Backcountry Access Stash Alp 40 Pack

I’ve been using BCA packs for several years now, so I was excited to get my hands on the latest Stash Alp 40 pack.  I am extremely particular when it comes to ski packs – a good ski pack has to carry well both when it’s nearly empty and stuffed to over-flowing, it has to strike the right blend of durability and light weight, and it has to have a user friendly diagonal ski carry.  After many days and thousands of vertical, I can honestly say that the latest Alp 40 from BCA is one of the best packs I’ve ever carried. 

BCA kept all of the features from their previous models that were so popular, for example:  the dedicated probe and shovel pockets, the Nalgene compatible hydration system, and just the right amount (and location) of pockets.  The real kicker is in the upgrades for this model.  BCA used a thicker, more durable fabric for this version, but kept the empty pack weight at less than 3.5 lb.  In my experience, this is about as light weight as you can go for a pack that you plan to strap sharp objects to (like skis and a mountain axe).  The suspension system is also vastly improved in this model.  The shoulder straps are wider and use new materials, and the back panel has more support and padding, making for a very comfortable carry.  The side access zipper is also vastly improved.  In this model, the zipper joins the padded back panel to the rest of fabric of the pack itself (see photo).  This is a much more user friendly design.  Another new feature is the roll-top closure – similar to what you find on a dry bag.  At first I was a little skeptical, but after a few days where the wind chill was pushing -30 °F, I found the roll top design to be easier to use with full expedition mittens than a traditional zipper or pull-cord.  Now that I’m used to the roll top, I’m starting to wish some of my other packs had this feature. 

The final improvement that sealed the deal for me was the re-designed diagonal ski carry.  I spend many (many) hours in the spring with skis strapped to my back climbing up steep couloirs.  Over the years, most of the “injuries” that I have sustained were from the skis on my pack – they would either hit me in the back of the head if carried “A-frame” style or hit me in the calves if carried vertically.  BCA’s previous pack designs have included a diagonal ski carry, but because of the location of the attachments skis would usually end up carrying closer to vertical, especially if the pack was not stuffed full.  In the new Alp 40, the top attachment for the diagonal carry has been integrated with the attachment point of the shoulder strap.  This makes the ski carry truly diagonal and actually quite comfortable. 

See you in the backcountry.

Matt Lipscomb

CMS Guide

AIARE L1 Instructor

mlipscomb@totalclimbing.com

Want to improve your backcountry skiing skills and gain confidence in decision making in the mountains?  Join CMS for a L1 Avalanche Course or a day of guided backcountry skiing this season. 

Marmot Dena Jacket

The Marmot Dena Jacket is a women specific synthetic insulated jacket. Not only is it warm, light and durable, it also uses recycled or discarded materials that otherwise go to landfills. So, in essence, it is double light (i.e., on weight and on the environment)!

I tested this jacket backcountry skiing in Rocky Mountain National Park, Vail Pass, and Red Mountain Pass in the San Juans, as well as ice climbing in Ouray. It is a perfect layer on a cold or snowy day in the mountains. The hood works great over your ski hat to give some extra warmth. It’s also a good piece to throw in your backpack as an extra layer since it only weights about 12oz.  In addition, I must mention that my Dena Jacket is a feminine light-blue color.  I received numerous compliments from several women while walking and skiing around the Vail Resort!

Adding the Marmot Dena over my Marmot Oracle jacket worked great.  It easily fit over my ice climbing harness and kept me extra warm on a cold bitter day. The jacket features something called “Angel-Wing Movement”.  This fancy feature allows full range of arm motion which really helps when you are swinging your ice tools.

This has become my favorite go-to jacket on a cold day. So if you tend to get cold in the mountains like I do, try out this jacket.  And if you want to stay warm and still look good, check out the light blue color, you will not be disappointed!   

Have fun and stay warm out there,

Norie Kazaki

Colorado Mountain School Guide

AMGA Certified Rock Instructor

BD Punisher Glove

When I chose a glove for mountain guiding I need something that performs well. This winter I wanted to try out the Black Diamond Punisher Glove. I have been out this winter several times with the BD Punisher. I have a few guidelines that the glove has to meet.

One of my more important concerns is that the glove has dexterity. I like placing protection on lead that flows smoothly. I do not like to fumble around with big puffy gloves while leading ice climbs. The BD punisher has a sleek low profile design that allows for easy handling of my ice equipment. A quick test for me to tell if the glove has precision is too be able to tie my ice boots without taking my gloves off and the Punisher passed.

A second concern of mine is the ability of the glove to stay somewhat dry while being out all day in adverse conditions. My body runs hot so I have a style of hiking in to the climb with a BD mid-weight super breathable liner so I do not sweat into the glove that I will be ice climbing in. When I was climbing in negative degree weather the punisher stayed warm and breathed pretty well I found while ice climbing and belaying.

I have been guiding for a decade now and I have seen the sport develop a bit over the years. I like the fact that gear is getting more modern. There has been some thought on Black Diamonds part, I have experienced the functionality of the Punisher. Like the glove keeper loops on the finger so I am able to store my gloves upside down on my gear loops so no falling snow is able to get inside of the glove. I also discovered that there is softer material on the thumb that I use as a nose wipe in really cold weather. It’s the little things like that in the back country, which gives me a bit more comfort.

Whether I am chopping steps with my piolet or bashing icecicles with my Cobra’s I will be wearing my BD Punishers on my next guiding adventure.

Joey Thompson
CMS Guide
AIARE Level 1 Instructor
AMGA Certified Rock Guide
AMGA SPI Program Director