• Capacity: 25 Litres
• Price: £125
• BUY DIRECT FROM JONES

Why we chose the Jones Descent 25L Snowboard Backpack: When a bag is so much more than a bag.

By christ it’s been one hell of a year, hasn’t it? Not entirely sure how you saw 2020 playing out, back at the arse end of 2019, but we’d wager you didn’t get global pandemic and government lockdown in the ‘guess what’ll happen’ sweepstake. Anyway, what we’re trying to get at is that it’s been a very stressful year. And, with everything that’s gone down, you could be forgiven right now for craving some time in the backcountry even more so than usual this winter. All of which leads us on to a discussion of the Jones Dscnt 25L backpack.

The Jones Dscnt 25L backpack doesn’t literally have “ideal for intermediate backcountry tours” stamped all over it but, quite frankly, it might as well have.

“As you well know, there’s nothing on god’s green earth worse than being stuck with an uncomfortable backpack in the backcountry”

The pack has a contoured profile which has been specially designed for ascent / descent performance. They (Jones) have done this by making sure the weight of your gear is evenly distributed in the centre of your torso – helping you to stay balanced no matter the situation.

In other news, the main pocket here has dual internal accessory pockets and a hydration sleeve (useful for quenching that thirst when you’re on a springtime mission). The pack also has a dedicated avy tools pocket, a fleece-lined goggle pocket, dual hip pockets and a stowable front panel helmet holder. Hate to be an elite-level nerd and come out with something like “Look at this thing’s storage solutions” but also… would you look at this thing’s storage solutions?

Elsewhere, there’s a very comfortable thermo molded back panel which’ll sit real nice against you during the course of your long day on the hill. As you well know, there’s nothing on god’s green earth worse than being stuck with an uncomfortable backpack in the backcountry. So, yeah, big props to the Jones design crew for spending some getting this right. We stan you.

Other bits on this backpack worthy of note include the reflective strap accents and removable safety whistle. No alternative, of course, to an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel on their own but they are the kind of reassuring little touches we like to see on this type of product.

One of our favourite things about the Dscnt 25L is just how versatile it is. There’s vertical board carry straps, A-frame splitboard carry and even some ice axe loops if you’re really upping the gnar-factor. That’s on top of the aforementioned helmet holder. There’s also places here to put your poles, skins, probe and shovel. Basically, whatever kind of day you’ve got planned this pack will sort you right out.

“One of our favourite things about the Dscnt 25L is just how versatile it is”

The Dscnt 25L is built from PVC-free 450D nylon. Is that tough? Yes Does that mean the pack can handle itself in a fight? Yes. Does it mean it can handle itself in the backcountry? Also yes.

Finally, nothing but respect to Jones for being a member of 1% For The Planet. If you’re not familiar with this concept, it essentially boils down to Jones donating 1% of their sales to help fight climate change. They’re doing this through supporting their non-profit partners Protect Our Winters and Community Carbon Trees. Nice one Jonesy. Keep it up.