flap- so carrying around a full length of rope isn't as much of a no-brainer.

i love many things about this pack but the biggest surprise to me is how the penguin color combo pops on the snow. i used it in really stormy weather and friends commented on it. i then lent it to a friend to heli ski in alaska. it popped out as well as any color did on the glacier - the white almost gets neon. when eyes on are critical this was an amazing help and surprise.

This pack is very comfortable to carry all the essential gear for a full day out playing in the backcountry. The integrated sleeve inside the main compartment holds your camlebak bladder in place and is easily accessible. A frame carrying of skis works as it should, the skis do not move at all. There is plenty of space for a full days worth of food, a emergency tarp, shovel, probe, ice axe, crampons and skins. It is slightly heavy but makes up for it with its comfort level when fully loaded.

This has proven to be a very well thought out pack. TNF did a good job designing this. It's great for bc skiing in, with plenty of room for short or long days. The coolest feature that really stands out is the skin compartment on the bottom of the pack. It's really nice to not stick wet/snowy skins in ontop of your coat.

The only reason I'm giving this 4/5 is that it's not a top flap/lid, the top zips. This makes it a little less versatile for carrying a rope along or quickly stowing a coat. Overall a great pack, that I would recommend.

I got the older version, 07 i believe, n its still holdin up! The aluminium X suspension system is amazing! Two massive compartments, n multiple access points to each. nice pack, nice price, not to mention great service thru backcountry.com!