In reply to Fultonius:
I'm sceptical about the 'need' to have a 'ski-mountaineering pack' - I would argue that this is a false need which has been driven by gear manufacturers desire to sell more.
I have an Ortovox ski pack which I barely use. I don't like the diverse pockets which many ski-mountaineering specific packs have, which are designed for specific items. It's perfectly easy to keep avy gear in the main compartment and extract quickly if need be. These pockets either add weight, or in order to keep the weight down force the use of a very light material which doesn't last well. I feel restricted by the overly specific design of these packs. More, I feel that many are designed for Euro-conditions and not for the wetter conditions we enjoy here in Scotland. But perhaps that's what you seek...
I do a lot of ski mountaineering in Scotland and the Alps, as well as a lot of general mountaineering both summer and winter. I have two packs which I use for (almost) everything I do:
- Lowe Alpine Alpine Attack 35-45L pack, which has a great ski carry system, is fairly light, yet robust; it's top loading (I don't trust zips down the side of packs - a weak point likely to fail when inevitably you try to squeeze just another thing in...); it's pretty water resistant (although I'd never use it without a liner); it's very comfortable even when heavily laden; and, it carries skis, tools, ropes well. I use this all the time in winter for ski touring and climbing (apart from short Euro day tours/ lift assisted hedonism). It's great for summer backpacking too. Although it's a 35-45, it doesn't feel massive - it's ideal for me for day trips and Alpine hut tours, yet can be extended without losing too much stability to carry extra stuff.
- For shorter days needing a smaller pack, I use a Blue Ice Warthog 26L. Doesn't have specific ski straps, but it's easy to arrange a system across the front - roughly diagonal. I'm hugely impressed with this pack. It's basic - strong, yet light, but exactly right.
Whether or not you agree with my cynicism about manufactures motives, I really cannot recommend the Lowe Alpine pack highly enough for all winter activity - it's my perfect pack
happy shopping...