5 Best Backcountry Ski Backpack Reviews: Honest Critiques of the Top Brands!
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I’ll be honest here, I’m a total noob when it comes to snow sports. I can barely keep my ankles straight in skis and I’m scared to go fast on a snowboard. BUUUT. I’m getting there. Slowly but surely. Especially since one of my absolute best friends is a skiing enthusiast. So it’s no surprise that I got to thinking about the best backcountry ski backpack options available.
Yanno, when I eventually get to the skill level that would require the best backcountry ski backpack haha.
What?
I like to be overprepared in the cold!!
Table of Contents
But Where to Start??
That said, the only thing I know about ski and snowboarding backpacks is that…they’re not the same. Some are slim but long, and others are bulkier, and others are tiny. You can get a backpack that actually sits on your back, or grab one that is made to be carried by hand. So, there’s not a technical “best backcountry ski backpack,” because it’s all dependent on personal preference really.
But…what about if you’re a total amateur like me and you have no idea where to even start looking for the best backcountry ski backpack??
No worries fam, I gotchu.
My friend Matt from The Travel Blogs agreed to help me find the best backcountry ski backpack and spent 44 hours testing and reviewing 17 backpacks. They managed to narrow the list down to the 5 best ski and snowboard backpacks that you should checkout before heading out for your next trip to the mountains.
(in no particular order of course)
BCA Float
The Basics: BCA Float offers plenty of space for lunch, extra layers, water bottles, and a backup puffy coat. It can also carry a DSL-R camera with an extra lens. For that reason alone, it’s my personal favorite.
- Float 2.0 Cylinder / Canister Sold Separately
- Pack Volume: 32 Liters / 1952 Cubic Inches
- Weight: 6.4 Lbs (With Cylinder)
BUY HERE
Main Features
Extra roomy goggle pocket big enough for at least one pair, if not two. Extremely comfortable back padding and also super comfy broad shoulder straps.
Adjustable airbag deployment pull trigger that can be moved from right to left depending on user preference.
Easy to adjustable torso length (a lifesaver for those of us with short torsos). It can go from a size small pack to a size large simply by unfastening the Velcro behind the back and moving the hip-belt up or down.
It has a nicely tucked away helmet sling and easily accessible to expedite transitions, but won’t snag on tree branches during descent.
The compression straps double as the vertical snowboard carry system. This backpack has several anchor points useful for attaching additional gear with carabiners.
Patagonia SnowDrifter
The Basics: The Patagonia Snow Drifter backcountry pack comes in 20 -litre, 30-litre and 40-litre models. Patagonia definitely designs good looking bags that preform as well as they look!
- Pack Access: Side
- Pack Volume: 30 Liters / 1831 Cubic Inches
- Dimensions: S- 25.5 x 13 x 10 inches / L- 27 x 13 x 10.5 inches
- Weight: 2 lbs. 7 oz.
BUY HERE
Main Features
Like many backcountry specific packs, the Patagonia Snow Drifter has a front pocket for avy kit with slots for your shovel, handle and probe. You’ll also find a fleece-lined pocket for goggles at the back.
The main compartment is accessible from both the top and the back panel, so you can get at your gear without unloading.
The pack is externally covered in DWR (durable water repellent) treated, 420 denier Cordura nylon that has been made to hold off as many scrapes as possible.
An Air Flow mesh in the shoulder, back and waist straps helps with overheating issues you might have.
Finally, it has cam locking straps to provide options for strapping your board to the outside of the pack without worry it will come loose.
Burton Day Hiker Pro
The Basics: The Burton Day Hiker serves various needs of snowboarders wanting a solid backpack for all occasions. For those who prefer a smaller bag that still can hold all of the necessities, this is the best backcountry ski backpack!
- 100% Polyester
- Imported
- 12″ shoulder drop
- Dimensions: 19.5in x 12in x 7.5in / 49.5cm x 30.5cm x 19cm; Volume: 28L; Weight: 1.6lbs; Durably constructed
- Main zippered opening with internal organization; Webbing board carry with molded wings for improved grip and fit; Hydration compatible
- Fleece-lined accessory pocket, small zippered storage pocket, front stretch cram pocket, side-zip water bottle pockets, and internal zippered mesh pocket with key clip for storage
- Padded laptop sleeve [15.5in x 10.5in x 1.5in] [39cm x 27cm x 4cm] and tablet sleeve [10.5in x 8in] [27cm x 20cm]
- Lifetime warranty
BUY HERE
Main Features
It contains a large main compartment that has an internal laptop storage in addition to a fleece-lined tablet pouch.
Another plus is that Burton have also added a stretch front pocket complete with useful areas to store a variety of items that you might need to lay your hands on quickly.It also comes with a dual stretch mesh water bottle pockets on each side and a fleece-lined goggle/accessory pocket too.
On top of all that, on the outside you will find two straps that will enable you to carry your snowboard vertically. Also, a skateboard will fit in perfectly.
Comfort and stability are guaranteed with the Day Hiker Pro’s padded, ergonomic shoulder straps and removable waist belt.It also comes with Airflow back panel that is not only designed to keep your back from sweating but also comfy.
Dakine Poacher
The Basics: The Dakine Poacher is not only a sleek and well-designed pack but it is also loaded with useful features. It is the best backcountry ski backpack for those who prefer a slim build with a lot of storage.
- Pack Volume: 2197 cubic inches [ 36L ]
- Dimensions: 24.5 x 12 x 8.5″ [ 62 x 30 x 22cm ]
- Pack Weight: 4.1 lbs. [ 1.8kg ]
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Removable Airbag System 3.0 by Mammut® compatible (sold separately) with RollTop closure
- Diagonal & A-frame ski carry
- Vertical snowboard carry
BUY HERE
Main Features
On top of the Poacher you’ll find two buckles wrap around the “brain” of the pack, and there’s a cinching section that lets you add volume as needed.
Another plus is the multiple pockets including a small one on the waist strap. On top of all that there is access into the main compartment through a double zip mechanism on the back of the Rucksack.
This is designed as a Ski/Snowboard sack, so it is a little heavier because of its more robust construction.
Finally, it is well padded and really comfortable as long as you have the right back length
The North Face Snomad
The Basics: The North Face Snomad although simple and sleek didn’t skimp on the essentials, making it one of the best backcountry ski backpack for those who don’t need too much flash. The Snomad is available in 26-liter size and also available as a 34-liter.
UPDATE: this backpack is currently sold out at most retailers
BUY HERE
Main Features
It contains a separate savy tool pocket that keeps layers from mingling with wet, snowy gear like climbing skins, and includes a list of 10 backcountry essentials to be mindful of when packing.
The main pocket is accessed via a sturdy back panel and it includes a sleeve for a hydration reservoir.It comes with a separate goggle pocket and utility pocket that you can access from the top of the pack.
Another plus is the big enough single hip-belt pocket located on the left side for easy access, its sturdy ice tool holder and hip-belt tool loop.There is a mesh helmet-carry sling that attaches at the top of the pack and is easily secured.
Nonetheless, no matter whether you’ll need a backpack type or perhaps a carry-on type, there are several basic features that you must have.
How to Find YOUR Best Backcountry Ski Backpack?
So I’ve talked your ear off about how finding YOUR best backcountry ski backpack is all about personal preference, right? Well how do you know what features to even pay attention to when deciding between the best backcountry ski backpack? Aside from ensuring a proper fit and comfortable support of course.
The first -and most important- thing to check for is a water-resistant shell. At the VERY LEAST. You won’t be satisfied with a jacket that doesn’t repel water. I mean, you’ll be in the snow after all. Water-resistant is a MUST.
A ski and snowboard backpack or bag also needs to be large enough to allow your snowboard to fit inside completely. You don’t want to ever spend tons of money buying the best backcountry ski backpack and then have to carry it around in a bag that wont completely house and protect your own investment.
When purchasing a snowboarding backpack, make sure that your backpack is made from high-quality materials. If you want the best backcountry ski backpack, it’s probably going to cost a good amount of money, so think of it as an investment. It will cost more in the long run if you have to keep rebuying cheap bags because they fall apart after one or two uses.
Whether you select the carry along or the backpack type, make certain that the straps specifically are strong and secure. Check out the seams; you don’t want the straps to split and tear up from the bag the first time you ever use the item. That goes for zippers, buckles, and any add on pockets.
Best Backcountry Ski Backpack: Conclusion
If you are looking to get into backcountry skiing, you’re going to need the BEST backcountry ski backpack. Or, even if you’re already an avid backcountry adventurer, it may be time to upgrade.
I hope you find at least one potential new back from my list to point you in the right direction, or at least equip you with the tools necessary to head out to REI and pick out the best backcountry ski backpack for YOU that will check all of the boxes.
Whether you’re backcountry skiing Mt. Fuji while celebrating Christmas in Japan, or just adventuring in your own backyard, you want to be equipped with the best backcountry ski backpack. If you’re living stateside, check out the best ski destinations in the US!
Have you tried out backcountry skiing or snowboarding? What is your favorite backpack? Leave your recommendations in the comments below!
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