Mountain Hardwear

Snoskiwoski 40L Backpack

Middling

Mixed feelings. For an alpine focused backpack, it’sdisappointing. I’m not sure if this is better than the Scrambler 35 which I already have. Main reason for purchase was the ski carrying ability, but the upper shoulder strap to hold the skis disintegrated after five minutes. Not a way to inspire confidence on the mountain. Also would have hoped for more dedicated zipper pockets. The saving grace is that I got it for 50% off, MHW offers frequent sales. Just an average pack, not anywhere near worth the list price. My advice is to wait for a significant discount and use as a secondary/backup pack.

Very light, but top is poor

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

Sm/Med

The pack is very light, but the top (the lid) is between a roll-top and a fix fastener type top. It's not well designed because you could have loads of different sizes and it won't close all the way. If it was raining, it would not be possible to fully keep things dry because water would slowly leak through the sides of the lid.

Fantastic bag but top closure could be improved

I bought this pack as my new winter SAR bag as well as a larger bag for ski touring since I only had a 25 L before. I use an Osprey Mutant 38 in the summer and for my winter mountaineering so I'll mostly compare it to that. I so far have taken it out on one SAR mission and 3 days of ski touring, here are my initial impressions. Pros: -Despite not having a top brain (more on that later), the combination of the side pocket to hold gloves and a headlamp, the right hip belt pocket to hold my notepad and a multi-tool, and the zippered pouch in the avy compartment to hold my wallet and keys, this pack has enough storage to hold my smaller items securely. -This bag feels like a true 40 L capacity and I can comfortably fit insulated pants, mitts, a bivy, extra food, survival supplies, a hard shell jacket, gloves, a first aid kit, and a synthetic belay parka with some room to spare! -Due to some poor planning on a new route, our group had to ski and traverse through dense trees to get back to our car. Making our way through the trees, I hit multiple branches at low to moderate speeds and didn't get a single tear. I see the main fabric lasting for quite a while. -The side entry is a cool feature and while I don't use it since I strap a foam pad to that side, I could see how by strategically packing, you can easily access items without having to expose the top. Cons/improvements: -The top closure system could also be improved. The main opening of the bag has a cinch top which is fine but then a narrow storm flap is used to cover the opening. If overstuffing the bag, the storm flap doesn't completely cover the cinch opening and there are gaps on both sides that lead directly into the main body of the pack. Additionally, the G hook used to secure the storm flap to the rear of the pack is fairly long due to the bartack stitching and does not allow you to compress the bag more vertically. This could be addressed simply by using a wider storm flap to cover the opening. My preferred solution would be to instead use a removable top brain to cover the opening. This would provide even more storage and also provide a way to secure a rope on top so this pack could then replace the role of my Mutant for winter mountaineering. -The avy pocket could extend further from the front of the pack to allow you to fit a larger shovel blade. I was able to fit my quaint BCA B1 EXT blade into the pocket with about an inch to spare on each side but, with the bag packed to its full capacity, the zippers are not easy to close. -Ice axe attachment could be better but it's not the worst. Like offerings from Arc'teryx, Osprey, and Dynafit to name a few, I would prefer to have an aluminum toggle on a bungee to feed through the head of the axe rather than a buckle and strap to secure the shaft to the pack.

Light and Functional

The pack so far has been very useful, small and light but has the capability to haul larger loads. It is made for snow so it stays close to the back and doesn’t breathe. This causes a sweating problem that you may need to mitigate with layering properly. Whether over multiple layers or just the base layer the pack is comfortable. The shovel pocket is spacious and convenient. Love the side access for gear or a rope if you’re touring. The left side zip pocket is perfect for quick access to your probe. Overall the quality and ease of use are great. Cons: lack of an arch with the back board prevents air flow. I actually got a rash from a 5 hour hike. I decided to wash the pack, which was actually pretty easy, but reinstalling the back plate and aluminum frame was fairly difficult considering how easy it was to remove. The compression straps are a bit higher on the pack than my preference. A second mesh storage pocket in the shovel pocket would be nice for organizing and elevating gear to keep weight centered. Pros: I think the best part which I haven’t been able to use yet is the diagonal carry system that is built into the pack. Supposed to be able to store skis or split halves without removing the pack, excited to test this once the snow flies. Multiple carry methods are built into the design. Most importantly it looks cool 😎

Snowskiwoski Ski pack review.

So far, there are some issues: ski slots are too narrow for wide skis or splitboards, luckily the side straps (both with releasable buckles) will work for side carry/A-frame. The diagonal carry system is awkward, and the shoulder strap cam buckle broke the first time I tried to use it: the webbing binds too much in the buckle, making it nearly impossible to adjust and tighten. Hence I would suggest the diagonal carry system does not function. The tool pocket is large enough to carry one of the bigger shovel blades, which is nice, and a small lightweight axe will fit in there as well. So will skins. The rest of the pack seems to be pretty well sorted, it is reasonable in weight, and it seems like it will carry enough gear for a lightweight overnight mission, and it compresses down well enough for the average day of backcountry riding. The small zippered accessory compartment could be a little bigger. There is no dedicated goggle stow area, which some users might want, I could care less. The side pocket seems like it is a good place to carry spare gloves, balaclava, and things like that. The main compartment is quite large. The top closure is a bit curious..., I am not sure why MH did not go with a more extendable, standard roll top closure? This requires two actions to get in and out of (undo the strap, and then expand the cord closure) which could be easier. Also, this does not look like it will keep water out of the pack, which is not an issue here in Colorado, but might be in wetter climates. It does look like the strap closure over the top will allow for some excess heat to be strapped on top for approaches on overnights. With careful packing, the side access zipper to the main compartment could be quite useful for grabbing water bottles and such. I will try and follow up after a number of big days out...

Snowskiwoski 40 Pack

I took a chance on this pack by ordering it without seeing it 1st. I like the fit, comfort and weight as well as the capacity. I am less enthused about the light duty hardware (like a 1" buckle/clasp to secure the hip belt), the draw string closure of the main compartment and the lack of pockets/compartments to stash smaller items. The large outside pocket for shovels/probes is useful and easy to access.

Ski touring and skimo bag

I really like how this bag fits and skis. It’s the perfect size for ski touring. The waist belt tightens the opposite direction compared to all others bags I’ve had and holds its tension which works very well. The material is great and light. I was skeptic about the top sealing snow out but it seams to be doing an okay job so far, then again for deep days I’m usually wearing my airbag pack with the hightened avy danger. An internal pocket in the main compartment would be nice but the hydration bladder sleeve does an okay job at that. The biggest disappoint was the plastic cam for the diaganol carry strap broke the first time I tried using it at barely below freezing temperatures. You can still rig up the bag to carry diagonally with the compression strap at the top of the bag but it’s not ideal.

Love the pack -- mostly

Bought this a few months ago and I honestly really like it. It's lightweight, the perfect size, and has almost everything I look for in a backcountry touring pack. My biggest gripe is the diagonal ski carry - it is SUCH a pain trying to get the shoulder strap/loop on my ski tips. My skis are the Armada Tracer 98's at 180 cm and they seem like they are just too big to make the strap work without taking the pack off. I also wish the top was a bit more weather proof as others have also brought up. Either a roll top, a better storm flap, or a brain/lid for the pack would be awesome. The bottom helmet carry is great, and I love all of the other features of the pack - just wish some minor adjustments were made.

Avy pocket too small. Waiting for refund info

I have returned the item and have yet to hear an update on a refund. Bag seems amazing except for one very big flaw. The avy pocket is too small to fit my bd evac 7 and 330 bca probe. The pocket should be taller and have some material allowing the pocket to extend out of the body of the bag

Good, but...

This is a good pack design, materials are largely confidence inspiring while being light for the volume. Simple and light the Snoskiwoski is so close to greatness it physically hurts. The Good: - Actually a 40L pack not 40ish - Snow tools pocket its a 320cm avalanche probe, and a snow picket - Straps and waist belt are excellent - Includes a helmet holder, sorta... The Bad: - Helmet holder is a little small for a ski helmet, but does take a climbing helmet - Main compartment would really benefit from a keys/snack pocket - Diagonal ski carry straps struggle to accommodate my 105 ZeroGs @180cm, top strap too short The Ugly: - The camlock on diagonal carry top strap broke on first day, I have concerns about the plastic parts as this breakage happened in above zero temperatures when the pack is intended for below zero activities Overall, I recommend this pack for any skier as the problems are minor. Also the name Snoskiwoski had me giggling for multiple days.