Skiing 9/07 La Meije Pack

2008 Gear Guide

This pack’s spaciousness and easy ski-carrying system makes it a good choice for long days in remote terrain. It has a large separate shovel-and-probe pocket.

Powder 12/06 La Meije

Ideal Size and Fit

Doug Coombs spent the last two years beating the hell out of the Marmot La Meije, making sure it was the idea size and fit for the fast-moving, self-supported skier. Here’s a list of what fits in its 2,200 cubic inches: rope, crampons, two axes, harness with standard rescue hardware, snow picket and deadman, shovel and probe, down sweater, extra gloves, hat, goggles, first aid kit, Nalgene bottle, and the rest of your miscellaneous mountain stuff. Access is through the top or the back panel, but there’s no hydration system. Coombs says he can affix his skis diagonally in 15 seconds. It might take you longer, but it’s still a cinch, like everything else on this pack.

Skiing 11/05 La Meije

The Master’s Pack

It took legendary ski mountaineer Doug Coombs two years of testing and five redesigns before he perfected his signature ski pack, La Meije, which just hit shelves. It was worth the wait: The 2,200-cubic-inch pack carries up to three pairs of skis, two ice axes, rope, crampons, shovel, probe, extra clothing – and weighs a paltry three pounds, six ounces.

Backcountry 1/06 La Meije

Best Use: Ski Mountaineering

A bit heavier than similarly sized packs, the La Meije was designed for fast transitions from skin to climb to ski. As the name relates (La Meije was the last 4,000-meter peak climbed in the Alps due to its technical difficulty) there is significant emphasis placed on housing all things tech. Rope and crampons fit on the pack’s top, secured by reinforced compression straps. An opening into an interior sleeve houses a mountain axe and allows for quick-draw access. Skins stow conveniently in a pouch at the front of the pack. There’s a separate panel that houses any probe and shovel on the market with room to spare. The main compartment of the pack is accessed via the frame at one’s back and is voluminous enough for a pair of ski boots for long snow-less approaches, or just extra layers and other sundries. -AH