Mike, what about ski touring packs for weekend to long weekend trips, 2-5 days? Any recommendations? I'd think the Jam2 a little small for that (keep in mind I'll be carrying a 2 man Allak tent of a little over 6 lbs and bulky synthetic puff insulation).
Chris T recommended the Golite Pinnacle, though I was wondering if I'd do better with a pack with a little back support. I haven't carried the Pinnacle weighted with gear so I can't judge, but typically I like a little extra back support with the penalty of a little added weight. I like the construction of the Granite Gear packs (except the idiocy of the lower compression strap over the webbing pockets), but not sure how well packs like the Nimubs Meridian would work for ski touring.
Right now, after just selling our Golite Infinity Packs, we don't have a real "winter" pack other than an old but in great shape bomber Dana Design Big Sky pack, about 2400 cu. in. For a snowshoeing trip this week we'll have to use light 3 season bags or borrow a pack. They should be enough for a short trip.
BTW, Golite Infinity was a great pack, with enough support at only 2 lbs 7 oz to carry 40 lbs, but a) I missed having a shove-it open panel compression pocket for stuffing things on the go and holding a shovel b) I didn't think the material on the pack durable enough to handle winter gear for long (and Golite confirmed this, and thus switched to a new pack material in the Golite Pursuit ski touring pack).
Anyone have any experience with the Golite Pursuit? If the suspension/back panel is the same as the Golite Infinity, I'd love it, though not sure about a front packet that has a zipper (instead of being an open compression pocket).
I'm with you on beauty of Telemark skiing, I've had friends demo including a ski instructor friend that lives to telemark, but dedication to learn it properly also requires time, more time than I can apply now. So right now I'm happy to practice winter backpacking skills, while upping ski skills later in the season and getting educated on AT and Telemark. Also have to bring up my wife's downhill skis (she grew up a flatlander and her first ski trip was only a few years ago). I'll probably have to wait to do more advanced ski and safety courses until next season.
