I bought and tested 3 different packs (Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 32L, Osprey Kode 32L and the Kamber 32L) specifically for backcountry snowboarding to see if they could fit all my gear comfortably.
The Dawn Patrol was pretty disappointing right off the bat with small gauge zippers and a very thin fabric which while ripstop did not feel very sturdy or water resistant for a pack I knew was going to come into A LOT of contact with snow.
The Kode was a close 2nd and while there were'n't groundbreaking new features added between the sunsetting of the Kode last season and the introduction of the Kamber this season, it was enough to push me over the edge.
The Kamber is intelligently designed with backcountry travel in mind.
1) The dedicated avy gear pocket has a nice bright red 'oh sh*t' J Zipper to open the compartment immediately should things go sideways.
2) The Helmet carry no longer overlaps the avy pocket so your helmet can rest out of way ot getting to your tools for rescue or for digging pits.
3) BIG GUAGE ZIPPERS! Why every company is not doing this I have no idea, but the bigget teeth and pulls on the main compartment make it much much easier to open and close the bag with gloves on, not to mention, not having to worry about busting a zipper if you're packed pretty tight.
4) Wais tbelt is a breeze to adjust with only 1 strap on each side
5) Main compartment zips all the way down the back to the base of the pack so you can fully open (and leave open) the main compartment (The BD pack wouldn't unzip all the way making it difficult to pack the main compartment)
6) Nice mini frame (rigid wire?) around the main compartment allows the pack to keep it's shape well
