MEC Tour 32 Backpack

The Tour 32 uses a durable 210-denier nylon with UHMWPE ripstop fabric that is water-resistant and lightweight. MEC states the weight of the Tour 32 Pack is 1.1kg in the short/regular size, and the way they achieve this impressive weight reduction is by using slightly smaller webbing, clips, buckles, adjusters, zippers etc. While this is not as light as a ski randonee backpack, but once you see the list of features you’ll know that it outdoes the competitors. 

MEC has included many of the premium options that come with other ski touring packs, this includes the uber-useful back panel zipper access. This makes it easy to pack gear strategically, grab what you want quickly without pulling everything else out, and get inside if you’re carrying your skis A-frame. Usually, this is reserved for heavier touring bags but MEC has somehow squeezed this useful feature into the Tour 32.

The Tour 32 comes in two sizes and has load lifters to help distribute the internal weight. Moulded EVA foam is used in the shoulder straps, back panel and hip belt to keep things comfy when it’s loaded up. Pockets are included on both sides of the hip belt and are a decent size for quick access items. All in all, the bag fits nicely and is easy to adjust so it does not jump around when skiing.

Another feature that was not skimped on was the avalanche safety tools pocket. Many times this feature is made too small for larger shovel blades or becomes too difficult to access once the rest of the backpack is full of gear. The Tour 32 has plenty of room to fit all of your safety gear and more. Snow saws, skins and even a small ice axe can fit as well without having to cram them in.

The Tour 32 Pack also includes multiple carrying options, including an A-frame or diagonal Ski carry or you can carry a snowboard vertically with stashable horizontal straps. The lower non-adjustable straps on the sides of the pack can easily accommodate fat skis for the A-frame carry while two stashable loops and velcro clasps allow you to fit ice axes and ski poles to the back of the Tour 32. Lastly, a stowable helmet carrier is also part of the Tour 32 pack.

The Tour 32 is quite streamlined and has been thoughtfully designed to keep things accessible if needed and hidden if not. An interesting approach has been taken to the design of the top access of this bag, it combines both a top zip and an expandable roll top closure underneath. This hidden expandable roll top is something new which creates a few different configuration options. It creates a space to separate gear you may not want in the main compartment such as crampons or skins. The roll top can also be left open and stuffed down to quickly get into the main compartment from the top. It can also be expanded to carry an extra 10L though it forces the lid to remain open in an awkward position. Under the top lid hides a stash pocket for goggles and sunglasses. 

• Made of durable 210-denier nylon with UHMWPE ripstop that is water resistant
• Moulded EVA foam back panel and padded, curved shoulder straps carries the load comfortably
• Padded hip belt provides additional comfort and has 2 zippered pockets for a ski strap, tools, or snacks
• Top pocket contains a roll top collar into the main compartment and can expand/contract to create 10L of extra space for organization
• Lid has a zippered accessory pocket
• Front compartment has dedicated slots for your probe, shovel and snow saw
• Zippered internal pocket has a key clip to secure your keys and ID
• Side compression straps and A-frame style loops carry skis
• Stowable webbing straps hold a snowboard or snowshoes and can be rigged for diagonal ski carry
• Stowable helmet carry can easily deploy when needed
• Stowable webbing loops hold ice axes or ski poles
• Internal hydration sleeve lets you add your own reservoir (sold separately)

The Tour 32 is my favourite ski touring bag to date. It has every usable feature anyone could ask for and with an overall weight that is below the average touring pack. The Tour is stated to be 32L and has no trouble fitting all the extra rad gear including glacier kit, ice axes, crampons and a rope. Easy access to both the main compartment and avalanche safety compartment is a major win for many reasons.

I was skeptical of the unorthodox top access but after a few days in the field I am totally impressed by the design. Since the top lid is a zip and not a hood with two buckled straps it allows unimpeded access to the avalanche safety compartment. The ability to quickly stash snowy crampons and skins separately in between the top lid and the roll top is a neat feature. Also, if you want to access the main compartment through the top, you can leave the roll top unbuckled and shoved to the sides to get inside. I have not really found a need yet for the expandable storage the roll top provides but with today’s lightweight camping gear you might be able to use it to bring everything for a shorter backcountry hut trip.

Aesthetically, the Tour 32 looks clean. By making all carrying straps stashable it keeps the bag streamlined and clutter free. Finally, if something were to break before it’s time, MEC’s “rock solid guarantee” would have you covered. 

It was difficult to find anything critically wrong with this bag but there are a few issues that could be improved on. Granted the bag is light, but it does make me wonder about the long term durability. The 210 denier ripstop nylon is tough but does seem a little light. Over time your ski edges may start to scuff the fabric.  MEC also reduced the overall size and thickness of webbing, clips, straps and zippers which might be prone to breaking. Only the test of time will truly determine the Tour 32’s durability. 

The lack of watertight zips makes the bag lighter but it makes the bag more susceptible to wet conditions. If you’re skiing in a warmer winter climate this might be an issue. Also it would have been nice to use something instead of velcro for the upper ice axe attachments. Velcro will lose its grip when full of snow and as well, degrade with use.

My last gripe with the bag is with the helmet carrier. The tiny clips to attach the carrier can be a little difficult to release.  When the helmet carrier is in use, it creates an odd pull on the avalanche safety pocket zipper. Not a major issue but puts an unnecessary strain on the zipper which may shorten its lifespan.

Overall, MEC has created an exceptional design with the Tour 32. I am a loyal fan of MEC as it is one of the few outdoor companies that originated in Canada. It is rewarding to see MEC create something that is modern and well thought out. They have taken all the great designs over the recent years and created a surprising balance between weight, versatility, and affordability. The mountains are back!