K2 backpacks ?

Don't do it. My old coach used to give us free k2 backpacks that he got. I once ripped 3 in one season. The biggest problem I had was the material not being sturdy. I would get rips from tree branches, my edges would tear the fabric when they were on the carry and if you fall don't expect to have a backpack afterwards. Bottom line, they suck and will fall apart on you if you do any real skiing. I would NEVER pay for one.

Check out the dakine heli pro 11 or the osprey karve if you want something low profile that will fit on the lift. The Norrona Narvik 15 pack the best pack I've ever used for sidecountry laps, but probably hard for you to get and twice as expensive as the others. I'm also biased on that last one...

I second the Osprey Karve. They have a 6, 11 and 16 lts in the karve series. I have a 16 size small. which is about 14lts of capacity and it has good space for what you would need for resort if you don`t wanna be back to lodge/parking lot or if you ski hike to terrain. 

BD Bandit might be another option as well as some of the Ortovox Freeride/Freestyle backpacks.

If you need something bigger you can get a Osprey Kode, there is one on sale right now at giantnerd, size 22. It will serve you better for side country but not really sure if it is lift friendly. I would get the Karve 16 for that.

The Dakine Heli suggested gets really god reviews but I prefer the Karve and also Osprey offers an unlimited warranty on their packs.

Am curious, how tall are you?  Reason I ask is I've tried or own every pack suggested above except the Norrona (I tried to find one in North America to no avail darnit!) and the biggest restriction is the length for how tall you are.

For example, the Osprey Karve 16 is definitely not for a taller person.  It's got a shaped, semi-rigid back and if you're anywhere near 6' or taller then forget it because it won't hug against your back properly and will end up looking stupid and feeling worse.  If you're about 5'9" or less then it'll work great.  The Osprey Kode is nice but far too big and bulky (not to mention a tricky top-loader) as a resort pack, plus it has TONS of slack straps (pain in the @$$) which get ridiculous.  The Dakine Heli Pro is good if you grab the smaller one (again, if you're tall you'll need the 16-22L to fit properly), it fits most heights because of the shape and the flexible back.  It does suffer from some weird strap design foolishness, but nothing a pair of sharp scissors and an open flame can't fix.  Ortovox is K.I.L.L.E.R in just about every conceivable manner but more expensive than all the other packs unless you can find a good deal on one.

One-Liner Summary:

-Osprey 16 is great if you're not too tall, has a slim profile, mostly smart design.

-Kode far too bulky and "side country", not suitable as a smaller / resort pack

-Heli Pro is decent all-rounder, slightly more bulky than others, strap design needs work

-Ortovox is the best of the bunch, outstanding design, most expensive though

Hope that helps.  If you have a question about any of those packs, just ask.  I'm a pack hound, what can I say? 

SIDE NOTE: esales09, I would LOVE to see a couple pics of the Narvik, particularly the interior!  Reviews on that pack are virtually non-existent.  I really wanted to buy the 25L but I got the Ortovox instead.  But that Narvik has REALLY got me curious.

No problem. I can write up a review in the next few days. I will warn you. I am affiliated with Norrona so I am biased... but I'll post pics so you can see for your self. I've put mine through three seasons of 50ish days of touring each and its holding up strong. Should be getting the 2013 model in the mail in the next few weeks as well if they decide to send me the narvik again. I don't speak norwegian so I never really know what I'm going to get. I'm actually hoping to get my hands on the redesigned Lofoten pack. I had a proto of one of those two years ago and it was the best for day trip touring.

No worries, a good product should speak for itself in an unbiased manner regardless of what someone's potential bias might or might not say   I LOVE the look of the Narvik stuff, really sharp looking, packs and clothes.  Hard to find though.....I thought Backcountry was their North American distributor/retailer, but they're woefully lacking in product.  Maybe just because it's the summer, but reviews are REALLY hard to find on the Narvik line, and Norrona in general.  From the manufacturer pics, the Narvik pack material looks a bit....flimsy.  Hard to tell.  Interior pics are non-existent anywhere, even on Norrona's own website.  They should seriously post more pics of their gear, it would do consumers a considerable help.

I'm more interested in daypacking, so the Narvik looks great, the Lofoten would probably be a bit much for me.  But it's really hard to get a feel for a pack when no info exists out there.

Thanks for doing this!

Apologies to the OP for the sidebar, didn't mean to thread derail.

K2 backpacks are okay but the materials are less durable than any leading brands. Consider other options.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbtbakkes 

Gunnerbob - Thanks for all the info. I'm 6' but I have no neck and a 30" inseam so I have a long torso. I can get by with packs sized at 22" and I think that's the largest I've seen.

karve series will probably no work for you being 6" and 30" inseam you do have a long torso, Karve backpacks are short

I agree.  My wife is barely over 5' and she has the Karve 16, it fits exactly where her back meets her butt.  I'm 6'2" and the Karve 16 is ridiculously short on me.

Dakine Baker 16L works great for me.