a race pack built for people who count seconds, not grams of trail mix. At 16 liters, it swallows mandatory gear without turning into dead weight. The updated design keeps the quick diagonal ski carry you can hook without taking the pack off, a true crampon compartment for lightning swaps, and a rope-partner tow system. Up front, you’ve got a shoulder flask pocket and zip access to the main body. Extras like an ice-axe fix, breathable straps, and a removable waterproof pocket round it out. Who it’s for: skimo racers, vertical junkies, and anyone who wants a stripped-down pack that’s laser-focused on efficiency. This isn’t your cushy day-tour pack—it’s tuned for sprint starts, chaotic transitions, and big efforts. How it feels: slick, fast, and organized. Reviewers call it a purpose-built race pack with quick access and solid durability. It’s tougher than the feathery ultralight packs out there, though not quite as minimal. What’s new vs. the last DNA 16: Weight: now ~395 g (up from ~240 g). A little heavier, but that’s the trade-off for more features and structure. Features: new safety whistle, removable waterproof pocket, and improved organization while keeping the crampon pocket and speed ski carry. Some listings also highlight a magnetic crampon pocket. Sizing: now offered in a single uni-size fit, where the older version often came in S/M or M/L options. Bottom line: If your calendar is full of “sprint, vertical, individual,” this is the pack you want on your back. It’s more robust and feature-rich than the old featherweight version—still pure race DNA, just tuned for the chaos of modern skimo courses.
