New Black Diamond Outlaw Ski Backpack

BD Outlaw Avalung BP, no tags. Avalung not blown (see plastic still on). This is from an online review a while back. The Outlaw There’s a lot to like about the Outlaw (besides the name). It provides a solid 32 liters of packable volume, plenty for a day tour with extra layers, food, water and safety gear. Access to the main compartment is via a clam-shell style, double-pull zipper only this time around it is a waterproof zipper. There is a padded goggle pocket at the top back of the pack, and on the inside, a mesh stash pocket for small items you may want fast access to at the top of the main compartment. A pair of wide straps near the bottom of the pack can be used with a thinner hypalon reinforced pair of straps near the top to help carry a snowboard vertically on the back, or when used with a pair of side straps to carry skis A-frame style, or simply to compress a half full pack. If you prefer to sling your skis diagonally there is a strap in the upper right corner to help with that, in combination with the wide lower strap. The outer panel is designed to carry a shovel blade, probe and short shovel shafts. Then there’s the secret side pocket on the port side, plus one on the starboard side of a cushy waist belt that is the core of BD’s new ActivErgo™ suspension system. It is noticeably more comfortable than the simple but effective waistbelt of my old Covert AvaLung™ pack. It is also heavier, but at a skosh more than 4½ pounds empty it is not exhorbitantly heavier. Is it worth it? The extra pound plus for a more comfortable carrying system is easily worth it when the pack is full. All those features are nice, but none were enough on their own to convince me to make the Outlaw the new sack on my back. However, it only took one time using the zippered access back panel to convince me. Whether I was taking a break for rehydration, refueling, adding or subtracting a layer, lashing skis to the sides or taking them off — once I knew I could reach nearly any item in the main compartment through a back door. Is there anything not to like about the Outlaw? Yes it is a tad heavy, and a bit expensive but a sweet deal compared to the cost of an airbag pack. If you aren’t in a position to pony up for a pack that keeps you on the surface, your next best line of defense, if you’re playing avalanche roulette, is to increase the time you can survive below the surface. Black Diamond Equipment Outlaw AvaLung Pack MSRP: $260 Volume: 32 liters Weight: 4 lbs., 7 oz. (2.06 kg)