Board Sport
Unbuckle the Blade’s padded back flap, place your snowboard across the pack horizontally, rebuckle, and you’re off. Not only is the process as quick and easy as it sounds, but testers liked the way this design balances the board’s weight, even if it’s not ideal in every situation (tight trees; turning around on a crowded boot-pack). The 38-liter Blade is also designed to carry a board vertically, and skis can be lashed on either A-frame style or diagonally. Inside, sandwiched between the main compartment and an external pocket (with slots for snow-safety tools), is a quick-stash opening that’s big enough to hold a rope or monster puffy. One caveat: While the Blade rides well when loaded up, multiple testers noted that it’s a bit floppy when you’re carrying just a few essentials. 3.8 lbs;
COMFORT: 3.5
EASE OF USE: 4.5