Winter Pack recommendations

[Stephen M]

Cheers Brian,

I have used the Catalyst for a couple of winter trips in Scotland (without skis or snowshoes) and it was fine.

I have heard a lot of great things about McHale packs.

[Don Selesky]

I'll second the recommendation of the Hyperlight Mountain Gear Expedition pack. Just had mine up in the Colorado Rockies for 5 days, and it carried beautifully.

[Stephen M]

Thanks Don,

A buddy just pointed me that way also.

[Stephen M]

Folks,

Haven't got around to getting new winter pack, just seeing if anyone had any more recommendations?

Cheers,

Stephen

[Henry Thomas]

I was in the same position but after looking at large capacity packs decided on the pulk. I encourage you to check out Skipulks.com. You can't beat a pulk for cold weather camping.

[Stephen M]

I do plan to get a pulk Henry at some stage but also need a load hauler for where a pulk can't go.

[Eric Blumensaadt]

I have an original Dana Designs Terraplane. (7.5 lbs!!)

My recommendation would be something from Granite Gear in the 4,500 cu. in range with exterior straps on the bottom for truly huge synthetic winter bags or winter mattresses.

Granite Gear makes tough packs that are comfortable. Not UL but still light.

[Max Dilthey]

My weight for a 4-day trip up Camel's Hump iN VT in January, with snowshoes and crampons, was like 35lbs. I think 40 is an ok estimate, since I didn't have a stove (someone else did).

[rOg w]

deleted

[Travis Leanna]

I concur with Rog.

In fact, I'm going to be using my Catalyst this weekend. :)

But you're bringing the Hilleberg though, correct? That might take up some pack real estate.

Edit: I see way back in your OP that you mentioned mountaineering. That I have no experience with.

[Stephen M]

Cheers Guys,

It is for Winter trips in the Rockies and back in Europe when carrying crampons, shovel and snowshoes.

It will probaly only be used 2-3 times a year.

[tommy d]

I've found the Black Diamond Mission 75 pack to work well for my winter needs. It's a nice, streamlined pack. It has well-considered places for crampons, axes, and snowshoes to attach to the pack when not in use. It should have plenty of space for a multi-day winter trip.

Good luck with your search!

[David Ure]

Hurry up Stephen. Winter is almost over.

[Stephen M]

Its for next winter Dave, I am stocking up with kit this side of the pond in case we get sent back to Belgium as there is a bit of a shake up at work at the moment.

[Stephen M]

Cheers Tommy, nice pic.

[David Ure]

Just pulling your chain!

[Stephen M]

I got that Dave :-)

Just saying whats happening down the coal mines.

[Mike M]

if you're not going to load it too heavy, the Pinnacle at ~ 70-75 liters does a good job of eating up bulky winter gear, I added a light frame to mine in case I end up carrying snowhoes or the like- carrying snowshoes and a shovel I'm still under 30 #'s for a 3 day outing

as one of the posters mentioned, shelter weight (and volume!) can vary pretty wildly in the winter from a pyramid @ 2#'s to 9#+ for a heavy duty Hillberg or the like, that will most certainly influence your pack choice

you probably guessed, but I'm using a 2# pyramid :)

that's my wife's diminutive pack in the background, have to keep hers extra light!!!!

[Stephen M]

That looks nice Mike, I have an Rei Flash 62 for weights under 30lbs or so, this one is going to be a big ass load hauler.

Al.

I am thinking I will bite the bullet and give Dan MChale a call, I know his packs are expensive but if I don't have to buy another winter pack for 10 years then I am up money.

[Diane Pinkers]

Check out Section Hiker. His March 14 2013 post had his winter backpacking gear list for the White Mountains, where he's been peak bagging. He lists something called a Cold Cold World Chaos Backpack, with a listed weight of 58 ounces. He quotes a total weight of 44 pounds of gear, food, fuel and water for a 4 day trip, and a total skin out weight of 52.7 pounds.

[Stuart .]

Here's sectionhiker's review of the Chaos Diane mentions above:

http://sectionhiker.com/cold-cold-world-chaos-backpack/

And a more recent recap of winter pack recommendations:

http://sectionhiker.com/the-best-backpacks-for-winter-hiking-and-backpacking/

[David Ure]

NM

[Nick Gatel]

[Michael Wainfeld]

[Stephen M]

Just had a very pleasant pone call with Dan, the cheque is going in the post this week :-)

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