Snowshoeing Monts-Valin National Park

Seven hours snowshoeing through the peaks comfortably in below -15 degrees Celsius weather (not counting wind chill) wearing:

- Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid shell

- Black Diamond Solution hoodie

- Black Diamond Coefficient hoodie

- Arc'teryx Beta Ar pants

- North Face Arctic Hedgehog boots

- North Face Patrol 35 pach

- MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes

Dawn Patrol on Wolf's Trail

'twas the morning after the snowstorm that was to bring at least 15cm (3 in) of fresh new powder.  With overnight temperatures near -20 deg C (-5 deg F), it was destined to be light and fluffy. Alarm clock set at 6am (on the day of rest), headed out to the trailhead before the break of dawn. Maintenance crews hadn't plowed the parking lot yet and I was the first to bust through the massive snowbank blocking the entrance-way. Always nice to be the first one to reach the trail head!

On the trail before sunrise, temperature around -12 C by then (10 F), the gradual climb wore off the chill that submerged the landscape. 

This was the first chance for me to try my new gear consisting of:

- Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid shell

- Black Diamond Coefficient Hoody

- Arc'teryx Beta AR pants

- Helly Hansen Warm Pant

I didn't want to overdress and steam up on this 8mk (5 mile) loop with a fair bit of vertical rise, and with 15 lbs of gear in my backpack. Lets just say that if I wasn't moving, I'd be chilling.  With an MEC T3 turtleneck under my hoody, I was comfortable and dry the whole way, lowered the front zip of my shell only during the steepest climbs. Legs felt fine under the surprisingly loud Goretex Pro pants from Arc'teryx. First impressions of the HH Merino/Lifa blend long-john's are very good (comfortable, dry, warm). 

The one new piece of gear that I left at home (but wished I had with me) were my MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes. My Atlas 12 shoes have lots of grip but not enough to stop me from slidding on side-slopes and falling down a few times. 

Took picture at the usual spots along the way,   

The infamous creek crossing, without the old log bridge. 

The infamous beaver pond. 

First lookout, shortly after sunrise. 

Next lookout along the way up.

Altitude (uncalibrated) check. 

Lookout with view of the Ottawa river far away.

The infamous bench with a view (reservations recommended). 

Back-side view.

Reaching trail #1 toward the fire tower (but nowhere near there). 

The infamous moutain-top lake/swamp.

And finally, multiple views of the gorgeous Tawinda Lookout.

On the way back, downhill and rehabilitated trail, half the time it takes to walk up the other side of the loop. Crossing trail #1 again, toward Western lookout (but nowhere near there). 

This next picture sums it all up, it was like "walking on a cloud" today on the Wolf/Blanchet loop (trail #62) in Gatineau Park near chelsea QC. 

In the last half-hour of this 3-hour outing, came across the first of three groups on their way up.  One of a few small stream crossings below. 

To rest-up from this little work-out, nothing like heading back home to spend 1+ hour clearing the driveway :-)

Backpacks for Snowshoeing

After having spent a few hours researching the availability of backpacks for snowshoeing, I thought I'd share what I've found so far.

My idea of a backpack for snowshoeing starts with straps for attaching snowshoes to the pack (when conditions are such that you are better off walking with boots only) and gear hooks/straps for poles (when conditions don't require the use of them). In my case, I was looking for a pack in the 30 to 40 liter range. Preferably the pack have an abrasion resistant finish on the back to lessen the wear & tear from strapping snowshoes.

Below is a diagram of the packs I've found so far (click to see full size), followed by some comments on each pack.



Deuter

• Snow Walker 25 Made specifically for snowshoeing, this nicely detailed pack is a bit smaller than what I had it mind but it's still worthy of a mention. It includes adjustable straps (sizes Small to Extra Large) and adjustable back ventilation. The 25 liter model has two top-zip openings along with a 2 outer mesh pockets - something not found on the 35 liter model. These pockets can be useful for (insulated) water bottles for users who don't like hydration systems. It has relatively short padding along the hip belt, probably not much of a concern if the pack is going to be lightly loaded.
  
• Snow Walker 35 With similar features as the Snow Walker 25, this model is a top loader with a lid an significantly longer padding along the hip belt. If you plan on loading your pack, this would be a better choice over the 25 liter model. While the straps and back ventilation may be adjustable, the length of the pack is not. That means that this pack (and the 25 liter model also) won't fit everyone.
  

Osprey

• Kode 30 With details and construction typical of Osprey packs, this is the only model in their product line designed specifically for snow applications. More of a snowboard and ski pack than anything else, the strap system is bit convoluted and more complicated than necessary for snowshoe applications. This pack opens wide from the back, facilitating access to the full contents. The buckles are smaller than most other brands and look fragile. Available in S-M-L sizes and Black & Alpenglow colors.
  
• Kode 38 Very similar to the Kode 30 with the addition of an expandable top helmet pocket. Since most snowshoers don't wear helmets, this extra space may/may not be useful. Available in S-M-L sizes and Black & Alpenglow colors.
  

Mammut

• Nirvana Pro 35 Recently updated, this pack seemed to have everything I wanted. However many reviews commented on the length of this pack and how it was too short for people that were 6ft1in (187 cm). On that basis, I gave up hope of owning this pack. Opening in the back similar to the Osprey Kode, this pack seemed to have more robust straps and buckles, as well as tougher (but heavier) fabric. Available in one size only and oasis-smoke, deep sea-smoke and black-smoke colors.
  

Deuter

• Freerider Pro 30 Similar to the Freerider Pro 28 SL (winner of Backpacker's gear review awards for Best for Snowshoers pack). A bit on the heavy side, this pack seems to have a sturdy strap system with possibly the best abrasion protection of all packs listed here. See Outside's blog for more comments on the Pro 30. Available in white-pine-black colors.
  

Arc'Teryx

• Silo 30 With a price corresponding to the brand's reputation, this clean pack is "V" shaped, which may make it inappropriate for "A-Frame" carrying of skis. It seems to have a clean and easy to use strap design along with good abrasion protection. This panel loading model has waterproof zippers and two nice Velcro accessory straps. Available in Regular and Tall sizes and in black-black, black-copper and black-everglade colors.
  
• Silo 40 similar in appearance to the Silo 30, this is a roll-top model with lid. While this provides easier access/loading of large items in pack, the contents aren't as easy to access as on other packs with multiple compartments. Available in Short, Regular and Tall sizes and in black-black and black-copper colors.

The North Face

• Patrol 35 A top-zip model with a large front pocket and bottom compartment for ski skins or crampons, this model has an "Inverted-V" shape which may reduce snow accumulation during heavy precipitation. Available in Medium and Large sizes and in black-asphalt grey and chili pepper red-asphalt grey colors. The opening for the pack is perhaps not as large as other pack but the volume inside the pack is rather impressive. It has two very easy to use straps that hold snowshoes (and skis/snowboards) securely to the back of the pack. It also has an easy-access side ski pole pocket, which can also be used for large or medium sized bottles. Not shown on the pictures is a elastic gear loop near the front top-left corner of the avy equipment pouch.
  

Summary:

Unable to find a local dealer for the Deuter and Arc'Teryx packs, I was able to try the Osprey Kode 30, the Vaude Snow Walker 25 and 35 and the North Face Patrol 35. Trying the Mammut Nirvana Pro 35 meant waiting for the SAIL store to open in Ottawa in November to December time-frame with a likely conclusion that it would be too short.

The Vaude bags were interesting but unfortunately not long enough for my 6ft4in (195cm) frame despite the adjustable straps. The 25 liter model ended up being a good choice for my wife.

The Osprey Kode was a high quality pack but the straps for the snowshoes and for stabilizing the pack were more hassle than anything else. Probably a decent design for skiing/snowboarding, not the best solution for my snowshoeing needs.

In the end, it's the fit and comfort of a Large model of the North Face Patrol 35 on my rather longish frame and the very simple strap set-up that did it for me.

P.S. If I've missed any backpacks that should have been given consideration, please leave me a comment with the details.