Mystery RanchSaddle Peak Pack - Water Resistant Skiing Pack, Techno, Large/X-Large

If you're serious about skiing and you know how to get to chad's gap from the bottom of Alta, then this is the pack for you. (The gaper in the picture I included with this review is me btw!)In all seriousness though, this is a very solid pack. It's definitely a little pricey, but for the design and engineering/quality they put into this, I can see why it is priced on the expensive side.I've had a few ski backpacks over the years and I'm pretty sure this one has every feature you'd need for a decent length trek. The ONLY thing I've found that this pack doesn't have, is an insulated spot for your water bladder hose. I have another pack that has that, but honestly I'm not really sure if it's necessary to have or not? I haven't been able to try this pack for long enough out in the cold to know for sure if the hose will freeze or not. I'll definitely update this review though if/when I find out.The way the weight is distributed in this pack is perfect. (Even with skis on it like in the pic I included.)The way this pack distributes weight remindeds me of a camping backpack that my dad used to have with an aluminum frame. When I was a kid, I was always amazed with how much weight you could carry in the bag, and how light it would still feel on your back. Picking this bag up to put it on my back I thought "wow this thing is fully loaded and it's heavy!" But once I got it on, I was surprised with how light it felt! I could walk around and bend down with no problems.I like the fact that it has a mesh helmet pouch and its still actually usable with the skis on too. When I actually am out hiking somewhere, I hate having my helmet on my head for some reason. It's a little tough to clip one of the sides in with the pack fully loaded AND with your skis on it, but you can still access it to get at your helmet if/when needed.The way it holds skis is super secure too. One of the other packs I have, it feels like your skis are going to fall out if you lean too far in one direction. I don't have that problem at all with this pack. It holds the skis securely and they don't move around at all when hiking.Overall I really have no complaints with this bag yet. It's definitely my new favorite out of the few ski bags I currently own. I'll be sure to update this review if I find out about the insulated hose area as well, but so far personally, I wouldn't let that deter me from this bag since it's designed really well in practically every other way!

Mystery Ranch makes some awesome packs. If you know, you know. If you don't, welcome to the club. Mystery Ranch has updated their saddle peak pack which they cover well in their own video. I'm a big fan of the new pack. I was previously using a Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 24 for my snow trips and hikes, and it's been great, but I've come across a few limitations from it. So I decided to give the Saddle Peak a shot. I'm not that avid of a skier or snowboarder yet, but my colleagues who are have told me about this pack. I always thought it would be a little extra for snowshoeing, but I'm really glad I got it.First, the built-in adjustability to match the pack to your height and back is a must for comfort. Second, I used to dislike having built-in hip belts, but when it comes to snow activities and you're wearing gloves and have multiple layers on, easily accessible external pockets are a prize so I happily welcome the new built-in hip belt and pockets.How's the inside? It's pretty roomy. The pack I was using (Urban Assault 24) has 1465 cubic inches and the Saddle Peak has 1555 cubic inches (per Mystery Ranch's website). Unlike the Urban Assault, which is primarily one large cavern with accessory pockets, the Saddle Peak has two main dedicated pockets along with some medium and accessory pockets, plus the large-item carry strap (ex. helmet). Now, I like to take photos of the scenery so I usually bring around my DSLR. This means my pack has to be able to accommodate a camera cube or insert of some sort. I've been using a Tenba insert with great results in the Urban Assault. I'm very happy to report it fits just as well, if not better, in the Saddle Peak pack. The Saddle Peak also holds a bladder better, as well as additional items of spare clothing, food, etc. Everything I did with the Urban Assault for hiking (and was happy with), the Saddle Peak does better. Now, the Saddle Peak is slightly heavier at 0.4 lb (again, per MR's website), but this is well worth the trade-off for an extra 90 cubic inches, hip belt, adjustable back, compression straps, and more.Mystery Ranch has done a fantastic job with their Saddle Peak update. Although it's primarily marketed as a skiing/snowboarding pack, I think it works out great for day hikes and for photographers as well. It has ample room to hold gear, food, water, can be ergonomically adjusted, and is still relatively lightweight while being durable and water resistant.

The price and material quality don't line up. The pack should've been constructed out of something as robust as Cordura, but feels more like ripstop nylon.Shoulder straps need vertical adjustment choice (attachment points every 5cm). Shoulder straps are fixed. They may be tightened or loosened.Were expectations to high? Maybe. Afterall it's basically a daypack.

細部に渡り使いやすいよう工夫されています。以外と容量も大きく使いやすいです。外部にヘルメットホルダーが付いていますが、ショベルを入れなければ、バック内にヘルメットは入ります。