The BCA Squall is a lightweight, stripped down pack designed with skiers and boarders in mind. At 27 litres and only 850g it is quite a light pack but is fully featured. Whether you board or a ski this sack has a simple and fast carrying system designed for stability. Skis can either be mounted A-frame style using the compression straps or diagonally across the pack as preferred – boards are mounted vertically on the back of the pack.
For backcountry riding the BCA Squall pack features dedicated shovel and probe pockets as well as a large hydration-compatible main compartment with spindrift collar. This compartment also features back-panel access so you can get to all of your gear without having dig through everything else first.
Stu’s Comment
I have been using this sack since last spring, at least I was until my wife nicked it off me. At first glance I thought the Squall was over simplified with an undivided main compartment. There are separate spots for your shovel blade, handle and probe but everything else goes in the main space. However in use I didn’t find this at all because of the rear access pocket. Instead of standing the pack up and searching from the top you lay the pack flat and open the rear panel which makes finding what you want quick and easy. The lid has a small net pocket accessed from the outside for wallet, phone etc. Like all BCA packs the Squall is a slim design going for extra width rather than depth so it doesn’t swing aroung on your back when skiing or boarding. The ski carry system is simple and easy and makes it worth using even on relatively short hikes. The reason the Squall has been nicked off me is that it also converts really well to an everyday pack for general use which limits the number of packs you need to own.
BCA Squall Pack Features:
- Toploading/clamshell hybrid.
- Internal pockets for shovel & probe.
- Internal stuffsack with spindrift collar.
- Back panel access.
- Load Lifters.
- Diagonal & A-Frame Ski-mount.
- Vertical Snowboard mount.
- 210D high tenacity fabric, diamond ripstop and 420D fabric.
- 27l capacity
Weight – 850g