Overview
With Liberty Mountain as the new US distributor for Vaude outdoor gear from Germany, we now have an assortment of lightweight backpacks available to us. We recently reviewed the Vaude Rock Ultralight 25 and the Cross Ultralight 35, two exceptionally lightweight and durable daypacks. At the OR Show we got to see some of Vaude’s ski packs, which equally impressed us.
The Vaude Powder 34 ski pack has sturdy ski loops on the front and sides, a good compression system, and a supportive frame and suspension system.
Some Vaude ski packs include a Rescue Pack to hold your snow shovel, avalanche probe, etc. It slips into a sleeve behind the backpanel and is easily accessible in an emergency.
We looked at a total of six packs. The Daytour 26, Powder 34, and Ski Pro 42 are all ruggedly built HDPE framesheet/single aluminum stay packs. Each contains a Rescue Pack which holds your shovel, avalanche probe, etc., in a sleeve that is easily pulled from the pack and opened. The outside of each pack has sturdy ski loops on the sides and front, plus a strap to tie the tops into an A-frame configuration. The exterior has lots of pockets and a detachable helmet sleeve.
Backpanel view of the Powder 34, showing its well padded suspension system. The shoulder strap material wraps around the edges to avoid chaffing.
Another group of three packs are a bit lighter because they don’t have the Rescue Pack. They are the Ski Race Ultra 12, Snowrider 22, and the Spindrift 35. These packs have the same framesheet and stay, but use lighter fabrics. All of the packs have firm and well padded suspension systems for carrying weight.
The Ski Pro 42, largest of Vaude’s ski packs, has a super easy torso adjustment, just pull a small cord and slide the shoulder straps in or out to get the desired torso length.
Overall, we were dully impressed with the quality, features, and general light weight of the Vaude ski packs, and they are also an excellent value.
Specifications and Features
- Manufacturer: Vaude (www.libertymountain.com)
- Style: internal frame, top loading, drawcord closure with top pocket
- Frame: HDPE framesheet and one center aluminum stay
- Features: easily accessible Rescue Pack in some models, ski loops, ski tie straps, detachable helmet sleeve, front zippered pocket, zippered top pocket, side tool loops, compression straps, and well padded shoulder straps and hipbelt
- Weight: varies by model, range is 1 pound 15 ounces to 4 pounds 1 ounce
- MSRP: $65 to $135
