The master has delivered us mortals a new backpack. Extreme ski guru Doug Coombs – the undisputed swami of the steep and deep – spent two years designing a new backpack for his sponsor Marmot. Call it Doug’s Christmas Gift. The La Meije pack (MSRP $129) has ridden Master Coombs down 90 first ascents in Greenland and the Arctic Circle in the past two years. Name a tool you would need on the ultimate mountain ski adventure, and La Meije will tote it. A 50-meter rope, crampons, two ice axes, ice tools, shovel, probe pole, snow saw, extra clothing, food, a 1-liter water bottle and loads of pockets and stashes for miscellaneous gear. Oh, yeah, and it carries three pairs of skis – you know, those pro tough guys need their quiver handy – and weighs a little more than 3 pounds.
Get it — Buy it at REI, marmot.com or backcountry.com.
