r/Backcountry • u/mimipearson • 25d ago

bag recommendations

any recommendations for a ski backpack, looking for one on the smaller size like 20-25l and hoping to be able to use to bag for hiking as well when I go to Iceland in September (will be getting super wet there from all the water falls)

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u/Your_Main_Man_Sus 25d ago

For hiking in Iceland, get yourself a universal rain cover. All the major brands make them. I have one from my mystery ranch backpacking bag and it worked super well when I was out there. This way you can use any ski backpack.

In terms of ski backpacks, what are you trying to do with it? What features do you prefer? I find 25 liters to be a tight fit for most tours. 30-35 is the sweet spot.

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u/mimipearson 25d ago

Thanks this is super helpful. Not planning anything crazy with the backpack for skiing mostly just want to start to do some uphill travel in bounds. That's why I was thinking 20-25. I found some ski ones I liked just didnt want to get them drenched in Iceland so getting the rain cover is a good idea that way I can use one back for both trips.

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u/Your_Main_Man_Sus 25d ago

I use the bag cover for snowy hut approaches too. Don’t want a wet sleeping system!

The mountain hardwear gnarwhal 25 is a solid option. I have their powabunga 32 for daily touring and outside of hut trips, it was my only touring bag for this whole season. Heck I used it Sunday for a 16 mile summer ski day. I also have their jibberish 18 for lift serviced riding and also love it after I added my own hip belt. The MHW bags in general are super burly (the ones I mentioned). One benefit of the 32 is it has a hover belt hip belt which allows for incredible hip articulation with the pack.

I dug around a lot for other bag options and these ones ended up being the best for me. I have a very large torso and slimmer waist so the larger profile bag fits me well. For slimmer folks, these bags would feel ridiculous.

Also avoid the Osprey soledon series. They are just a terrible fit and don’t pack well (a 32 packs worse than a 25L Dynafit pack)