Blue Ice Kume 30
This Winter I was on the lookout for a new ski touring backpack that would offer some features I deemed important:
Lightweight: In general, I’m a big fan of lightweight backpacks. Same for ski touring. I already have an avalanche safety backpack, but use it less and less due to the added weight penalty.
Safety equipment compartment: I always bring a probe and a shovel in my backpack when in the backcountry. But I’m not a big fan of having (esp the shovel) in the main bag together with e.g. my puffy jacket.
Easily accessible drinking bottle: Ideally, I can easily access my water bottle. Not a big fan of drinking bladders, especially in Winter time.
Being able to carry skis: Nothing fancy, but at least an A-frame carrying system or a diagonal one.
With these requirements, I started scanning the market and decided to go with the Blue Ice Kume 30.
The Blue Ice Kume 30
The Kume 30 is a lightweight ski mountaineering pack that holds 30 liters and weighs 1128 grams. The pack offers a very nice compartment for the avalanche safety equipment. You can access the main compartment from the top with a somewhat classical closure system, while also from one side with a zip. On the other side of the pack, there is a dedicated compartment for the drinking bottle. Be aware that it holds nicely a 500ml bottle, bigger ones are getting harder and harder to fit. For all the technical details and insights, please also visit the Blue Ice product page.
Avalanche Safety
Compartment
Very nicely designed
and easily accessible
compartment for probe
and shovel.
You can also fit a smaller
ice axe if you like.
How Kume performs
I used the backpack for a handful of day ski tours in the backcountry. I can easily fit the required gear for the daylong outing. The closure system on top needs a bit of getting used to, but works well. I really like the side compartment for the water bottle. Really easy to access as long as you bring a 0.5l bottle.
The pack carries nicely - on the uphill as well as on the downhill. The waist belt is very helpful in this regard and also holds a small pouch for an energy bar or sun protection.
When you need smaller items from the main pack, or you’d like to store a buff or beanie, the side access is a blessing. The pack is probably not the lightest but seems to be a good blend of features and weight. The material holds up well so far - but would not have expected otherwise after just a few days of usage.
Improvements?
I do miss an easily accessible smaller compartment for e.g. sunglasses or gloves. The top cover flap would be ideal for such an add-on. Instead, the Blue Ice team decided to have an internal pocket in the main compartment. I don’t find this that helpful - once the pack is fully loaded, access is cumbersome.
A key improvement that I’d love to see is an added sleeve with a zip on one of the carrying straps. Blue Ice should consider switching to straps inspired by running vests rather than traditional backpacks. Having a pocket to store your mobile phone or smaller items that way would be such a great modification.
Final Conclusion
All in all, I can only recommend the pack. It is one of the best ski mountaineering packs I tested so far. It simply works, I love the yellow, bright color, and it holds the right amount of equipment for my needs.
Good carrying system and suspension
It simply works very well