This is the pack I have and man, love it.
https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/kamber-32-KAMBER32_398.html
https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/kamber-32-KAMBER32_398.html
I have the DaKine Heli Pro 20L, found it for under $40 at Marshalls last year and couldn't resist. Nice little pack, not full of hanging straps. Fit's me well but I'm 5'6.5", I think it'll be too small for him.I don't think you are gonna find a pack designed for skiing that has a side water bottle compartment. The two small packs I would suggest.
https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/kamber-abs-compatible-22-10-KMBRABS22_550.html
https://www.dakine.com/en-us/bags/backpacks/snow-backpacks/heli-pro-20-liter-backpack/
I don't think you are gonna find a pack designed for skiing that has a side water bottle compartment/
Side pocket to small for water bottle
I thought this was a requirement!
Well noticed. I had hoped the side pockets would work for one of my smaller bottles. Also no goggle pocket and fairly heavy.
I know it’s hard to find all of the features I listed as my dream pack. So, I figure for $28.50 I have a pack that fulfills most (but not all) of my wishes. If someone can find a pack that get’s all of them, I can still get that, and only be out a few dollars for this one.
For resort skiing I see less of a need for water bottle pockets, since you drink on the lift, with the pack on your lap anyway. For $28.50, it’s ok if it becomes an inbounds only pack if I find a better touring pack.
I also might try and add side pockets and a goggle pocket in the lid.
What I don’t want to do is spend upwards of $100 and then later find something new and improved,
I also posted the review to help others out, who may or may not have similar wishes as me.
So, I still ask my original question, if someone knows of a pack that fullfills all those wishes, let me know!
I'm not going to contradict you, but as a fellow pack rat (hehe) with 10+ packs ... I get really annoyed at all the packs (read: clutter) I have, and it's hard to get rid of them (I hate throwing things away). I've become much more ruthless about returning things directly if they are not 100% exactly perfect.