Dakine Poacher RAS 46 Review
May 6, 2017
88 The Good
- Full back panel access
- Easy drawstring closure
- Compatible with Mammut airbag systems
The Bad
- Airbag compatibility adds weight
- Diagonal ski carry utilizes same strap as ice axe carry
- Attached lid prevents adjustability
The Poacher RAS 46 is an updated version of Dakine’s older Poacher 45 with the added benefit of airbag system compatibility, allowing for seasonal versatility. Full back panel access, a side water bottle pocket, and durable straps and materials are the other selling points of this pack. But some dual use efficiencies are a bit too much.
Comfort/Fit
The Poacher RAS 46 has thick padded shoulder straps and a supportive back panel. Its carrying stability was more than adequate when skiing down a steep face carrying a full load.
Ski/Snowboard Carry
The Poacher RAS 46 features both A-frame and diagonal carry options and a vertical snowboard carry. The diagonal ski option utilizes the same gear strap as the ice tool carry, so carrying a tool with skis attached in this fashion was cumbersome.
Features
Aside from the ability to add and remove an airbag system to the pack, the Poacher RAS 46 features a standard avy gear pocket and large body pocket, which can be accessed via a top draw string opening or the back panel. A helmet carry system, side water bottle pocket, and insulated hydration sleeve round out the feature set.
Ease of Use
The Poacher RAS 46 is intuitive and easy to use. With a full back panel retrieving gear could not be easier regardless of ski carry method.
Durability
Thick, durable straps, buckles, and fabric ensure the Poacher RAS 46 will stand up to years of abuse.
Skier, runner, and author Ben Conners has been exploring the Rockies since he was a kid. Growing up in the Vail Valley, Ben spent his winters carving turns and summers backpacking in the Holy Cross Wilderness. Ben authored a guidebook on ski mountaineering Colorado’s high peaks and lives with his wife in south-Denver.
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