Everyone wants to ride the perfect line
And there is never a “last run”
This pack started as a deep dive into backpacks. What could a backpack look like? What materials will it be made of? Through that exploration, I found an opportunity.
I have never seen a backpack designed for skilled skiers and snowboarders that is small enough to not impede movement during inbounds/park riding yet is versatile enough for short days in the backcountry.
Inbounds riding
Lift access in resort property. Think Vail, Mt. Hood, Mt. Baker, Whistler, Palisades, and Park City. These people are dedicated to shredding and eating up as many face fulls of powder as possible. They love going fast on groomers, fun tree lines, the safety of ski patrol, and hitting grinds in the park. Nothing but the need to eat can bring you off the mountain (but most bring pocket sammies anyway).
Backcountry
The off-resort, hike in terrain. This is the freshest and most remote snow you can imagine. You need a LOT of gear and experience to ride out here that most resort riders don’t possess. But the few who have the desire and skills can’t ride in the backcountry without friends with gear or renting equipment. Yet the snow is calling and you must go. You need a pack that can get you through a day of backcountry riding without compromise but not a full avalanche airbag.
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Bryce
Known for sending huge drops and being the first to drop in. Bryce has been riding backcountry his whole life but injuries have decreased his abilities on the mountain. Bryce spends most of his time in bounds at Mt. Batchler but won’t turn down an adventure backcountry skiing.
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PB
PB is a student at UC Boulder. They grew up riding on the east coast but quickly learned the Rockies have so much to love. PB usually shreds at Winter Park but their friends have been on side and backcountry a lot this season. PB is ready for huge sends but doesn’t want to miss out on long days lapping the park.
What do you need with you while in bounds?
snacks
phone
keys
water
snowboard
skis
ski poles
boots
layers
GoPro
helmet
goggles
How about in the backcountry?
You need the same gear as in-bounds skiing plus all these things too!
avalanche gear
maps
compass
snow shovel
probe
beacon
climbing gear
ice tool
snow saw
Needs
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Light Weight
You need to stay agile on the mountain and having a heavy pack makes it hard to ride effectively.
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Insulated Bladder and Hose Sleeve
Being hydrated allows you to perform your best but if your water freezes you can’t use it!
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Ski and Board Carry
When hiking into remote areas there may be times when you need to strap your skis to your back.
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Gear Loops
Having places to clip mittens or extra climbing gear is extremely handy
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Goggle Pocket
While ascending you typically don’t need to be wearing your ski goggles, they need a safe home.
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Helmet Storage
On the climb up helmets get too hot and are usually not needed. There needs to be a versatile way to stash them.
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Quick Access to Avy Gear
Backcountry adventures can, unfortunately, go south quickly. Being able to get to avalanche gear is important.
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Water and Snow Proof
Bringing extra layers is great until snow gets into your pack and melts, soaking your gear.
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20 - 30 Liters
15L is too small for all the gear needed for a full day but more than 30L is cumbersome and hard to ride with.
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Recco Beacon
Recco is a passive beacon that helps rescue workers find missing people
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Hip Belts and Sternum Straps
A loose pack can make it hard to ride. Hip belts and sternum straps keep the pack tight to your body.
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External Storage
Ice tools are hard to pack and can damage your other gear. Strapping them to the outside is the easiest solution for quick access in an emergency.
Form Exploration
Refinement
