Therefore, a quick rummage around the internet later, and low and behold I have myself a pair of Black Diamond ski touring trousers that were not quite purple enough to match either Skiing Unlocked's plumb, or pink enough to match my boots. Alas, you don't set fashion trends by complying ...

Caught between a rock and a hard place, a new backpack for ski touring will fill a hole in my ski set up – but will it live up to the expectations of the brand?