Mountain Hardwear Powabunga™ 32 Pack 2022 Review

I've been riding with this 'pack all season and it's been perfect. The pivoting hip belt system gives such great mobility that it's easy to forget you have a pack on when charging.

Storage for longer missions is definitely not a concern with this 32L pack, you could probably even manage an overnight setup if you have lightweight gear. There are multiple pockets from the stash spot on the top, the straps, and the fanny-style pocket on the hip belt. I could easily fit all my backcountry gear, spare goggles/gloves/essentials, water bottle, plus a couple of cold ones for the end of day. The pack is also equipped to carry your skis and helmet together comfortably for the days spent venturing off the skin track.

After a few days in the backcountry with this pack, I started liking it even more. The pockets and organization of the pack made it quick and easy for packing or unpacking the skins. And the pivoting hip belt stood out once again when walking uphill with the pack on, making it super comfortable.

Special features I loved about the pack:

-Pivoting hipbelt for mobility
-Stash Pocket for goggles
-Dedicated avi tool pocket
-Compatible with a hydration reservoir

(Pivoting hip belt, pivoting skier)

A durable container for in- or out-of-bounds skiing and riding, the Powabunga™ Pack is versatile, purpose-driven carrying system for those who hitch it up the gondola and exit the backcountry gate. Designed to make the uphill just as effortless and enjoyable as the descent, its ergonomic suspension and unique pivoting hipbelt handles heavy loads, moving with your natural rhythm to comfortably keeps weight in position for perfect balance on your skis or board. With multiple access points and a swing-around mode that allows entry without need for full removal, this pack supports you on the long haul, wherever the slopes lead.

Features

-500D CORDURA® Nylon is lightweight and durable
-Full back panel access allowing for easy in-out and packing functionality
-Unique padded hipbelt system with side-to-side and up-down pivoting mobility
-Dual large side zip pockets with expandable volume bellow for skins, extra gloves, water bottles
-Hydration reservoir compatible
-Dual density shoulder straps with insulated hydration tube routing
-Removable sternum strap with whistle buckle and multiple lash points
-Spring steel frame allows flex for mobility, while enabling efficient and stable load transfer to suspension
-Front avalanche tool pocket with large zip access and tool sleeves
-Top zip fleece-lined goggle pocket with optional top zip access to main compartment
-Front helmet hammock stows in pocket and allows helmet carry on front or bottom to accommodate a-frame or diagonal ski carry
-Stowable bottom diagonal ski loop with quick deploy tab
-Dual side compression straps with glove friendly buckles and Hypalon reinforced wings
-Wicking and snow shedding stretch woven back panel with an HDPE framesheet
-Foam-reinforced front panel to protect against diagonal ski/board edges and tools

Details

For the M/L pack*

Approx. Pack Weight M/L*: 3 lb 3.4 oz / 1457 g
Pack Capacity M/L: 1953 cu in / 32 ltr
Pack Torso M/L: 18 In - 21 In / 46 cm - 53 cm
Pack Waist M/L: 31 in - 51 in / 80 cm - 130 cm

Fabric:
500D CORDURA® High-Tenacity Nylon
100% Nylon

Overall Impression
This pack was everything I needed it to be. Comfortable and compact enough to wear for big sends and big crashes. Pivoting hipbelt worked great for uphills and downhills. Fits everything I need inside and looks good too.