The Best Backcountry Skiing Backpacks For 2024
By, Sara RyanUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Venture Pal 40L Backpack
The Venture Pal 40L is a versatile, durable, and comfortable backpack. With a range of features that make it perfect for traveling, hiking, and camping, this backpack will become your go-to choice for all your adventures. Read Review
2. Best For The Price: Vibrelli Ski Backpack
If you're looking for a lightweight and comfortable backpack for skiing, snowboarding, trail running, or cycling, the Vibrelli Ski Backpack is an excellent choice. This backpack is perfect for outdoor adventures with its high-flow bite-valve and comfortable design. Read Review
3. Best Comfortable: Salomon Unisex Trailblazer
With Salomon Unisex Trailblazer, you can take your outdoor activities to the next level. This versatile and easy-to-use harness is designed with a padded back system, belt, and shoulder strap that adapts precisely to your body for maximum comfort. Read Review
4. Best Durable: Osprey Daylite Daypack
This pack is perfect for running errands, hiking, or even a weekend getaway. Made sustainably with recycled materials, the Daylite is lightweight, simple, and comfortable to use. Read Review
5. Best Adjustable: Arvano Skiing Backpack
This backpack is designed for cycling and outdoor activities like snowboarding, skiing, and hiking. It's slim and lightweight, with adjustable shoulder, chest, and waist straps to ensure a stable fit. Read Review
When you ski in the backcountry, you will spend much of your time at lower elevations. As a result, you must choose a backpack capable of carrying all of your belongings throughout the day. Different kinds of activities in the backcountry call for different types of packs.
For example, if you plan to ski with a heavy pack and take breaks frequently, you should look for a lighter load that won't slow you down. Another critical factor is how much space the group will offer. With so many great options available, choosing the right one for your needs can be challenging. This post will cover everything you need to know about selecting the perfect backcountry ski pack.
After lots of research based on customer feedback, We think the best backcountry skiing backpacks is Venture Pal 40L Backpack. Its heavy-duty metal zippers and bar tacks at significant stress points ensure long-lasting durability against daily activities. We have provided you with a detailed buyer's guide and many other good choices to decide which is best for your requirements.
RELATED: Find the best backcountry snowboard backpack for your next adventure. We've reviewed the top 10 packs so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
Our Top Picks
Durable material Upgraded wet pocket design Comfortable and high quality Large capacity
A bit bulky
The Venture Pal 40L Backpack is made from high-quality tear and water-resistant nylon fabric. Its heavy-duty metal zippers and bar tacks at significant stress points ensure long-lasting durability against daily activities. This backpack also features a double-layer bottom piece that provides extra strength, making it possible to carry more stuff.
This product has an upgraded wet pocket design, which includes a waterproof pocket in the main compartment that is perfect for separating sweaty clothes, towels, or other personal items after swimming or exercising. It also has multiple compartments, including a central zipped compartment, a front pocket, and two side pockets, providing ample space to store all your essentials. Additionally, there is a separator and a small zippered pocket in the main compartment, which helps you to organize your things further.
The breathable mesh shoulder straps with sponge padding help to relieve stress from your shoulders, while the chest clip with a whistle buckle helps to distribute the pack's weight and keep it steady and centered. However, the backpack is a bit bulky. Overall, the Venture Pal 40L Backpack is a must-have for sports enthusiasts, hikers, and campers looking for a durable, comfortable, and versatile backpack to hold all their essentials.
High flow bite-valve Taste-free hydration bladder Multiple storage options Comfortable and lightweight
The zipper can be stuck if used too hard
The Vibrelli Ski Backpack is designed to be lightweight and comfortable, weighing just 14 ounces and featuring a streamlined design that's easy to adjust to most body sizes. This backpack has a high-flow bite-valve that's easy to use and doesn't leak, ensuring water flows fast and won't drip on your shoulder when locked.
It also features a taste-free hydration bladder made from medical-grade materials free from BPA and PVC. This ensures your water stays fresh all day without any plastic taste. In addition to its hydration features, the backpack has multiple storage options and pockets without being bulky, making it perfect for carrying all your essentials. The backpack's intelligent design allowss to everything you need.
However, the zipper can be stuck if you use it too hard, so you must use it carefully. In general, the Vibrelli Ski Backpack is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a lightweight and comfortable backpack perfect for skiing, snowboarding, trail running, or cycling.
Stretchable, breathable fabrics conform to the body for maximum comfort Lightweight adjustments for fit, stability, and comfort Hydration belts filter water for easy access to hydration Multiple compartments and pockets for ample storage space
May not be suitable for carrying larger items
The Salomon Unisex Trailblazer backpack is ideal for those who want to pack smartly and travel lightly. Constructed with stretchable and breathable fabrics that conform to the body, this backpack provides maximum comfort and stability, no matter what terrain you're navigating. Whether you're new to the sport or an experienced runner, the backpack's specially developed design ensures quick access to all your essentials in an ultra-lightweight, trail-ready package.
One of the most noteworthy features of this backpack is its hydration belts, which filter water, allowing you to drink quickly without having to carry heavy volumes of water. This is especially useful during long runs or hikes where hydration is essential. Nevertheless, the backpack may not be suitable for carrying larger or heavier items such as a laptop or camera equipment, but it's worth considering for those who need more flexibility during their activities. Its compact design and lightweight construction make it perfect for travel, and its multiple compartments and pockets provide ample space for all your essentials.
Reliable and functional Large panel-loading main compartment Comfortable to wear Lightweight and versatile
No external attachment points for gear
The Osprey Daylite Daypack is a reliable and functional daypack that can handle anything from running errands to a quick hike or weekend getaway. Made sustainably with recycled materials and PFC/PFAS-free DWR, the Daylite is lightweight, simple, and comfortable to wear. It features a large panel-loading main compartment, making it easy to pack and access your items quickly. The internal sleeve is perfect for a hydration reservoir or a 13" laptop or tablet, making it ideal for outdoor and urban adventures.
The dual-side compression straps and dual water bottle side mesh pockets make it easy to carry everything you need while on the go. The front pocket has an excellent organization with a key clip, so you can easily find your essentials. The harness grab handle doubles as a luggage pass-thru, making it easy to attach to your luggage for easy travel.
The only downside of the Daylite is that it lacks any external attachment points for gear like trekking poles or ice axes. However, it's still an excellent option for those who need a versatile and durable daypack that can handle everyday use.
Compact size makes it easy to carry during outdoor activities Adjustable straps Reflective strips enhance visibility Has a headphone line output for music listening during activities
The water reservoir is not included
The Arvano Skiing Backpack is a must-have for anyone who loves outdoor sports. It's compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry all your essentials without weighing you down. One of the best features of this backpack is its comfortable fit. The slim design and adjustable shoulder, chest, and waist straps ensure a stable fit, so the pack will not bounce while mountain biking. The padded back and shoulder straps will keep your back dry, and reflective strips improve visibility when riding at night. On the other hand, the water reservoir is not included.
The hydration system can accommodate a hydration bladder that is a maximum of 2.0 liters or 70 ounces in capacity, and the two-way zipper makes it easy to access your belongings in a hurry. Plus, the Arvano Skiing Backpack is designed specifically for road bike/ mtb/ other outdoor activities, with an ergonomic design for maximum agility and comfort. The headphone line output on the front of the pack is convenient for listening to music on the go.
Multiple equipment storage in 60 liters Six compartments and pockets organize the gear Durable waterproof material Built-in USB port for phone charging
The zipper on the front pocket can be prone to falling out
The RESVIN Ski Backpack is a high-quality backpack made of top-grade 1680D nylon and other high-tech materials, making it waterproof, durable, and ready for any winter adventure. This backpack has a massive 60-liter storage capacity, making it one of the enormous ski bags available. It can easily store a helmet, jacket, goggles, snowboard, gloves, outerwear, and more.
The backpack features six individual compartments and pockets that keep your gear organized and easily accessible. The external adjustable webbing allows you to attach skis and a snowboard, so you don't have to carry them separately. It also has a back-panel door that can flip down as a standing mat, making it easy to change your boots anywhere while keeping your feet dry.
The EVA padded mesh back panel and padded backpack straps with an adjustable system make it comfortable to wear, even when fully loaded. Thanks to the ergonomic design, you won't feel any jabbing or digging into your back or shoulders. Moreover, this ski backpack has a built-in USB charging port to charge your phone anywhere while on the go.
The minor issue with this backpack is that the zipper on the front pocket can be prone to falling out. But, overall, the RESVIN Ski Backpack is an excellent choice for skiers who want a large, durable, organized backpack to transport their gear.
Multiple carry options Durable and water-resistant materials Enough storage and multi-pockets Thoughtful ergonomic design
Slightly heavy when fully loaded
The Unigear Ski Hydration Backpack is a well-designed and versatile backpack perfect for any skiing adventure. The S-shaped elastic shoulder belts are comfortable and don't get in the way of arm movement, and the air-permeable PE foam inverted Y shape back panel keeps your back dry and comfortable. The hip belt with waist strap and adjustable sternum strap can bear higher weight for more secure and comfortable carry.
Additionally, the versatile strapping system allows for vertical snowboard carry or A-frame ski carry, and the vertical snowboard carry strap is durable and made with 1.0mm thickness HYPALON material. There are also dual loops for ice axes, ski poles, and lateral stretch mesh pockets that can hold water bottles or trekking poles up to 9cm in diameter. While the 30L capacity is excellent for long-day tours, the backpack may be slightly heavy for some, especially when fully loaded with gear.
The Unigear Ski Hydration Backpack is also incredibly durable and water-resistant. The main shell is made from 900D polyester, side panels are made from 900D polyester with PU coating, and the bottom of the backpack is wrapped by scratch-resistant 500DPVC. This backpack has a water-repellent grade of 3-4, so you don't have to worry about your gear getting wet in the snow and cold conditions.
More To Consider
What to Look For in a best backcountry skiing backpacks?
To buy any product seems easy, but to choose the best one is not straightforward. The time you take to research its outcome is significant. The same matter also comes to best backcountry skiing backpacks of 2024 that we include in this article. But you can relax instead of spending too much time learning the products. It’s our duty!
Here are the main features of best backcountry skiing backpacks that all of you guys should keep in mind when deciding to make a purchase:
Hydration Compatibility
You have to be honest, any hydration device will not work. In sub-zero weather, water will freeze in your bladder and cause you to lose any liquids. In order to prevent this, you should search for backpacks made with insulated sleeves.
Also, be sure to check the insulation. Even though the reservoir sleeve might be protected, it's possible that the water contained in your hose may freeze. You won’t even be able use your hydration bladder.
For ski touring, you will need to have at least some insulation. The better backpack, the less exposed your hose.
Size & Capacity
The capacity of your pack is up to you. It all depends on how fast you travel and whether or not you like having plenty of space.
The sub-20L pack is ideal for skiing, snowboarding, skimo, and uphilling. Many of these packs have an integrated ski/snowboard carry which makes them great for trips to remote areas.
For trips that require a lot of gear, side-country or backcountry travel, you will need a bag that holds 20-30 L.
A few packs are designed for support of ski or splitboard mountaineering expeditions.
Backcountry overnight and hut trip trips require packs that are 40-50 lb.
Versatility
Waterproofing is the primary focus of ski backpacks. In order to keep your equipment dry, ventilation and breathability are lost in favour of waterproofing materials. It's great for ski trips, but the downside is that it doesn't allow you to use your backpack in extreme heat. The backpack would stop your body from breathing and leave you soaking wet within minutes.
A few backpacks featuring breathable mesh in the back are what I've shown. These backpacks are great for climbing, hiking and just about anything else.
Materials And Durability
However, not all ski backpacks can be used. However, not all backpacks are waterproof. However, this is not necessarily a drawback. These packs are perfect for those who want something light and compact for smaller tours. They will remain dry provided that you do not cover it with snow.
The materials of a backpack should be tough enough to handle falling over on your stomach without getting your gear wet. Seek out phrases such as "snow-shedding", waterproof, DWR coating, and snow repellant" within the mini reviews.
Types Of Ski Backpacks
The backpack will be unique if you are going into the backcountry. The backpack will have a place for all your safety equipment in case of an avalanche.
Some backcountry backpacks have more capacity and support for the back, shoulders and back.
Organization
Most ski or snowboard packs include an inner sleeve that can hold a water bladder, and also route the hose. However not all sleeves have insulation. The water inside your hose could freeze. You can try to be proactive and blow water through your hose every time you take a sip. However, it is also possible to pack a good amount of water.
Although pockets add weight, they are useful to hold everything together. Efficiency is crucial when playing outside in the cold and gusty snowy weather.
Some packs have hip belt pockets. If you need to have a phone, compact satellite communication device or snacks nearby, these pockets are a great option. Many packs are equipped with a helmet and a goggle pouch.
FAQs
What size of a backcountry skiing backpack should I get?
It depends on the type of backcountry skiing you plan on doing. If you plan on using your backcountry skiing backpack for day trips, you will likely be looking for a pack in the 18-30 liter range. If you plan on going on longer trips, you may need a larger pack in the 35-45 liter range.
What type of backcountry skiing backpack should I get?
The type of backcountry skiing backpack you get should depend on the type of backcountry skiing you plan on doing. If you plan on going on longer backcountry skiing trips, you may want to get a pack that has a frame and a hip belt for extra support. If you plan on going on shorter trips, a frameless pack may be sufficient.
What features should I look for in a backcountry skiing backpack?
When you are looking for a backcountry skiing backpack, you should look for features such as adjustable straps, a hydration system, pockets for organization, and an internal frame for support. You should also look for a backpack that is waterproof and has breathable fabric to keep your gear dry and comfortable.
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