best winter pack for carrying snowshoes

I've hauled Northern Lites around this winter on a Pinnacle. I use web accessory straps to secure them down so they're not bouncing and banging around. This makes access to the zippered back pocket on the Pinnacle inconvenient. I think attaching snowshoes to most backpacks would block an external pocket or two.

I put my MSR Denali Evo Assents (with tails) into the side pockets and strapped them in with the compression straps when hiking. Putting them on the sides distributed the weight much better than strapping for example on the back or top. The Pinnacle also has more volume than the Jam that I normally carry to make it ideal for me as a winter pack.

Joshua, you might want to describe your snowshoes. Some are large, and some are small. Some have a snowshoe crampon/tooth that would chew up lots of lightweight packs.

The winter storms are hitting now, so maybe you will have enough snow to actually use your snowshoes.
–B.G.–

@Bob: My snowshoes are MSR denalis. There's more snow now, but this has been an issue from time to time, and I'm hoping to do some early spring trips that might have similar conditions.

Thanks for the insights so far. I'm not worried about blocking an exterior pocket too much, honestly I don't use the back pocket on my starlite too much.

On a related note, can you fit a full sized avy shovel in the front pocket of the pinnacle?

I generally X-C ski with an ancient Lifelink shovel, and the tube/handle detaches from the shovel/blade. I generally carry it deep within my pack so that I won't feel it when I fall awkwardly.
–B.G.–

I can fit a pair of Northern Lites tailfirst in the backpocket of my Pinnacle, but then there are no tie-points higher up to secure it. The suggestion of using a side pocket is better. I normally carry my snowshoes fastened bottom-to-bottom so the cleats on neither shoe can dig into anything else. Fastened together this way, the nose of one shoe will fit nicely into a side pocket on the Pinnacle. I just might try this next time.

If you or anyone you know can sew you can add another wide and thin pocket that would have an elastic band in it(just like a side water bottle pocket). Put the tips downward and then just flip an elastic cord or two over the tail of the snowshoes.

I've had good luck with an REI Flash 65 pack:

http://www.rei.com/product/778468

They also have a 50L model. Not the absolute lightest available, but still light and comfortable.

I carry a GG VT in winter with MSR Lightning ascents (25"). The pads go on the back (vertically) and the shoes go on top underneath a strap. The strap goes through the binding for stability.

Any pack with a lid that is secured by two straps on the front should work. Just put the shoes in there horizontally. Even works on my pack with one strap.

See this photo.

http://www.hikrs.com/original/josh_1/humpback_mountain_31/p1330257_20091115_1669713453.jpg