First time skiing with backpack. - Dakine Heli Pack 12L Backpack

I'm the type that does exhausting research prior to buying items. I was torn between this and the larger version because the larger (or pro) version offered skis to be attached in an "A" frame arrangement. However, after skiing a week in Colorado, I am very happy with this back and think it's better than the larger more expensive version. My skis easily attached to the bag and made walking from the parking lot to the Vail gondola effortless. Then, again for hiking from the the top of Kensho chair lift. Attaching both skis at once in a diagonal manner made me think it would have been easier than attaching one ski, then another. Just more efficient.

The bag was slim enough to allow me to bring food, drinks, extra gear, etc and I was able to ride the lift with ease.

The reason for 4 rather than 5 stars was the removal of a "sleeve" for the water bladder hose. In my research, in older versions, the hose was contained/insulated within the straps and in this version, it's exposed. My water froze on numerous occasions.