PlanetSKI Gear Review #2 Winter 23/24

28th November 2023 | Alf Alderson - Gear & Equipment Editor

Last modified on December 7th, 2023

Our gear editor Alf Alderson checks out the latest in backpacks, light luggage and day packs for skiers & snowboarders.

OSPREY SOELDEN 32 DAYPACK £170

Osprey used feedback from mountain guides and other outdoor professionals when developing the Soelden 32 and it shows – the pack feels right, is built right and looks right, and it’s definitely one of my favourite daypacks.

Built from Bluesign approved, rugged nylon fabrics, many of them recycled, the Soelden focusses on providing essential features for hard days on the hill, such as enlarged ski loops, a sewn-in helmet net and easily adjustable buckles, whilst the harness and hipbelt provide a reassuringly stable fit when you’re hooning it downhill.

The main compartment is accessed from the back panel and features a zippered internal security pocket and a clip attachment for your hydration system.

You also get a GPS/radio internal carry system with mic harness webbing attachment points.

A generously-sized goggle/accessory pocket sits atop the pack, and there’s the option of carrying your skis either A-frame or diagonally (the Soelden will also carry a snowboard) along with a dual position (front or top of pack) stow-away helmet carry system and an ice tool carry sleeve and attachment point, whilst avy gear is stored in a quick access zippered outer compartment – so whatever you’re planning to do in the mountains the Soelden caters for it.

VERDICT: A superbly designed, top quality day pack that will cope with anything you plan to do in the winter mountains

Osprey Soelden 32 Daypack £170 – image © osprey.com

GREGORY ALPACA 60 LITRE DUFFEL BAG £140 [also available in 40l (£120) and 100l (£170) formats]

Gregory’s new, re-engineered Alpaca Duffel is a tough as old boots load hauler with a 56% reduced carbon footprint over the previous version; and when I say Gregory kit is tough.

I mean it – I’m still using a Gregory duffel I’ve had for 16 years, which has been abused by baggage handlers the world over and is still going strong (I’m currently packing it for a trip to Snowdonia, in fact), so if the Alpaca is anything like as strong as my old duffel you can expect years of use out of it – and it actually comes with a lifetime guarantee.

The bag is supplied in a Gregory packing cube, which can be used with the duffel once unpacked (good for storing dirty clothes, for example), although there’s also an expandable, zippered ‘dirty gear compartment’ at one end, plus interior mesh pockets for load organisation.

Outside there are oversized ‘T-Grip’ zip pullers, a padded and stiffened carry handle, daisy-chain webbing, and a three-layer padded base, along with a detachable shoulder harness system with easy-connect buckle attachments, and to round it all off the bag’s 40%-recycled polyester ripstop fabric has a water-resistant TPU coating for hardcore durability.

The Alpaca has rugged good looks and makes for a no-nonsense load hauler ready to endure serious use everywhere from mountain to city.

VERDICT: Simple, tough and functional design which should stand up to heaps of abuse.

Gregory Alpaca 60 Litre Duffel Bag £140 (also available in 40l (£120) and 100l (£170) formats) – image © gregorypacks.com

HELLY HANSEN ULLR RS 30 DAYPACK £150

The Ullr RS 30 is, as the name suggests, a 30-litre rucksack that’s just the right size for a big day out in the backcountry.

And you can ensure you have a comfortable carry as the aluminium frame stay and PE frame sheet can be customized for a perfect fit, whilst a fully adjustable sternum strap (with emergency whistle) and harness, moulded foam back panel and padded stabilizer wings further help ensure a comfortable, stable fit.

The main compartment can be accessed either from a zippered back panel or a secondary zippered quick access point located at the top of the pack, within which there’s a large hook for a hydration pack.

On the outside of the pack for quick and easy access is a dedicated avy gear pocket, and there are useful zippered side pockets either side of the pack, plus a top front pocket with a soft fabric lining for goggles and the like.

You can also carry a helmet on the outside of the pack in a dedicated helmet holder which has attachment points to allow for both a front or bottom carrying position, and, of course, skis can be carried in A-Frame configuration or with a quick attach diagonal carry system.

VERDICT: A good looking daypack that comfortably and effectively carries everything you need for a day out in the backcountry.

Helly Hansem ULLR RS 30 Daypack £150 – image © hellyhansen.com

GOMATIC NAVIGATOR SLING 6L £109

I appreciate this little bag isn’t something that will interest hard core freeriders, but for more chilled out recreational skiers who want something they can carry easily on the slopes and the ski lifts as well as use back home for commuting etc., the Navigator Sling is worth checking out.

It’s well-designed and built, comprising of a main compartment with four additional storage compartments including mesh, zipper, and an RFID safe pocket.

Their design and layout allows you to charge devices between pockets on the move and the back pocket will take an 11” tablet.

You can use the six-litre capacity bag comfortably whilst skiing or cycling thanks to an additional stabiliser strap that links to the main shoulder strap for a secure and wobble-free carry, and there’s a side-mounted water bottle carrier that hides away when not in use, whilst a card slot gives quick access to public transit cards or swipe cards for your office, or, of course, a lift pass.

VERDICT: Classy urban carry system that will also work on the slopes for undemanding skiers.

JACK WOLFSKIN ALPSPITZE BACKPACK 35 £180

The Alpspitze has been specifically designed for ski touring along with the rest of the Alpspitze range (we’ll be reviewing the Alpspitze jacket and pants later).

The 35-litre capacity means it has no problem carrying all your gear for a long day or multi-day trip in the mountains.

It uses Jack Wolfskin’s ‘FLEXCONTACT’ fitting system which features an elasticated waistbelt and is lightweight but snug and secure, allowing for good freedom of movement, and also comes with a dedicated safety gear pocket which can be accessed quickly along with a Recco reflector system.

The main compartment can be accessed from the top, side and back and is hydration system compatible, and there are easily accessible attachments for ice axes, helmet and diagonal ski fixation.

Additional features include a zippered inside security pocket and two safety equipment inner sleeve pockets, one of which includes a useful carry bag for skins or wet gear.

VERDICT: A well-designed, lightweight ski touring pack which will work equally well for regular backcountry skiing.