When it comes to touring in the backcountry while splitboarding, a comfortable, snug-fitting backpack that keeps weight balanced is key. I have been testing the Osprey line of backpacks for years, and the Osprey Soelden 32L has officially earned its spot as one of my favorites. In fact, it recently made my roundup of “Must-Have Splitboarding Gear,” […]
Between Editor Isabelle Wellman’s decade of pro-instructing and my 25 years of testing gear in the Teton backcountry, we’ve carried every pack in this guide through blizzards, dawn patrols, and multi-day missions. We didn’t just ‘look’ at these; we hauled avalanche gear and splitboards in them to see where they fail. Here at Mountain Weekly […]
As a fan of Arc’teryx’s sleek yet functional designs I was excited to test out the Micon 32 Backpack. As an avid backcountry skier, I’ve tested loads of backcountry ski packs and generally know what works when performance matters. The Arc’teryx Micon Backpack was unfortunately an underwhelming test. Arc’teryx Use of N210r HT Nylon The […]
The MaxGear Darkstar 32L Camping Backpack is a solid option for quick overnights and everyday adventurers from a weekend on the trail to the daily commute. Don’t let it’s military style MOLLE design turn you off, this pack is made for everyone. Tactical Functionality for the Trail While originally designed for military use, the MOLLE […]
Patagonia’s SnowDrifter is like a sidecountry pow tour in backpack form. Imagine all the epic of a day exploring out of bounds packed into a small, tight package. Then kick it up with Patagonia’s indelible stylings and aesthetics, their attention to details that only an actual mountain ninja would think of, strip off all the […]
I tested the Osprey Sopris 40L Women’s Backpack on an alpine tour in Grand Teton National Park, temperatures were between 0-5 degrees F, with in and out cloud coverage and snow showers. The day involved some technical mountaineering, so I got to utilize almost all of the carry options on the pack. The Sopris boasts […]
As a backcountry skier with a penchant for long days out in the mountains, the minimalist, lightweight Descensionist by Patagonia has always been my go to backpack. In need of an upgrade after many years of logging endless vertical in the Tetons, I was thrilled to give the new iteration of this Patagonia classic a […]
The Ortovox 32L Switchback Backpack just about ticks all the boxes on what I need when splitboarding in the backcountry. I took the Ortovox Switchback 32 out on a day touring on Teton Pass and found this bag to be as comfortable as it is practical, allowing me to move through the mountains with ease. […]
Outdoor Vitals has recently come on my radar within the last year or so. I’ve been thoroughly impressed with everything I’ve tried, so I was excited to test out the Outdoor Vitals CS40 Ultra Backpack. This backpack was insanely light, crazy durable and quite comfortable. Ultralight Frame You know what sounds awesome? An ultralight backpack […]
The Hydaway Backpack is a collapsible, light-weight pack ideal for almost everything I do. Besides coaching and personal training, I am a swimmer, runner and skateboarder and I always need a bag. My Hydaway Backpack review will show you exactly how I used the bag in the city, outdoors and even in the gym. There […]