Gear Reviews | Scenes of Soil and Swell

All in all, the 35L Ortovox Haute Route pack, with its versatile equipment carry options and great detailed features, is a solid choice for the day touring backcountry skier or splitboarder.

This review is from a splitboarders perspective – which means that this pack has been put through its paces. We splitboarders use the heck out of our packs. Every lap we are taking it on and off, taking things in and out, strapping on and off poles, placing our board in ride mode and/or ski mode, so it has to hold up and it has to be versatile.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
My main first impression of this pack was not good… I told Jess: “this thing just looks too small for even a day pack.” Other than that, this pack is well put together with rugged reinforced nylon throughout. The pack is clean looking too, with waterproof zippers and sturdy zipper pulls. Overall, it’s a nice looking pack but just does not LOOK like it would fit everything I would need for a day of backcountry splitboard touring.

FEATURES:
The Haute Route line from Ortovox comes in 3 sizes including a women’s pack, a 35L and 45L option. I have the 35L version and it really has everything you could ask for in a ski/ride pack*

Dedicated – easy to access avalanche rescue gear compartment
Board and ski carry modes
Gear and ice axe loops
Handy hip belt pockets
Hydration Bladder sleeve and hose routing
Rear Access to the main compartment
Helmet attachment system

THE FINAL WORD:
Overall, the Haute Route has impressed me in use. It looks small and it feels small on your back but it has held everything I have needed for a day tour. The helmet attachment and ski and board carry options are pretty sweet too. The only negative so far is that there is ONLY rear access to the main compartment which makes it hard to get to gear when you just want to sling it off one shoulder. Also the rear access zipper has a tendency to catch and can be a pain to open up- especially with gloves on.

All in all, the 35L Haute Route pack, with its versatile equipment carry options and great detailed features, is a solid choice for the day touring skiier or splitboarder.