What is the diagonal ski system and how does it work?
Backcountry skis are heavy and awkward things to attach to a pack. The traditional way is to attach them on the side compression straps with the tips tied together, but this makes for a wide load through the brush. Many people now attach the skis to the back of the pack, but if the skis are parallel to the center of the pack it is often possible to kick the ski bottoms with your heels. By attaching the skis at a slight diagonal they can no longer be kicked. The lower strap has a cam buckle and carries most of the weight. The upper buckle controls the angle of the skis.
