Black Crows Hunter Line: A First Look at the Dorsa 22 Pack and Oxus Poles

Black Crow recently dropped its limited-edition Hunter Line and we could not be more excited. I was able to get my hands on the Oxus Powder Hunter Poles and the Dorsa 22 Powder Hunter X-pac Backpack… No skis yet but we can hope.

Black Crows Dorsa Steez

This limited-edition release can be identified by its high contrast black and white color range with a splash of bright orange – and man does it look sleek.  The pack almost glows in the sun and the poles are right there with it. The pack has a simple yet aesthetic shape while the poles have the signature long grip and Black Crows Basket.

Dorsa Backpack Capacity and Use Case

Typically, I like my packs to have 30-liter capacity or more for backcountry pursuits. I’ve found that if the pack is designed correctly, it can be quite light and low profile with a small load yet allow for a much larger load for big days on the mountain. The Dorsa 22 Powder Hunter X-pac Backpack has a smaller (22-liter) capacity ruling it out for larger touring days.

I did find that the backpack was excellent for resort and side country days. The pack has more than enough room for ripping around the resort and has a dedicated probe and shovel compartment for out of bounds skiing.

Backpack Fit and Features

Possibly because of its smaller capacity the backpack fits quite snug and well. I barely noticed it was on while ripping around the resort dropping features and all the rest. The pocket/ compartment design is simple and functional with one avy compartment, a main compartment, a goggle pocket and a keys pocket.

The pack comes with a diagonal ski carry which I found to work quick and easy without the need for any voile straps. The pack also has an ice axe carrying system. I suppose if your side country mission was quite technical this could come in handy although for most outings that require an ice axe, I would likely have a larger pack. The pack is said to be made with a superstrong outer fabric although I did notice a scuff mark on the outside of the pack after carrying my skis. The material certainly held but did get scuffed after one use.

Oxus Poles

Now poles are not something that needs an absurd amount of sophistication or functions. They should feel light balanced and stable. Black Crow poles are just this. I was first introduced to their poles with the Black Crows Trios Freebird which I absolutely love, and I haven’t been let down yet.  The Oxus Powder Hunter Poles are simple, strong and get the job done – all while looking rad. The poles come with Black Crows signature extended grip and powder basket. These poles are not collapsable which also tells me this new collection is more for inbounds and side country as opposed to full on touring.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Excellent for Resort and Sidecountry Use: The reviewer explicitly states that the Dorsa 22 backpack is “excellent for resort and side country days.” It has ample room for resort gear, plus dedicated compartments for avalanche safety equipment, making it a good choice for those who split their time between on-piste and off-piste areas. The Oxus poles, with their fixed length and non-collapsible design, further reinforce this intended use case. This focused design is a clear pro for the targeted user.

2. Sleek Design and Functional Features: The review repeatedly highlights the aesthetics of the gear, noting the “high contrast black and white color range with a splash of bright orange” that is both sleek and visually appealing. Beyond looks, the pack is praised for its simple and functional pocket design, comfortable and snug fit and convenient features like the diagonal ski carry and ice axe carrying system. The poles are lauded for being “simple, strong” and having a great feel.

Cons:

1. Limited Backpack Capacity for Touring: The 22-liter capacity of the Dorsa backpack is a significant drawback for larger backcountry adventures. The reviewer points out that it rules out the pack for larger touring days and mentions the general preference for a 30-liter capacity or more. This limitation restricts the user to shorter or less intensive out-of-bounds activities.

2. Durability Questionable: While the backpack is said to be made with “superstrong outer fabric,” the reviewer notes a scuff mark after just one use while carrying skis. This raises concerns about the long-term durability of the pack, especially if used regularly in more rugged conditions. This indicates that the “superstrong” material may not be as tough as advertised.

Overall Impression

It’s great to see this new limited edition Hunter line from Black Crows. As usual the gear is well designed and pops on the mountain. This collection is perfect for those skiing resort and venturing out into the side country.

Related Poles We Teste on Snow

1. LEKI Makula Lite Poles
2. Atomic BCT Touring Poles
3. Black Diamond Traverse 3 Poles