Why should I buy a pack from illumination equipment?

Simply put, because you want one. You may like the features or minimalist aesthetic, or the fact that illumination equipment is hand made in the USA with the highest quality fabrics available. There are a lot of great packs out there. If a pack from illumination equipment speaks to you, buy it! If it doesn’t, find one that does. If you’re still searching for the perfect pack, maybe a custom pack is right for you?

What size should I buy?

Check out our Sizing and Fit page!

If you have more specific questions about sizing and fit, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

How long is your lead time?

Each pack is made to order with your selection of color, torso length, and shoulder strap size. Lead times are usually 4-6 weeks, though they may be longer or shorter depending on how busy we are. Always feel free to contact us for current lead times. While we may be able to accommodate rush requests under certain circumstances, we can’t guarantee a pack will be ready by a specific date.

Are illumination packs compatible with all avy gear?

Avalanche gear, and especially shovels, come in many shapes and sizes. Most of them will work with illumination equipment packs. However, some particularly large shovels, or those with integrated shafts (e.g. Black Diamond Deploy), may not work optimally. Also, shovels with long collars may not fit as neatly into the avy pockets. Generally shovel blades 10”x10” and smaller will fit well in our packs. The zipper opening for the shovel pocket is about 12.5” wide. Here are a list of shovels we can confirm work with illumination equipment packs. We’ll continue to expand this list as we get more info:

• BCA B-1 EXT

• BCA Dozer 2T

• Mammut Allugator Light

• Black Diamond Deploy 7 technically fits, but the fit far from optimal and this combination is not recommended. Black Diamond Deploy 9 does not fit.

Do illumination packs have a weight limit?

The short answer is no. The longer answer is, these are light and ultra light packs and they are designed to be used with ultralight gear. To get the best out of an illumination equipment pack, you want to have already invested in light weight skiing and mountaineering gear. Generally, a pack itself is the last place to shave weight. Putting a bunch of heavy gear in a light pack will usually feel worse than putting a bunch of light gear in a heavy pack. In addition, repeatedly overfilling any pack and straining the stitching will shorten its lifespan.

Do you make hip belts with pockets?

Generally, no, though that is an option for custom packs. The Luminary 27 comes with an ultralight webbing hip belt and the Luminary 35 comes with a padded hip belt with gear loops. The Luminary 35 is cross compatible with Hyperlite Mountain Gear hip belts, so if you want pockets, you can get them here: https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/products/removable-hip-be

All the packs are Out of Stock. When will they be restocked?

Each of our packs is made by hand. Throughout the year we will close ordering during periods when we can’t fulfill those orders in a reasonable amount of time (we like skiing even more than we like sewing). Typically we open ordering windows at least once a quarter. During those times, not all pack models or fabric options will necessarily be available (it all depends on what is available from our suppliers). Sign up for our email list if you want to be the first to know when a new order window opens. Typically, lead times are 4-6 weeks from the date of purchase. Or if you’re chomping at the bit, contact us and we’ll give you an update.

Do you offer discounts or pro deals?

Since our packs are made to order, illumination equipment generally does not offer sales or discounts. On occasion, we may offer discounts on prototypes or seconds. Similarly, since we’re a very small company, we do not generally offer pro deals. However, if you are an athlete with ambitions and want to use our packs, contact us. Please include a link to your social media, personal website, or any relevant publications. As we grow as a company, we look forward to partnering with like-minded athletes.