You can pay a lot of money for sophisticated back packs most of which have features and functions the average off road athlete never gets to use in anger. For recreational athletes looking to enjoy an overnight trek in the back-country on snowshoe or the more serious racing competitor having to lug shoes, over-boots, poles, hydration and clothing to an event the common needs to be met are straightforward. You want a pack that is easy to set-up, gives you as much storage as possible and doesn’t fall to bits after a season.

TSL’s Snow Walker 30 litre pack has been built for the purposes of alpine recreation at an affordable price with features more often seen in over-hyped expensive competitors.

Naturally enough, given its pedigree, the Snow Walker sports a generous storage area for your snowshoes, holders for ice poles and axe with the ability to daisy chain utensils simply and quickly. The mesh side pockets and ample compression strapping makes for convenience.

Pack setup and adjustment under load and trail variance is straight forward enough with ergonomic straps and load bracer. Given the product price there is no upscale option to have the pack’s hip belt molded to your specific shape and size but the TSL can accommodate most folk.

The main storage compartment is very generous with its volume, it is easy to install a hydration bladder and the top pocket includes a handy wet area. The hip straps provide zipped storage compartments for food and tools and help make the most of available stowage positions, ergonomically.

Constructed of a 600 polyester ripstop with a PU coating, the Snow Walker will handle all but the most extreme of conditions and provide more than reasonable wear with adequate care, over time.

In use the pack is a steady, utilitarian option; it’s not the lightest pack, the contoured foam mesh back is adequate and affords reasonable comfort, the storage options are impressive. It is not an expedition pack nor a feather light AR race pack rather it’s a pack for the rest of us. I’ll be using it to haul along to snowshoe events and to lend to family for their alpine day tripping - recommended for the practical and thrifty.

For pricing and stockists contact TSL.