People who practice many outdoor sports sometimes become picky when it comes to choosing their equipment. A backpack is not just a backpack. Hiking, biking and skiing backpacks all have their own distinctive features and conveniences. And it’s every slight detail that helps us enjoy our sports more easily. In this article I present a backpack designed for ski touring; the Gnarwhal 25L made by the renowned Mountain Hardwear Company.
About Mountain Hardwear
Mountain Hardwear is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts looking for high-performance, reliable products. This American brand specializes in technical clothing and equipment for outdoor activities like mountaineering, skiing and expeditions. Founded in 1993 by a group of former The North Face employees, Mountain Hardwear has been part of the Columbia Sportswear group since 2003.
The Gnarwhal 25L
Foremost, I wondered what Gnarwhal could mean: It is a word formed from gnarly (meaning difficult, impressive or extreme) and narwhal (whale with a long tusk). Gnarwhal can be used as an adjective or a noun to describe something or someone remarkable, courageous or passionate. For Mountain Hardwear, the Gnarwhal 25 backpack is designed for skiers who like to take on challenges and explore unfamiliar terrain.
The brand allows this bag like the ‘’perfect ski pack for side and frontcountry, with some resort sprinkled in. If you’re a do-it-all fan, it’s the ideal off- to on-piste pack without adding weight.’’
The features I like the most on this bag:
- First of all, the Gnarwhal is very comfortable. I loved the fit as soon as I tried it on my back. Even with weights in it!
- This bag is produced with the 500D CORDURA® Nylon. Therefore, the material is lightweight and very durable. You can note it as soon as you handle it.
- I think the storage spaces are really well designed. It can hold all the essentials I need in my day, without being too massive in my back.
- There are two large and deep main pockets and two side expendable zip pockets. On each side, there are compression straps with glove friendly buckles. They are easy to manipulate!
- There is a top fleece-lined goggle pocket, which I like to put in my ski goggles, they are easy to pick up.
- You can place your helmet in a hammock in the front of the bag or bottom, which can accommodate your ski carry (a-frame or diagonal).
- There is a stowable and removable hip belt. The sternum strap is also removable. I like wearing both, but I know some people, like my boyfriend, who doesn’t like wearing them, so he can remove them if he wants.
- In the rear pocket, you can put a hydration reservoir. In addition, there is an expandable laptop sleeve.
- The front pocket got a large zip access, to easily put some avalanche tools (there are two sleeves for your tools). And finally the front panel of this pocket is foam-reinforced to preserve you and your stuff against diagonal ski and board edges.
To conclude
The Gnarwhal 25L from Mountain Hardwear is a versatile ski backpack. It combines lightness, durability and functionality. From now on, it will accompany me on all my outings, whether backcountry or on the slopes. Once again, Mountain Hardwear offers us a quality product, designed exactly for its purpose. I heartily recommend it. Available in two colors: Mint Palm and Dark Bolt.
You can have more information about Mountain Hardwear here:
