Tent, sleeping bag, 7 days of food, and the kitchen sink don't fit in a 20L race pack...we checked. Enter the Raide Research EX 55L, a 55L expedition pack that expands to 75L with back panel access and quick carry. The EX 55L inherits many of the features introduced by the LF 30L and the LF 40L, such as easy-access tool pockets, a large exterior stash pocket, modular ski carry, and the same durable Challenge Ultra 200TX. Extra padding in the shoulder straps and a removable aluminum frame help distribute weight to handle big loads. Raide also added additional padding to the hips, featuring two zippered pockets and a metal buckle to avoid plastic-buckle failures in the cold. The EX 55L's most genuinely clever feature is the collapsibility. The pack shrinks down to two inches giving it a similar profile to the LF series and making it so you don't have to ski with a refrigerator on your back.
- Multiple main compartment access points, including the back panel, top zipper, and roll top.
- Eight external lashing points for sleds or other dangly bits.
- The bottom of the pack is an extra durable Challenge Ultra 800TX.
- Double axe carry that keeps your picks from getting caught while bushwhacking.
- Two small internal mesh pockets to organize your valuables.
- Quick access zippered stash pocket, which is great for ascent plates or wet skins.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
1250g |
| Volume | 55-75L |
| Access | Roll top and back panel |
| Hydration | Yes |
| Ski Carry | A-frame, diagonal, quick carry |
| Shovel / Probe | Separate compartment |
| Ice Axe | External carry |
| Stash Pockets | 2 on hip and 2 on body of pack |
| Security Pocket | 2 internal |
| Team Tether | No |
| Whistle | Yes |
| Specs Verified | |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Multi-day expeditions |
| Notes | Collapsible design lets you pack everything but ski with a smaller profile pack |
| Bottom Line | Versatile ski expedition pack for long hauls |
| Compare to other Backpacks | |
