Pack recommendations?

Hi, 

My Alpha Fl 40 recently completely pooped out (torn shoulder strap, pockets delaminating) and I was rightfully told it was wear and tear and won’t be fixed by arc.

Does anyone have any recommendations for packs more focused on ski mountaineering? Preferably has:

-Avy tools pocket

-2 axe attachment points

-A frame ski carry

-40+ liters

-Some way to store crampons like on the Alpha Fl

I’ve already looked at the ortovox peak 45 and deuter freescape pro 40, and while both seem pretty good, I wanna know if there are more options.

Thanks!!

How long did it take you to wear out the Alpha FL? I wanna see a picture of this legendary pack! 

Mike Jwrote:

How long did it take you to wear out the Alpha FL? I wanna see a picture of this legendary pack! 

I had bought it used in pretty good condition about a year and a half ago, I honestly have no idea how I put so much wear on the strap

I have since made that rip about 3x bigger from going to and from the crag…

That's unfortunate. A cobbler could probably mend it for you though.

I'm sorry but I don't have a pack recommendation as my favorite pack is the Alpha FL. But this forum has a lot of threads with pack recommendations if you search for them.

This is how the lower part of the shoulder strap is connected on the old FL 45. Webbing bar tacked to hip belt webbing.

And this is how it is on the newer FL 40.

It looks to me as if they tried to reinforce it. But maybe it's actually weaker now?

I've had my old 45 for close to a decade without issue and have friends who have had them longer and abused them way harder also without issues.

Some ski friends that do way more than me like their raises, spendy though. 

Casey Jwrote:

Some ski friends that do way more than me like their raises, spendy though. 

Who doesn't like getting raises? With the extra money your friends have, they could buy one of these packs:

https://raideresearch.com/products/lf-40l

I've never used a Raide but they appear to have no outside crampon pouch or lash point which is the same reason the Blue Ice Firecrest 38 doesn't tick every single one of the OP's numerous criteria, but the Firecrest is great otherwise.

The Blue Ice Ice Stache 50 is also close but doesn't have an avy gear pocket. If I had to drop something from the list it would be the avy gear pocket.

I think the durability/quality of the Alpha FLs is dropping. The back pocket on my second gen FL 40 delaminated after about two years of occasional use, and a partner completely retired his current gen Alpha 40L after two years of weekend summer use due to many points starting to fail (similar to the OP). However, the FLs are still way more durable than any of the Blue Ice packs I listed. 

Dang autocorrect.

Wanna send me your Alpha FL or sell for cheap? I might be able to fix it and get some more years out of it. For new packs, depends on your budget but Illumination Equipment and Apocalypse Equipment both make packs that seem to fit your needs, except they're both a little under 40L. I have a Patagonia Ascensionist from 2019 that I love for all my ski and climbing related pursuits, but it doesn't have a dedicated avy pocket. Don't know how the current iteration is, or if the Descensionist would be a better choice for your needs.

the deuter durascent series might be worth a look. Similar laminated fabric to the alpha, side straps for skis, roll top closure, a real hipbelt and pretty light. 

I’m selling a cheap Arcteryx FL40 if anyone wants it. Light and durable!

Hyperlite Crux!  Or some of the blue ice stuff

I've used the BCA Stash 40 for a couple years and love it. Has all the skiing features but also 2 hip belt pockets which I greatly prefer instead of gear loops. It's not the lightest but it's super comfy and the full back-panel zip access is sick. Looks like they might be phasing it out for the 35L version which is pretty similar and the "Pro UL" version which is trimmed down a bit, but the old one is still on sale a few places. 

I have tried a lot of ski packs over the years and have strong opinions, for a reference, the ten years ago Arc'teryx Khamski is my favorite pack of all time for skiing.  I tried the Apocalypse and did not like the avy tool system. I think the Mountain Hardwear snowski has many of the features you are looking for. Also my fiance has the Ortovox peak 40 and I have been considering this for myself. I am getting an Illumination Equipment pack this winter as it seems to check all the boxes for me. As others have said, I think Blue Ice is doing good work with their packs as well. 

Mountain Equipment Tupilak 45+ or maybe HMG Prism?

Coming from a climbing perspective:

Bit smaller than what you're looking for, and no avy tools pocket, but take a look at the tufa mochilla alpine 33 - incredible pack and supporting a one-person operation. 

For other small businesses, alpine luddites, illumination equipment, san util designs, and horizon designs all have dedicated ski mountaineering packs. I don't personally have experience with their products, but they come highly recommended.

For mass produced, I've had great experience with the Mountain Equipment Tupilak 37+ (they have a 45+) and the MEC Tour 32. Friends have had great experiences with arc'teryx micon/rush, ortovox (not sure model), and raide research.

I have a Deuter Freescape Pro 40+ that I love for skimo. It has a dedicated avy compartment on the front and six loops that could accept some shock cord for carrying crampons on the exterior. I think there are some more durable packs out there if you are planning to use it for more abrasive activities, but I will give deuter’s warranty some very well deserved credit, they fully replaced a backpacking bag I had that was utterly eaten by marmots. And for the price, it sits well below a lot of the other options people have brought up. 

Probably the most similar option would be the Ortovox Peak 45. I’ve never used that pack, but I have a Trad 28 that I absolutely love for rock and ice climbing. It has held up very well and has a very robust material, so I’d def recommend Ortovox as well.

Osprey Mutant 52? 

Just ordered one for the upcoming ice season 

I bought a 40l Raide Research pack nearly a year ago and used it a lot last winter for ski touring and through the summer glacier and alpine climbing season.  I'm very happy with it as my year-round pack.  It carries avalanche tools well, it has multiple options for ski carry, it carries two axes/tools well, it seems to be durable against rough rock, it hasn't bruised my shoulders, and the company has been very responsive when I've had questions and comments.  It does not have a dedicated crampon pocket but for trips where I've used crampons I've kept them in the "garage" at the top of the pack.