Snow Skills

The arrival of spring brings the end of the lift-serviced skiing: so what’s stopping you from going unlift-serviced skiing?!? Probably the absence of a backpack capable of hauling your gear and the day’s necessities up the hill under your own power. Try the Gregory Zulu Pack to address your needs and you’ll be able to extend your season.

The Gregory Zulu pack is a medium sized pack that’s specifically designed to carry a downhill or telemark skis or a snowboard with confidence. Skis can be mounted on the side of the packs through the use of side pockets with pass-throughs for the tails; compression straps hold the skis aligned along the pack. A snowboard can be mounted through an clever folding down front panel to allow the board to be sandwiched securely between the panel and pack.

Gregory describes the Zulu as a “slim” pack, which I took to mean its a low-profile bag, size-wise, but it has a number of nice features. There’s plenty of compression straps and handle loops for strapping extra gear like a shovel or jacket to the outside. The main compartment can be accessed from the top or the side and there’s a separate hydration pocket and port for a drinking tube. The top pocket is removal (which is useful for a slack ascent with just the bare essentials) and includes a fleece pocket for sunglasses.

One negative comment is that the Zulu’s low profile means it is a narrow pack, and almost too narrow. My telemark boots were a very snug fit, due to the toe pieces. Not a negative, really, but there wasn’t a lot of room left for clothing and other gear.

That said, the Zulu is an excellent day pack that will get you up and not interfere when you’re going down for one last run.