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    Backcountry Skiing

    Osprey Kode 30 Backcountry Ski Pack Review

    Jason MitchellBy Jason MitchellMarch 3, 201010 Comments4 Mins Read

    When the Osprey Kode ski backpacks were introduced just over a year ago, I must say I was impressed. With a slew of great features and the renowned Osprey fit, the Kode series (Kode 38, Kode 30 and Kode 22) was bound for greatness, right? After a full season of use, the Osprey Kode 30 is an excellent backcountry ski pack with only a few weaknesses.

    About the Osprey Kode 30 Backpack

    A great all around snowplay pack, the Kode 30 is great for a few hour to all-day side and backcountry tours.  Unique features include front panel access to avy gear compartment, backpanel access to dry pocket, stowable helmet carry and a LightWire™ frame to support heavier loads with flex for dynamic movement.

    Features:

    • Multiple ski carrying options: A-frame, diagonal or vertical
    • Snowboard carry straps
    • Ice axe carry
    • Insulated hydration sleeve
    • Contoured, shingled back panel
    • Fleece-lined goggle pocket
    • Expandable helmet carry system
    • Waistbelt pockets
    • Dedicated avalanche tool pocket
    • Back panel access
    • Lifetime warranty
    • Size: 1800 cu in
    • MSRP: $139

    Osprey Kode 30 Ski Pack Review

    My review timeframe for this pack has spanned nearly a full year with thousands of feet of vertical on backcountry ski tours spanning much of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. My initial tour with the Kode 30 and I was sold on the back panel design for its comfort and load-balancing abilities. After a season’s worth of use, I can also appreciate some of the other creature comforts, like the helmet carry and fleece-lined goggle pocket.

    So, the fit and load carrying of the pack is solid eh? Yessir, but what else hits the mark with the Kode 30? Tops on that list is the back-panel access allowing you to see and access anything in the pack–even at the very bottom. It has really changed the way I packed for my tours because I knew exactly where I placed an item and could strategically access it on-the-fly.

    The insulated hydration sleeve is also excellent and has kept my water flowing in spite of single-digit mornings.

    The pack skis well and carries weight with aplomb, yep, aplomb. I would simply cinch things down and proceed to farm the backcountry without feeling unbalanced–even when I was carrying the heaviest pack of the bunch.

    The few gripes I’ve got with the pack revolve around its weight and small-ish buckles. Tackling the weight issue first-off… lets be honest, how many backcountry snowboarders do you know? Honestly? Of the hundreds of backcountry travelers I know, only two of them tour on a board and one of those ski tours more than half the time. In all my years backcountry touring, I’ve seen a whopping 4-5 actual backcountry snowboarders.

    That said, don’t even bother making a snowboard and ski-friendly pack. Just focus on one or the other and reduce complexity for both types of riders. Lighter-weight material could be used throughout to further reduce weight.

    The other annoyance is in the difficult-to-buckle waistbelt buckle. I like buckles that can be buckled blind. The waistbelt buckle requires careful attention–especially with gloves on.

    Good Kode 30

    • The most comfortable ski pack I’ve used
    • Back panel access simplifies gear access
    • Waistbelt pockets for misc items–perfect for a camera
    • Helmet carry capability–very nice
    • Fleece-lined goggle pocket is awesome
    • Flexible ski carrying options
    • Built-in insulated hydration hose keeps the water flowing

    Bad Kode 30

    • Small waistbelt buckle is difficult to clip blind
    • Locking compression buckles make cinching a two-step process
    • Questionable need for both snowboard and ski carry capabilities
    • Could go on a diet to shave some weight

    Bottom Line: Osprey Kode 30 Ski Pack

    While I went on my soapbox about the true need for snowboard carrying capability, that really has little to do with the actual function of this pack. It is supremely-comfortable and versatile in the backcountry. The Osprey Kode 30 is a great ski pack for sidecountry or longer backcountry tours.

    Buy Now: Osprey Kode 30 at REI.com

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    Jason Mitchell
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    A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded this site in 1999 -- sharing his love of road biking, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. That passion is channeled into every article or gear review he writes. Utah's Wasatch Mountains are his playground.

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    10 Comments

    1. Pingback: Outdoor Retailer: Osprey Kode Backcountry Ski Packs - FeedTheHabit.com

    2. Def on September 3, 2010 7:09 am

      Well, then I am one of the very few backcountry venturing snowboarders and in fact I do need a snowboard-carry system. That’s why I stick with the Mammut Nirvana Ride 30. Except the waist belt pockets it has the same features, but the buckles can be used blind, even with gloves on.

      Reply
    3. Jason Mitchell on September 5, 2010 10:55 pm

      Yo Def! You are a rare breed indeed. I haven’t used any Mammut packs, but I’ll have to check it out. Is it a snowboard-specific pack or a crossover ski/board pack?

      Nice that the buckles are easy-to-use. Osprey has gone micro on their latest buckle designs across-the-board and I’m not so stoked on their ease-of-use.

      Reply
    4. Gared on September 15, 2010 8:23 am

      I picked up one of these last year after checking out all the BD, MH, etc packs. I am fairly new to BC touring, but I couldn’t be happier with this pack. Easy access, even with gloves on, plenty of room for a day trip. Some of the guys I tour with run split boards and have agreed it is an awesome pack whatever your taste is. Just my two cents…..if its even that! Can’t wait to get back out this winter!!

      Reply
    5. Snurfer on September 24, 2010 9:14 pm

      Hmmm, not many backcountry boarders in the Wasatch? Not sure about that one, perhaps you see them in ski mode (e.g., splitboards)and don’t realize it. I’ve actually been bummed there are so many. Ironic I know, a boarder that left resorts to get away from boarders.

      But I digress…
      Anyways, I’m a BC boarder and used the Kode 30 all of last season. As for the carry options, I mostly carry my splitboard A-framed, as skis, but like having the option of transitioning before a boot pack and carrying it board style if I know I won’t be skiing until after the next line. (so as not to have to transition on sketchy ridgelines, etc.)

      I too disliked the double buckles, and the pack material is fragile. The pack bag quickly developed holes on either side after only a few a-frame carries. I also agree its heavy in spite of the weak pack material, but I don’t see the board carry being the difference in the big picture. It is a very well organized design and fits comfortably.

      Reply
    6. Jason Mitchell on September 25, 2010 12:28 am

      Snurf… so, we must be touring in parallel universes because in 10+ years of Wasatch backcountry skiing, I’ve seen maybe 5 snowboarders. Maybe it’s because I avoid the freeway that is LCC unless it’s late-season and everyone’s more interested in golfing.

      Regardless, it’s great to get some snowboarder feedback on the Kode 30. It sounds like you’ve used it extensively.

      Reply
    7. Pingback: Helly Hansen Verglas 3L Jacket Review - FeedTheHabit.com

    8. Pat Bates on February 3, 2011 8:23 am

      Having already owned two other Osprey packs, I chose to drop just shy of $200 cdn on the Kode 30 yesterday. In a couple of words: totally f*****g lame. The shovel handle from my G3 Avitech does not even come close to fitting in the handle pocket; my G3, 230cm probe would fit nicely into the probe pocket if I cut five inches off the folded probe. Shame on Osprey!

      Reply
    9. Pingback: Sierra Designs Transporter Gloves Review - FeedTheHabit.com

    10. Pingback: Osprey Packs Media Spot » FeedTheHabit.com – Osprey Kode 30 Backcountry Ski Pack Review – March 3, 2010

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