Burton

AK Japan Guide 35L Backpack

Excellent on paper, sub par in the field

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Picked this up about two months ago for a new winter touring pack that would also see some guide duty. Construction is beautiful and bulletproof, functionality leaves quite a bit to be desired unfortunately. Immediately I was concerned about the helmet/board carry/avy tool pocket interface. The helmet net included is cumbersome and a bit annoying to be polite. Additionally, when using the helmet carry accessing the avy tool compartment is much more difficult than I would like, particularly when compared to other packs i've used or touring partners use. The side zipper compartment is a great idea on paper, but for me in practice it is only good for being a water bottle, small puffy or glove holder. Stuffing wet skins into it is a bit obnoxious and downright difficult with a full or near full pack. Definitely not all bad though. Highly prefer this style waist belt buckle to a traditional one, bag is highly weather resistant, bomber board carry with beefy protection points for the straps where they meet board edges. Solid A-frame carry, ice axes/erg tools fit it well enough, plenty of daisy chains for attaching gear to if needed. My biggest gripe is that there is no "over stuffing" or extendability with it. True 35L unless you want gear dangling all over the place.