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If you plan on going backcountry skiing or exploring it’s essential that you have the right equipment, and that doesn’t stop with your skis, helmet and clothing. If you’re going backcountry you’ll need a decent backpack in which to store all your essential equipment plus other supplies such as food and drink.
In this article, we’ll be looking at the best backpacks available for backcountry trips. So, if you want, you can jump straight into the Reviews, they’re right after this short paragraph. But, if you need a little more information then after our Reviews you’ll find a Buyer’s Guide which goes into more detail including those all important features you should look for when selecting a backpack.
Note: we haven’t mentioned avalanche airbag style backpacks in this article. Because they are such a specialist piece of kit we feel they warrant a separate dedicated article. We’ll be looking at avalanche backpacks in more detail later in the season.
It is possible to buy backpacks which have the capacity for AvaLungs, for example, so if you feel you’ll need this essential in the future, it might be worth investing in a pack that allows you to add this feature.
Product | Detail | Our Rating | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Ortovox FREE RIDER 24 | Best Backcountry Ski Backpack | ||
Arva Calgary 26L | Budget Option | ||
Dakine Heli 12L Backpack | Less Than 25L |
There are a surprising number of bags available suitable for backcountry adventures. As with most things, there’s also a range of sizes and features too. If you want more help in deciding which type and style of pack are right for you, head on down to our Buyer’s Guide which is packed with info which will help you out. But for now, let’s jump right into the Reviews.
Ortovox FREE RIDER 24L - Best Backcountry Ski Backpack
There was a lot of competition for the top spot but in the end, it came down to a bag that offered both flexibility and comfort along with a high level of protection which also looked great. A tall order perhaps, but this FREE RIDER was up for the challenge.
This pack has everything you could need for a great day (or days) on the slopes.
Product Highlights
Size | 24L |
Weight | 1280g |
Material | 420D nylon |
Ski Attachment | Diagonal & vertical |
Snowboard Attachment | Vertical |
Helmet Holder | Yes |
Hydration System Compatible | Yes (available separately) |
Impact Spine Protector Compatible | SPS Flex Back Protector |
Avalanche System Compatible | No |
Warranty | 2 years |
The Good
From it’s Bright Inside safety compartment, which will enable you to find your essential kit, faster, axe loop, compression straps and multi-ski and board attachments, there’s a lot to like about this great pack.
The straps are easy to secure and give a stable and secure fit to a pack which offers a comfortable close to the body feel that almost makes you forget you’ve got it on!
Both skis and boards are mounted simply and quickly with minimal fuss and are just as easy to remove when the powder looks good.
Central to the Ortovox ethos is the safety of its users and it offers the FREERIDER line in three different sizes to ensure that the pack fits and therefore performs, perfectly. This is done through using both the back length measurement and the user's height providing sizes:
Short (S),
Regular (R) and
Long (L).
This gives you a better fit and ensures both men and women are comfortable wearing the pack.
The Bad
It’s evident that this pack has had a lot of R&D to produce a product that has a host of features in a slim pack that offers both protection and flexible usage. Given this, it’s been difficult to find faults with the FREE RIDER 24.
Pros
Cons
Arva Calgary 26L - Best Budget Backcountry Ski Backpack
When we say budget, we don’t mean low quality. There is a good selection of reasonably priced packs available which still offer a high standard and are packed full of features. And this one is no exception.
With a dedicated safety compartment and plentiful room for your shovel and axe; this bag should have room for everything you need for a great day on the slopes.
Product Highlights
Size | 26L |
Weight | 940g |
Material | 210D nylon diamond & 450D polyester ripstop |
Ski Attachment | Diagonal |
Snowboard Attachment | Vertical |
Helmet Holder | Yes |
Hydration System Compatible | Yes (available separately) |
Impact Spine Protector Compatible | No |
Avalanche System Compatible | No |
Warranty | 1 year |
The Good
This has been created with a lot of thought surrounding the comfort factor with ergonomically designed shoulder and waist straps to support the weight. Add to this the foam back panels and you’ll be able to wear this pack for both short and longer treks.
The Bad
Although a great allround pack, it lacks spine protection and isn’t avy compatible which might put some potential users of this particular model. Still a well-made and thought out pack.
Pros
Cons
Dakine Heli 12L Backpack - Best Backcountry Ski Backpack - less than 25L
If you’re wanting a pack that offers the compartments and organization of a standard pack but you don’t want the bulk or additional weight, you’re best looking for a pack of less than 20L. Or you could go for a dedicated Heli pack that offers all the above but in a smaller form.
This little beauty, made from the pros at Dakine, offers everything you could want for a great day on the slopes, but in a compact form. It’s lightweight but not light on features.
There’s space for your avy gear, snacks and spare gloves all in a slimline design that’s easy on the back and looks rad on the slopes.
Product Highlights
Size | 12L |
Weight | 700g |
Material | 600D polyester |
Ski Attachment | Diagonal |
Snowboard Attachment | Vertical |
Helmet Holder | |
Hydration System Compatible | Yes (available separately) |
Impact Spine Protector Compatible | Yes (available separately) |
Avalanche System Compatible | |
Warranty | Limited lifetime |
The Good
With a slim, low-profile, this lightweight bag is ideal for a day on the slopes or a day at the park. It’s versatile and offers you the choice of ski or board fixings or, as some have decided - it can also carry a skateboard (unofficially of course!).
There’s plenty of space for layers, extra gloves, snacks and your camelback in this surprisingly roomy pack.
The Bad
This is a great bag, that’s been well designed and packs a lot of features into its tiny frame. However, there have been some reports of users struggling with the ski carry system.
Pros
Cons
Dakine Heli Pro 20L - Best Backcountry Backpack for Women - less than 25L
People often assume that any backpack is suitable for a woman to use and while, technically, that’s right, if you plan on using your pack a lot, we’d recommend you consider purchasing a pack that’s
A woman’s body is different to a man’s in more than just height so it would be simplistic to imagine that all these manufacturers have done is
No, they’ve understood the subtle differences and designed these packs for women without compromising on style, and
This slimline yet
Created from high-quality 600D polyester, it features a great selection of compartments and pockets to hold up to a 15
This is an ideal pack for heli, work, slopes or school.
Product Highlights
Size | 20L |
Weight | 800g |
Material | 600D Polyester |
Ski Attachment | Yes |
Snowboard Attachment | Yes |
Helmet Holder | |
Hydration System Compatible | Yes (available separately) |
Impact Spine Protector Compatible | Yes (available separately) |
Avalanche System Compatible | No |
Warranty | Limited lifetime |
The Good
With a range of colors and features, this pack is one that can truly be multifunctional. Use it on the slopes or in school or for work. It’ll be
Features both a diagonal and A-frame ski carry system along with a vertical snowboard carry.
The Bad
If you’re looking for a bag that you can upgrade to an avalanche bag, this isn’t it. While it’s ISP compatible, there’s isn’t the space for an
Pros
Cons
Note: If you’re looking for a smaller capacity heli pack, consider the Dakine Heli 12L women’s pack which has everything you need in a neat package.
Deuter Women’s Rise 32 + 8L - Best Backcountry Backpack for Women - over 25L
If you’re looking for a pack that really packs, the Rise might be the pack for you.
Product Highlights
Size | 32 + 8L |
Weight | 3lb 2oz |
Material | Duratex (40% polyester & 60% nylon) |
Ski Attachment | Yes |
Snowboard Attachment | Yes |
Helmet Holder | |
Hydration System Compatible | Yes (available separately) |
Impact Spine Protector Compatible | |
Avalanche System Compatible | |
Warranty | Lifetime |
The Good
There’s
You won’t have issues with overheating wearing this pack thanks to the channel ventilation system that runs between the back panels.
There’s a lot of well thought out touches on this pack such as the wet clothing compartment and security pocket.
The Bad
While this is a great pack, if you
Pros
Cons
Accessories
If you find the perfect backpack but it doesn’t have a safety compartment or pocket, consider purchasing a separate one to use with your pack.
CAMP USA Be Safe Backpack
This small 10L sleeve allows you to stow all your essential safety kit in one place.
Features
- Shoulder straps
that are easy to stow if using in your own pack. - 10L capacity.
- Slots for a shovel.
- Slots for a probe.
- Pockets for essential gear such as headlamps and first aid kit.
- Ultralightweight design weighs only 9.5oz.
- Double zippers for easy access.
- Limited 3-year warranty.
Backcountry Skiing Backpack Buyer’s Guide
You might already have a backpack
You might ski for a while, stop for lunch, head up in the ski lift etc. and at these times your backpack
If you’re heading out backcountry
- Ski or snowboard carry straps allow you
to safely stow your skis or board while leaving both hands free for hiking. - Avalanche equipment storage enables you to store vital gear such as your probe in specifically designed pockets which are easily accessible should
they be required .
So, will
Here’
- Back support
- Weight distribution
- Fit
- Size
- Durability
- Avalanche equipment storage (NOTE: this isn’t the same as an avalanche backpack)
Size
Size is everything
Typically backpack sizing is by volume which
- Duration of your trip.
- The gear and kit you need to carry.
- Where you are going.
- Your access to facilities such as lifts.
- How many people are in your group, you might
be sharing the load with others which will mean you maybe carrying less or more.
Back Size
Having a range of sizes is important if you are considering purchasing a unisex pack. There are a good range of packs available for women so, if you plan on using your pack a lot, opting for one that’s
Fit
Look for backpacks which fit close to the body for a more natural and comfortable experience. Another important factor is the straps, we talk more about straps a little later in the article.
Weight
The
It is possible to purchase some sweet lightweight bags which will allow you to have the storage you need but without the weight. The lighter weight models
Straps
To ensure a good fit and
- Shoulder Straps - the shoulder straps help to take the weight of the pack. For comfort look for
padded , breathable shoulder straps. - Sternum or Chest Straps - these simple straps clip across the sternum (chest) and help
to evenly distribute the weight.A safety whistle is often included on the chest strap so you can attract attention in an emergency. - Hip Fins or Belts - again help to distribute the weight and secure the pack firmly but comfortably on your body. These should
be padded if possible for your comfort and may include pockets forsmall item storage.
Make sure that when you are wearing your
Regularly inspect your backpack straps for signs of wear or fatigue that may cause the straps to break or come loose.
Compartments and pockets
Having your kit and supplies organized and easily identifiable is crucial for any well-planned trip but out in the cold when
When thinking about what size of pack you want to purchase, think about the items you want to carry, how much they weigh and how bulky they
Safety compartment
Probably one of the most important aspects of a pack that’s
This is another reason
If you choose a pack which doesn’t have a dedicated safety compartment, it is possible to purchase these separately. Products such as the Camp USA Be Safe which is a small 10L bag, are ideal and can either
Features
There are many additional features available across a wide range of packs, some you may not be interested in whereas others are essential. It is worth reading down the list as there may be something that you’ve not come across before which could prove
Safety Compartment
Map Compartment
- Hydration Compatibility - a hydration bladder is an easy and convenient way in which to carry fluids. They enable you to take onboard fluids whilst leaving your hands free and unencumbered. Plus, you don’t have to stop, unzip the pack and grab a bottle. Better for the environment too as you don’t need single use plastic bottles.
If you want to use a hydration system, check that the pack you choose is hydration compatible with a port for the hose.
- Rope Fastenings
- Ice Axe Holder
- Whistle - often attached to the chest strap, a signal whistle can help draw people’s attention to your location in time’s of crisis.
- Ski Fasteners - A-frame or diagonal ski attachments.
- Snowboard Attachment
- Snowshoe Attachment
- Helmet Net - securely fastens your helmet to your pack when not in use. Having a proper helmet attachment prevents it from bouncing around on your back too.
- Gear Loops
- Hiking Pole Fastener
- Key Holder
- Spine Protector -
these thin and flexible foam protectors are placed inside the backpack and can help prevent serious injuries to the central back. - Goggle/Sunglass Pocket - keep your shades or goggles safe in a lined pocket just for them. You’re less likely to damage or lose them and they’ll be readily available right when you need them.
- Back/Side Access - this allows you to access items at the bottom of your pack without having to unpack items
which are on the top, a great timesafer .
Heli Skiing
If you’re planning a backcountry heli
Warranty
Often around 2 years. If a warranty is important to
It probably seems like there’s a lot of information here just for a backpack! But, if you’ve never purchased a dedicated backcountry pack before, we hope this has been of some help in making your choice.
Now, if you’re ready, head on up to our Reviews to check out our top pick of the best packs around.
Conclusion
- Best Backcountry Ski Backpack -
Ortovox FREE RIDER 24 - Budget Option - Arva Calgary 26L
- Less Than 25L - Dakine Heli 12L Backpack