Picking the smallest pack...

[Sleddingfarmer]

In past trips out west ive just taken your avg school backpack and tied it to the rack(cat) or the seat(poo) since I wasnt fond of having it on my back due to mobility. But its a pita to get take off at the end of the day being frozen and w/out waist straps just didnt work on my back.
Looking at TNA Lightning, HMK and the Klim Nac Pac.
I just need to fit a shovel,gloves,goggles some jerky and drinks so dont need a big one and dont want to break the bank since I only ride out west once a yr(attm), tho its possible i might use it here for the few powder days.
These look to be about the smallest and cheapest priced and Im sure I cant go wrong w/any of them,tho kinda leaning towards the HMK after reading CG's review..

 

[sclwald]

This is the one I ride with. http://www.shoes.com/Shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?p=EC1033329&pg=5036549

I didn't pay that much for it but it is a good pack. Made for backcountry snowboarding but I use it for sledding. Very comfortable on the back and has spots for the shovel as a feature. Stuff stays dry.

 

[IdahoMike]

Dakine Heli Pro II

Look on Ebay for the Dakine Heli Pro II. I bought a brand new one for $30.00.

Great pack!

 

[crix]

drop packs!!!

You are like me I dont like the average sized pack but still want the functionality to carry a shovel, probe, food, ect

After trying some of the packs from other companys I got a Drop. Its smaller and I hardly notice it on my back I found mine for ~ 30 a few years ago I think mine is a older version of the quick run

http://www.dropmfg.com/packs-bags/

 

[BCDan]

I really like my HMK pack, it holds the stuff I want to carry with room to spare. Going on season 3 with this one, you can hardly tell it's used. Kudos to HMK for a well-made product.

 

[Wayniac]

My wife uses the HMK and I use the Klim. The Klim is about half the size. It is just big enough for the items you mentioned, but won't hold much more. The HMK can carry extra layers etc with plenty of room. Both are good durable comfortable packs. I like the removable tool pouch in the Klim. I like that both packs feature the shovel on the outside so it is quick access.

 

[C-man]

I got a hmk this year and i love it! its not to big or to small for anything!

 

[2zeros]

I use a Klim nacpac.

Kinda spendy, but I love the size. And yes the tool pouch is awesome. It is not too big, but you can fit quite a bit in it. I also like the way the straps at the top let the pac move away from the back of your helmet and shoulders. Fit is great and you almost don't know it is there. -00's

 

[Xrider]

Dakine Heli pak.

 

[Sleddingfarmer]

My wife uses the HMK and I use the Klim. The Klim is about half the size. It is just big enough for the items you mentioned, but won't hold much more. The HMK can carry extra layers etc with plenty of room. Both are good durable comfortable packs. I like the removable tool pouch in the Klim. I like that both packs feature the shovel on the outside so it is quick access.

Well I certainly dont want to be limited to what I can take w/me which sounds like I might be w/the klim?? Sure would be nice If I could get someplace to check them all out, but that's not going to happen around here. Think im going to pull the trigger on an hmk shortly...

 

[yardsale_oem]

i use a northface recon bag.....very small and perfect for avalanche arrest gear and a snack or two