Winter Sports Special 2017: Luggage

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As the European Ski/Snowboard season for 2017 starts, we review some of this years must have Tech, Luggage and Apps.

Pick of the Best Packs for 2017

Snomad Tour Bag by The North Face

The North Face brand are synonymous with the outdoor adventurers for clothing and luggage.  Although their range for ski & snowboard is small, you can be assured anything from The North face will be made to last and perform as expected.

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The Snomad has a range of features needed by mountain users.  Made from a lightweight but durable 210D HT Nylon reducing the overall weight for the user yet remaining strong enough in case of a fall

A dedicated pocket for Avy tools (even the most basic of skier/boarder should have these),  glove stash, goggle storage and belt clip for easy stowing of your kit and a handy A-frame ski carry system so you can attach your skis without removing the pack.  The internal volume is 36l.

The Snowmad Tour Bag is £130.

High Roller Snowboard Bag by Dakine

When travelling with your own board, you will know the routine when you arrive at the airport.  Check in then over to the oversize baggage drop off area, where someone checks your details and then throws your pride and joy onto the belt, or worse, a metal mesh trolley!

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The Dakine High roller is a fully padded rollable case that offers full protection to your board.   With 3 internal pockets you can keep your boots separate from your board and clothing, giving your board the best possible chance of making to the resort in one piece.

The High Roller costs $220 and comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty!

Summit by Wolffepack

I covered the Summit, back in October 2016, during it’s Kickstarter campaign.  It is now on  pre-order at the Wolffepack site for Mid March deliveries.

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Wolffepack backpacks are unique in the fact they can easily be detached from the shoulder straps and swung to the front of your body.  Ideal for chair lifts or quick access to your belongings.

The Summit has a main 16l pouch for storage, skis can be mounted in the A-frame style, there are dedicated spaces for goggles and the pack was designed to provide back protection that combines hard shell resistance with soft-layer impact absorption.

The Summit is on Pre-order for £130.

Ride Removable AVY Backpack by Mammut

This one is focused for those more advanced winter sports enthusiasts who prefer to go off-piste rather than sticking to the normal runs.  Although all of us could do with one of these packs from Mammut!

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These Avy or Avalanche backpacks have an airbag built into them.  The left shoulder strap houses an emergency pull trigger that activates the airbag in about 3 seconds if you are caught in an avalanche.  If you are sticking to normal runs you can remove the airbag system to reduce weight and provide more storage, although this is only a 2l increase on this model.

Mammut is one of the few manufacturers to offer a selection of avalanche airbags with a specific women’s fit, under its „Short” range. The back length is shorter in these models and the shoulder straps and hip belt are tailored to the female anatomy and offer excellent carrying comfort. However, most of the models are also suitable for men with a short upper body.

The Ride and Ride Short are both £480.

Mountain Ascent by Lowe Alpine

If you are doing a hut to hut trip across a range, you will need a large enough pack to carry your kit, whilst keeping it safe, secure and remaining comfortable to wear during the day.

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As you would expect the Lowe Alpine Ascent has a loop, strap or slot for every item of your snow gear when not in use.  The lightweight fabric will not absorb water, and the bonded seams will keep it out and your clothes dry.

It has been ergonomically designed to be worn during the day whilst you are out on the snow without limiting your movement.

The Ascent is £120.

Tom Payne
Tom, Editor. An online publication providing news & reviews on apps, gadgets and luggage for the connected traveller.

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