Lift Ticket

There's nothing like the rush of downhill skiing. Of course, getting to the mountain and up it is a different story. The Boot Shuttle Backpack from L.L.Bean is your lift ticket to simplicity. By strapping your boots to the outside of the bag and stashing extra layers of clothing and gear inside, you can comfortably handle your skis or snowboard. Once you reach the mountain, you can use the Boot Shuttle as a day pack on the slopes. It has plenty of room for goggles, a cell phone -- even lunch. The pack contains a pouch that fits most hydration systems, as well as cross-clip elastic bungee cords to strap wet gear to the exterior -- a feature that will come in handy after a nasty spill. The price? Just $59. Check it out on the Web (www.llbean.com).