Osprey's Kamber 16 is the ideal size for everyday ski use when you're not climbing mountains with skins, crampons and the like. And realistically most recreational skiers' requirements involve a bottle (or bladder) of water, a few sandwiches and an extra layer, for which a 16 litre capacity is absolutely sufficient.
But what do you get for your £80 investment? The Kamber offers a little bit of what you need and not much of what you don't. The main compartment easily holds a mid-layer, with room left to spare, and there's also a sleeve for a water reservoir. The tube for the reservoir exits straight into the body of the shoulder strap which has an added bit of insulation, this stops water from freezing before you get the chance to drink it. If you're heading off-piste but not backcountry touring, then the Kamber 16 is also a fair option as it swallows most extendable shovels and collapsible probes.
There's also quite a large front pocket which has separate mesh pockets and a further zipped pocket inside. We use this for a tool, sunscreen and snacks and any other random bits and pieces we take out with us on the day. In front of this there's another, smaller zipped pocket which is fleece lined for quick and easy storage of goggles.
All this comes in quite a subtle design and the shape of the pack is thin and long - great for unencumbered use of your arms while skiing and snowboarding.
On the outside of the pack there's a classic ski or snowboard carry feature, which operates by webbing straps and buckles, works as well as you would hope, and is durable enough to cope with sharp ski and snowboard edges.
The shoulder straps are reasonably well padded and despite this being one of the more pared down of Osprey's packs comfort is still pretty much incontrovertible. The hipbelt is minimal - just a webbing strap and no cushioning but this works well enough when you have little weight in the pack and cushioning from a mid-layer and ski jacket. The back panel is slightly cushioned, slightly contoured to offer comfort and ventilation and is also covered in snow-shedding fabric.
Overall, this is a fantastic daily use ski or snowboard pack which ticks all the right boxes in a simple, uncomplicated package.
