Kode Series Ski Pack Review

In 2009 Osprey Packs introduced the Kode Series of Ski Packs. Entering the third year these packs are now one of the more popular ski packs, at least in Colorado. It can be seen in the lift lines at Wolf Creek, on the backs of skiers at Berthoud Pass and on Snowmobile riders. This line comes in three sizes for the many different users in the Backcountry. The 22 Liter version offers a sleek design for the side country and the short trips in to the backcountry. The 30 liter splits the middle to cover most users who are out for a moderate day tour. The 38 liter is for the Backcountry user that needs to carry the first aid kit, snow study kit, bivy kit and kitchen sink. Not only does the Kode series come in three volume sizes it also offers three sizes of fit in a small, medium and large. If you can not find the right day ski pack with these 9 options there might be some other issues. I have taken the Kode 22 out on multiple adventures as my main low volume splitboarding packs last year and have also used the Kode 30 once. Not needing the volume of the Kode 38, I have not used this model.

One thing about choosing the right size is the features that these packs offer. The features do very between the Kode 22, 30, and 38 but all three offer some of the basics. The avalanche gear compartment an all three packs is a separate easy to access pocket that prevents any snow and water getting into the main storage area. This is great for after you have dug a pit and do not want snow getting the puffy wet. All the Kode packs offer two ways to carry skis. The diagonal carry and the vertical A-frame carry. With the vertical carry the lower straps are a fixed size, if you have one of the many wide skis on the market today it will limit the pack to only a diagonal carry. For snowboarders, they are limited to a vertical carry. So if the boarders must hike downhill watch those heels from kicking the end of your deck.

The best feature in my opinion is the insulated hydration sleeve. If your hydration tube freezes then your day must end really quick, no water means no turns. This pack offers a sleeve that is in the shoulder strap to help prevent the tubes from freezing. I do not think it works as well as the BCA design, that has the vents under the shoulder which uses body heat to warm the pocket, it does work well enough. If one has a long bladder tube it is a pain to pull it out and try to stuff it back into the pocket. The osprey bladder designed by nalgene seemed to be the best in the pack but a camelbak bladder will work fine.

Also all the packs offer a ice axe carry on the back that keeps the sharp points away from stabbing you when you ski and hip pockets that will carry a small camera, compass, snacks or any item that one may need close by when hiking. As the packs get larger, Osprey was able to add more features to them. The Kode 30 and 38 offer a fleece lined goggle pocket for easy storage of the expensive eye wear, preventing them from getting scratched or smashed. Also both the larger packs offer a helmet carry that secures them tightly and prevents them from swinging and filling with cold wet snow. The Kode 38 offers a brain that closes on the top of the pack with additional storage but can make the pack top heavy when loaded.

One of the features that you do not notice until the pack is taken in to the field is the SnowShed(tm) back panel. After taking the tumble in the powder some previous packs would form ice between my back and jacket that would become uncomfortable and must be scraped off. With the snowshed back panel I have not had any issues with the Kode packs, which involved many different snow types and environments.

I feel like Osprey did a quality job in making the Kode pack. With multiple days in the backcountry my kode 22 has taken the wear and tear well. With the size options of small, medium and large one can really make the pack fit well, not allowing for any weight shifts while skiing. This does make it difficult for sharing the pack with a taller or smaller friend. Being based in the lower part of Colorado, not far from the backcountry playground of the San Juan's, it is evident that they were able to use a great deal of first hand knowledge when creating the Kode series pack. Now the question remains, when are they coming out with a airbag pack? Black Diamond as the avalung and BCA has the float airbag pack, it will be important for osprey to continue to be a player in the backcountry ski market to produce a pack with avalanche safety equipment.



Written by Y.C.  http://quixoticyc.blogspot.com