Tom Bihn packs and skiing/snowmobiling/winter use

[MtnMan]

The recent arctic weather blast got me to thinking: how do the various materials used in Bihn backpacks and Side Effect-type packs hold up during winter recreation excursions?

I watched the latest Smart Alec video a few times and enjoyed it. The use of a Bihn backpack for winter snowshoeing caught my eye.

But I'm wondering how many folks in this forum would like to comment on how the various packs and their constituent fabrics hold up in the cold, snow and ice. What do you haul in your Bihn packs on winter excursions? Would you like to share your stories and photos?

I have worn a Side Effect (cordura) as a hip pack on winter hikes and winter errands/shopping trips. I have carried it around in a variety of weather but I don't recall taking it on any long hikes. Items I've carried inside the Side Effect: wallet and/or money/loose change, checks, deposit slips, shopping lists, notes, mini-flashlight, glasses case, hand sanitizer, and I've also tried an open-face cheap cellphone with mixed results (too easy to bump the buttons on one of those li'l toys).

I have hauled a Super Ego briefcase in a car or van to business meetings in all seasons. The worst elements it has ever been exposed to would be dirt and animal hair, though. Other than that, it's Light-Duty Rudy and it looks almost like new.

I'd really be interested in how the various backpack fabrics work in winter.

[MtnMan]

...and has anyone ever worn a Bihn pack while skiing, snowmobiling or other related activity?

[Rocks]

Yesterday the high was -15F (air temperature) and my cordura Synapse was warmer than I was. Though it doesn't say much, I have a feeling it doesn't complain. It doesn't mind cabin fever induced hikes to the bar, either, or even being set down on the floor. I'd take a picture but it's still below zero and when I take my phone out, the battery thinks it's dead.
My Synapse has held up really well through a year of use. I bike and walk everywhere. It doesn't look new, but nearly.

[SKIMT]

I was wondering the EXACT same thing. Anyone know about Dyneema in a cold skiing environment?

[Darcy]

I was wondering the EXACT same thing. Anyone know about Dyneema in a cold skiing environment?

I've been out a bunch cross country skiing or snowshoeing in the last month or so with my Synapse 19 in Steel Dyneema in temperatures ranging from 2° to 30° F. Worked great as always.

[MtnMan]

I'd take a picture but it's still below zero and when I take my phone out, the battery thinks it's dead.

Better not answer that ring when you're out in the cold, huh?

[Miking]

I actually end up using the packing cube backpack quite a bit in the winter for hiking, snowshoeing, ice climbing and alpine climbing. It is so light I often forget I am wearing it until I need something out of it. It has edged out a few of my more technical packs for hikes and climbs where I don't need ice axes, pickets, crampons, snowshoes, avalanche gear etc. I typically load a puffy down jacket in the main pocket, it's so bulky it takes up most of it! Depending on the trip I will also carry giant mitts (frostbit my hands really badly a few times and now they scream whenever they get cold) extra headgear, water, granola bars, tiny survival kit made out of a mints tin , small camera tripod, headlamp, map, compass and possibly gps.


I have used the travel bags in temperatures down to -40 and they perform well, shedding snow and staying supple. The only thing I can nitpick is that when they get that cold the aquaguard zippers get a bit stiff but then again so do I...

[MtnMan]

Thanks for sharing that, Miking! Very useful.