I am in the process of designing the perfect back country snow machining pack. I have obtained the ears (keep 'em in my pocket <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle> , of several manufacturers in this endeavor, and now I'm giving you the chance to have some input.

Name some features that you would like to see in the perfect snow machine back pack (also would make a great day pack for hunting).

Please be as descriptive and detailed as you can.

Thanks
Thane

<img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle> If You Ain't Hunted Alaska, You're Still Just Practicing <img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle>

I'm sure you've been to Barneys in Anchorage. I've got their sheep pack in camo. Would like one the same but smaller, i'm sure you know what I mean. Love the map pouch on the top and having the top flap waterproof. Maybe being able to connect the shoulder straps together in the front across your chest. I always carry too much in my day pack. Best wishes on your endever.

Dave:
Thanks for the input. I have one of Barney's custom packs, but I didn't know they made one that will work for snow machining. I'll have to take a closer look.

My personal wants are for a special pocket designed for avalanche probes, and another for the shovel handle, and still another for the shovel blade.

It should also be water tight, and have plenty of room for survival gear. And it would be great if it were modular in design, so that it could be broken down into even smaller components like a small day pack and a fanny pack.

<img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle> If You Ain't Hunted Alaska, You're Still Just Practicing <img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle>

Than let me rephraze that. I'd like Barneys pack shrunk down without the frame with shoulder straps that could be attatched together in front of your chest.

Talk to Patrick at Kifaru in Golden, CO. He was the founder of Mountainsmith packs and now just builds packs for hunters.

Water proof is high on the list for me. Then you don't need to use plastic pack liner, and you can pack meat without blood dripping through.
Lightweight but robust.
I like having features for alpine climbing, as a lot of my hunting incorporates climbing. e.g. Crampon Pad and elasticised cord to hold crampons. Loops for ice axes.
Good top pocket for Map,GPS, cellphone, Binos, Torch etc.
Waist strap, Chest strap.
Good quality &quot;Ladder&quot; webbing on straps so that buckles don't slip, otherwise you are forever adjusting your pack straps.
Quite good to have a couple of Carabiner lops on the waist strap so that you can hang gear like gloves, while you're taking a shot.
Good shoulder movement, some packs are too tight round the chest and limit ability to raise your rifle with pack still on.
Top of pack below head, to make easy going in thick scrub.
Pack narrower than width of back, again to make easy going through scrub.
Sound proof material (e.g. Fleece/stealth finish) so that you don't get scraping noises while stalking.

SOUTHERN MAN.
&quot;GO HARD OR STAY HOME&quot;