Arc'teryx Borea Pack: A Snow-Sport Special

Having a well-fitting, well-organized pack on a long day hike is always nice, but when the outing is on snowshoes or skis, that pack is vital.

Winter adventurers face extremes in temperature and weather, so they need to carry more gear, and it must be organized so it can be found immediately. The Arc'Teryx Borea was designed specifically for winter recreationists. This mid-sized day pack can be used by summer hikers, but it really shines as a snow-sport pack.

Features: There is a deep shovel pocket, an internal zippered pocket to hold an extra pair of gloves or a Global Positioning System receiver, and a large, folding pad for sitting on - stored in its own pocket on the back of the pack. This pad is easily accessible, so you can take a break during the day without having to sit on cold, wet snow. (That means you'll stay warm longer, and you'll have more fun on the outing.) The 2,750-cubic-inch pack boasts a unique ski attachment system built into the compression straps. Skis, trekking poles or snow wands lock to the side of the pack by way of quick-release buckles backed with tough Hypalon patches. The pack's main compartment opens at the top or via a full-length side-access zipper.

Suspension: The pack is supported by a solid molded plastic frame and a single, rigid aluminum stay. These components are flexible enough to keep the pack close to your body during fast telemark descents, or while snowshoeing up steep slopes. But they also provide enough stiffness to control beefy loads of 40 pounds or more. Fortunately, the Borea has a suspension system that matches the pack bag's quality. The hip belt features a pivoting attachment that lets the belt roll with your hips as you move. The belt is padded with molded thermal foam - the padding nestles snugly around the hip bones for a perfect fit, even over multiple layers of clothing. The shoulder straps feature similar foam padding and are contoured to fit around the neck and shoulders without pinching or binding. The pack is available in three sizes, and each size has sufficient adjustability to accommodate virtually any hiker.

The details: The Borea retails for $259. For more information, or a list of dealers, contact Arc'Teryx, headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., at 604-985-6681, or visit the Web site: www.arcteryx.com.

Dan A. Nelson is author of "Snowshoe Routes Washington" (The Mountaineers, 1998).