The North Face Cadmium

While it doesn't have the gee-whiz HTR Heated Hydration System technology found on The North Face Snowday and Flask, this insulated Cadmium Backpack is perfect for most ski and snowboard days that fall below the Arctic Circle. In all seriousness, , unless you're doing snowshoeing or Nordic skiing for hours in sub-freezing temperatures, the insulated 100-oz. Nalgene CXC antimicrobial reservoir and tube in this Cadmium Backpack should be enough. If you are actually sipping beverages in 15F (-10C) for more than 22 minutes (that's research data from The North Face), you could run into some clogging concerns in the tube. For those of us who tend to play in less extreme cold, the insulated Cadmium hydration pack is perfect for skiing and snowboarding conditions throughout the winter and spring. It features a ski/snowboard carry compression system that isn't as elaborate as The North Face Fly-Trap carrying system, but it's still ideal for short hikes up the ridge to untouched powder heaven. The Cadmium also features a radio pocket on the left shoulder strap and a ported audio pocket for your MP3 player or iPod. Another nice touch is the soft, tricot-lined padded optics pocket that's perfect for holding your sunglasses while you switch over to goggles. Side compression straps cinch down anything you put inside the narrow 610-cubic-inch main compartment, which makes the Cadmium perfectly sized for sitting on the chairlift without feeling like you're going to be pushed out of your seat by the pack behind your back.