Gear Talk: Reviews, Picks, Innovations

Off-Piste
December 2006

New 30-35 Liter Ski Packs - Valhalla

BC Access Valhalla Day Pack - The latest pack from the boys who pioneered the insulated hydration system is the Valhalla. It is a 37 liter top loading pack designed with skiers and boarders in mind. The pack offers a dedicated avy tool compartment with outside zipper access so you do not have to open the pack body to find your shovel or probe.

The pack is clean, simple, and lightweight for its size. Other features include two fleece lined hip belt pockets, a zipper pocket in the top lid, and a zipper compartment inside the avy tools area. The pack comes set up with a hydration tube system that connects directly to a Nalgene bottle or it can accommodate a traditional hydration bladder.

The pack is designed to carry skis or a snowboard. It offers both the A-frame and diagonal ski carry, although, we found the A-frame to be the better of the two systems. The diagonal carry was less stable, as the upper attachment does not tie into the pack frame. The snowboard carry system is simple and runs the board straight up the pack with two cross straps.

The Valhalla is a nice simple pack that offers room for all the essential tools and clothes for a full day in the mountains. 2.6lbs, $139, bcaccess.com -D. Wilder