backpaks, who makes the best one?

[maurfello]

I am looking in to getting a pack this year to ride with. I don't really know by looking on websites witch pack would be suited best for snowmobiling. the pack would need to hold a shovel, probe, GPS radio, goggles, gloves, tools, first aid kit, small camera, snacks (jerky, peanuts...), basic survival tools. The packs I've looked at (KLIM KREW PAK) do not specify weather they are waterproof. Curious to hear real world testaments, Pro's & Con's about your pack.

 

[Dam Dave]

BCA stash

 

[capulin overdrive]

Avi packs are getting cheap enough now, that it would be hard not to go that way.

 

[phatty]

I am looking in to getting a pack this year to ride with. I don't really know by looking on websites witch pack would be suited best for snowmobiling. the pack would need to hold a shovel, probe, GPS radio, goggles, gloves, tools, first aid kit, small camera, snacks (jerky, peanuts...), basic survival tools. The packs I've looked at (KLIM KREW PAK) do not specify weather they are waterproof. Curious to hear real world testaments, Pro's & Con's about your pack.

There isnt much for completely water proof packs out there. Most are water resistant which work well in snow, but not in rain or sleet conditions. I personally wear the snowpulse highmark prime. But i prefer an avy pack. I use the klim packs for hiking and mtn biking. Plenty of space in them.

 

[mike_s]

Of I may make a suggestion, only keep the things you need for survival in your backpack. Tools for fixing the sled cab stay on the sled. Frees up room in the backpack for more survival stuff and can also lighten the load on your back.

That being said, Ogio makes several good bags, allot of them are sold as snowboard bags but work equally well on a sled. I ride with one, but will be getting the motorfist one soon, which coincidentally is made by Ogio.

Sent From God Knows Where...

 

[SnowBaller]

I use a Dakine backpack that has served me well for several seasons with very little wear and tear. They cater to the ski/snowboard crowd but know what is needed in a backcountry backpack. Many sizes and options to choose from.

 

[christopher]

Started out wearing the KLIM KREW pack
Fits well, very comfortable, plenty of room.

As i got deeper into the sport I upgraded to the SnowPulse Highmark AVY bag. And unless I am just going out for a fun ride with the kids or my wife, this is pretty much the only pack I wear now. Given the cost of our sport and the inherent dangers of mountain riding, its VERY hard to argue against wearing an AVY pack any more!

 

[line8]

I've worn a Dakine Heli pro for a few years. Stays dry. Only problem is I have a habit of over packing it since it has the room. This year I'm considering a vest. Ogio or an Avi vest

 

[MORSNO]

I wear an HMK pack with survival gear and extra hats, gloves, socks, etc.

 

[Jaynelson]

Also used a Dakine pack for years...still looks and works great. Never had a problem with water resistance....although "waterproof" May be a stretch.

 

[bucky919]

I use the Dakine Heli pro, Nothing has ever gotten wet in the pack, from what I can remeber. Ive riddin in the rain with it also on the way up to the top. I have no reason to change packs, Everyone else in my group has the Klim packs.

 

[Jaynelson]

I wouldn't say it's hard to find a normal pack at all....?

 

[bnorth]

Used a 20L Dakine Helipro for a lot of years. Only issue was where my probe wore some of the rubber waterproofing off the inside but after 6 years that's not a big deal imo. Switched to a snowpulse highmark vest last season. Kinda miss the extra storage of my pack.

 

[skidooboy]

true north adventure lightning packs. love them. Ski

 

[Blown Motor]

As noted above, keeping the essentials on your body is the first thing to think about when making a pack choice. Tools in our opinion are 50/50 to have on you or the sled. We can think of a few scenarios when having tools when separated from your sled could be a plus! But yes, adding that extra weight is a huge considerations as well.

When we first start fitting packs to customers we get them to line out what they want to carry like you have done, and how they want to carry it (vest or pack). Secondly, what additional features are important to them other than storage. And last, what their price point is. We sell hundreds of the HMK Back Country Packs, but they are not for everybody. They are entry level priced, and have the essentials for the beginning back pack buyer. We also sell a ton of the Klim Krew and Nac Packs because of the vast array of features that they come with other than just storage. The Motorfist pack while being one of the biggest, has been overwhelmingly popular because you can cram a ford pinto in it if needed, but when not stuffed full it lays really flat and the baffling and compartments keeps gear where it needs to be. But as noted above, a ton of people, if they have the room fill it. Which leads to a heavy load. Another good point made above is that with prices of avi-vests or packs coming down it may be a good time to invest the money now and kill two birds with one stone. Either way, feel free to call us and get an opinion on what we have ran and sold in the past. We make sure to have a staff member ride one or two new packs a year so that we at least have some real world use and knowledge, along with how the pack holds up for wear and tear. Hope this helps, and as always shoot us a Pm, Email, or call! We are always willing to help.

 

[Ride_The_Rockies]

Another one for the Dakine Helipro had it for several years and its still holding up.

 

[2Thetopp]

X2, on the Dakine Heli Pro, lots of storage, separate lined goggle compartment, shovel compartment, exterior shovel handle area, Camelback friendly through insulated shoulder strap, pouch for phone or GPS on the waist strap, it even has a whistle built in to the chest strap! Great pack, but I'd be willing to let it go for around $65 bucks if somebody needs it, been riding with avy pack the last few years.

 

[n16ht5]

my dakine heli pro is 12 years old and going.. but im tempted by an ogio flight vest or avi pack

 

[mtncat1]

i like my klim krew pack never had a problem with It getting wet. and has all the features I needed .

 

[bluedxj]

do the new dakine heli pro's have a spot for a shovel?