THE SELL: Tidy hydration for resort riding and short sidecountry excursions. THE TEST: Given the 18-liter Tycoon’s few neatly tucked straps and low profile, we never felt we needed to take it off for chairlift rides, though accessing the two zip holster pockets (one a probe sleeve, the other fleece-lined for goggles) while wearing it took some contortion. The included insulated hydration system—CamelBak’s Antidote, the best we’ve tried—stayed ice-free to about minus 15. And it works just as well at keeping water cool in summer. Our only complaint: having to unbuckle one of the diagonal ski or vertical snowboard carry clips to completely open the main pocket. THE VERDICT: Our favorite in-bounds pack. Just big enough for short missions outside the gate. 2.2 lbs
Comfort: 3.5
Interior Access: 3
Ease of Use: 4
