Very well thought out little pack. It doesn’t feel like a toy like some gear in this category does, but rather like a real pack designed to be used for actual ski touring, not just resort uphilling and racing. To that end standout feature to me is the avy tool pocket. The massive handle of a Voile Tele-Pro doesn’t quite fit, but a more average sized BCA shovel blade and handle slides in with room to spare, alongside a 270cm probe.
There’s lots of other nice little touches, too. For example: The chest strap is simply girth hitched on to loops on the shoulder straps, but there’s three places to attach it to adjust the height. The crampon pocket has a semi-rigid flap and a velcro/zipper combo that makes access fiddle-free. The ice axe carry keeps the axe out of the way of diagonally carried skis. The diagonal carry hook has a bungee that lets you lock the skis in if you want to. Speaking of the diagonal carry, Backland 78s fit fine, Voile Objectives fit with some persuasion, and you’d have to really wrestle with the elastic loop to fit anything wider.
I haven’t used this enough to know how durable it will be, but it feels pretty robust for an ultralight pack. Expecting to get lots of use out of this for fast and light tours and as a day pack for camping and yurt trips.
Blue Ice Taka UL 20L Pack
The Taka UL 20L is Blue Ice's purposefully designed pack for skimo racing and speedy backcountry touring. The minimalist design will appeal to skiers who value simplicity and quick transitions, while still having the key features needed for most ski descents. The ripstop nylon fabric offers great durability for the weight, and the foam back panel insert can be removed for weight savings on race day or inserted to protect your back from your pointy bits of gear. The back panel and straps are designed for breathability and are made from a soft nylon mesh fabric that will be comfortable even when loading the pack to its full capacity.
Unlike many packs in the race category, the Taka UL 20L features a dedicated sleeve for your shovel blade, handle, and probe. A separated crampon pocket in the lower part of the pack keeps your sharps separate from the rest of your gear and can also be used to store large quantities of peanut M&M's, essential fuel for long days in the backcountry. Another unique feature is the Taka UL 20L's locking ski carry hook, which offers rapid deployment (essential for racing) as well as the ability to secure your skis more reliably for longer and more consequential boot-packs in the backcountry. The ski carry loop at the bottom of the pack is elasticated to accommodate skis of various widths without extra length flapping around underneath your pack. A small zippered internal pocket for your keys and two stretchy front pockets for soft flasks or nutrition caps off the design of this lightweight pack. For races, speedy dawn patrols, or long days where you need to move fast, the Blue Ice Taka UL 20L pack is well worth your consideration.
- Single ice axe carry allows you to remove your axe while still wearing the pack.
- Stretchy quick-carry with locking hook gives you the best of both worlds - fast enough for racing, but secure enough for bigger skis and backcountry use.
- Large crampon pocket for easy access to ski or boot crampons, a rappel cord, or snacks without taking off the pack.
- Separated pocket for avy tools ensures easy and reliable access to your safety gear.
- Removable back panel to save grams on race day.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
385g |
| Volume | 20L |
| Access | Top and side |
| Hydration | Bladder and soft flask compatible |
| Ski Carry | Quick ski carry hook |
| Shovel / Probe | Interior pocket |
| Ice Axe | Quick attachment for a single ice axe |
| Stash Pockets | 2 mesh on shoulder straps |
| Security Pocket | Yes |
| Team Tether | Partner pull loop |
| Whistle | Yes |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Skimo racing of any distance |
| Notes | Back panel foam is removable for saving extra grams |
| Bottom Line | Lightweight, fully-featured race pack |
| Compare to other Race Packs | |
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Questions & Reviews
12/20/2024
Dana
(used product a few times)
Comment on this review:
11/14/2024
Any idea how large the ski loop is on this bad boy?
im looking for a "summit" Pack for multi day ski camping trips that will fit a split board. Booting a couloir with a empty 90 liter pack is shitty.
im looking for a "summit" Pack for multi day ski camping trips that will fit a split board. Booting a couloir with a empty 90 liter pack is shitty.
11/14/2024
Hi Zach,
The ski carry loop is elastic and expands, so it's hard to pin down a size. But I think it would be a little tight for a splitboard.
You might consider the CAMP Rapid in this category of packs. Read the reviews - there are a couple from splitboarders who modified this pack for their use, and really enjoyed it.
The ski carry loop is elastic and expands, so it's hard to pin down a size. But I think it would be a little tight for a splitboard.
You might consider the CAMP Rapid in this category of packs. Read the reviews - there are a couple from splitboarders who modified this pack for their use, and really enjoyed it.
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