Imagine enjoying an iced tea at the mountain’s summit. How about being able to quickly access your tools and safety gear at a moment’s notice? As if you were in a video game. What about a suspension system that doesn’t tear your back apart?
These moments of convenience need not be locked away behind pixel screens.
The backpacks outlined on our list below have got everything you need, and then some, to make your next skiing excursion, one to remember.
From insane storage capacity to ski and snowboarding carry systems, it’s not just about how much you take with you but in what way.
There are no slackers. Each pack has got the durability required to brave the frozen slopes. All that’s left is for you to pick one out.
We’ve provided you with the best of the best. Nothing but quality offerings because we’ve got your back… sorry, I couldn’t help myself!
Product
Details
Best Overall
Osprey Kamber/Kresta 20
- Brand:Osprey Packs
- Material:420HD Nylon
Best Ski Carrying
Black Diamond Dawn Backpack
- Brand:Black Diamond Equipment
- Material:Dynex
Best Heavy-Duty Option
Deuter Freerider Pro 30 Backpack
- Brand:Deuter
- Material:Hypalon/Ballistic
Best Budget Option
Dakine Heli Pro 20L Backpack
- Brand:Dakine
- Material:Nylon and Polyester
Best in Safety
Soelden Pro Avy 32L Airbag Backpack
- Brand:Osprey
- Material:Nanofly
Best Designed
Backcountry Access Stash
- Brand:Backcountry Access
- Material:210 deniers rip-stop nylon
Most Durable
Gregory Targhee 45
- Brand:Gregory Mountain Products
- Material:1000D Cordura fabric
Fantastic All-Arounder
Eddie Bauer Alpine Sisu 50
- Brand:Eddie Bauer
- Material:Ripstop nylon
Stylish & Spacious
Dakine Mission Pro 18L
- Brand: Dakine
- Material: nylon ripstop
Eco-friendly Option
Rossignol Escaper Tour 25L
- Brand: Rossignol
- Material: polyester
Jack of All Trades
Osprey Glade 12
- Brand: Osprey
- Material: Nylon
Most High-tech
Black Diamond JetForce Pro 25L
- Brand: Black Diamond
- Material: Dynex
Best of the Rest
Black Diamond Cirque 45
- Brand: Black Diamond
- Material: Nylon
Best Ski Backpacks – Top 13 Picks
Do you want insane storage capacity? Scroll on over to the Freerider Pro-30. What about a literal airbag in your pack? The Osprey Soelden has got one of those built-in.
The more you get into skiing and the great outdoors, the more you’ll realize how much a quality ski pack is needed. Why not be ahead of your own curve and get one now? Don’t let me pressure you, just carry on and see for yourself.
P.S: sorry about the carry-on pun, even I hated it!
1. Osprey Kamber/Kresta 20
Is it an Osprey Kamber or an Osprey Kresta? Either way, it’s quality. If you’re a veteran reader of our top backcountry ski gear lists, then you’d know that our number one pick is usually the gear with the most attention to detail.
Mountain of details.
That is what the Osprey Kamber has in spades. From minor details such as having a goggle pocket that is designed to not damage your goggles, to having zips, hip belt pockets, and buckles that can be handled with waterproof ski gloves on.
It’s this stacking up of the little details that add up to a ski backpack worthy of being considered the best ski backpack.
In terms of material makeup, the Osprey Kamber has full high-density nylon makeup. The bottom line is it’s not going to tear up on you when backcountry skiing. Nylon is the titanium of the fabrics world.
Having so much of it packed into the outer frame of the Kamber only does wonders for its durability. It can stand the test of time, but what about its carry skis capacity? Well, the Kamber gets top marks there as well.
It’s got a diagonal ski carry system and vertical snowboard carry systems. But it doesn’t stop there. Your pret ski helmets can also hitch a ride thanks to its helmet carry system. It doesn’t matter what you throw at it, avalanche safety gear, safety equipment, or even other packs.
The Kamber has got your back. Sorry, I couldn’t help myself… again!
Features
- Material: 420HD Nylon
- Warranty: Not available
- Ski Carry: Yes
- Snowboard Carry: Yes
- Weight: 2.79 pounds
Pros
- Two separate divisions for both wet and dry ski gear for a backcountry skier.
- Glove-friendly zippers and buckles give you easy quick access for strapping in and out.
- Goggle pocket that is scratch free.
Cons
- The frame type is internal. Not a flaw, but some skiers may prefer different styles.
Osprey Kamber/Kresta 20
The price of “Osprey Kamber/Kresta 20” varies, so check the latest price at
2. Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 25 Backpack
The Dawn Patrol from Black Diamond, judging from the name, most would guess that this would be the twenty-fifth iteration. That wouldn’t surprise me, after all, quality takes time and hard work. And the Dawn Patrol 25 is definitely a quality ski backpack.
Progression through design
This ski backpack is streamlined, just one look at it makes it obvious. The outer design looks like a shuttle, and its lightweight frame is only further proof of its simplicity. In the way of features, you have a form-fitting suspension.
This suspension grapples onto your body and works itself into your natural contours. The Dawn Patrol does this to lighten the load on your shoulder straps. If the rest of your body can properly accommodate weight, then it makes it possible to carry heavy load without straining your back.
Speaking of its carrying capacity, stuff away because the zippered pocket on the back panel gives you easy access to all your valuable goods. No longer will your hand have to dig into the abyss, or you send all your ski mountaineering gear flying.
When it comes to skiing or snowboarding carry capacity, only your skis can be carried externally. But you do have two different ways of going about this. You can store your skis diagonally or through the A-frame.
If you engage in ski mountaineering missions often, then I’d say there are no better ski backpacks for you.
Features
- Material: Dynex, a mix of nylon and other materials
- Warranty: One year
- Ski Carry: Yes, and A-frame carry
- Snowboard Carry: No
- Weight: 2.05 pounds
Pros
- Can carry skis in two different ways, diagonal ski carry and A-frame carry.
- Not as heavy as our number one pick.
- Zippered back panel access for locating and accessing your gear.
- Oversized hip-belt pockets and an insulated hydration bladder in the internal sleeve make it utterly functional.
Cons
- Not possible to use as a snowboard backpack due to its lack of snowboard carry.
Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 25 Backpack
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3. Deuter Freerider Pro 30 Backpack
I consider the Freerider Pro-30 to be the best heavy-duty option, but I’m not just talking about its weight. The Freerider has everything you need for those epic ski mountaineering expeditions that you’ve dreamed of going on.
Where to start?
I’m honestly not sure where to begin, there’s just so much on offer here. Let’s get the basics out of the way. Does it have a carry system for skis? Yes. Does it have a similar system for snowboards? Yes. Does it have a zippered pocket located on the back? Also yes!
But the Freerider Pro-30 has so much more than the basics. For example, the Freerider Pro-30 has a reinforced safety compartment for storing extra supplies, your shovel, and a probe. It’s got a pole holder. On the opposite side, an ice tools attachment also exists.
For relaxation, a removable sitting mat, and a helmet mount for giving your noggin some breathing room. It’s like an endless carousel of different perks and bonuses that come with these ski and snowboard backpacks.
For securing the pack onto your person, you’ve got pull-forward hip fins and compression straps. Need to adjust your carrying fit? Then just use the load adjustment straps. I am amazed at how much greatness can fit into one pack’s design.
This is the true meaning behind the “most heavy-duty” label that I attached to it. It doesn’t matter if you need a ski mountaineering pack or a backcountry ski backpack. The Freerider Pro-30 was built to handle it all.
Features
- Material: Hypalon/Ballistic
- Warranty: Not available
- Ski Carry: Yes
- Snowboard Carry: Yes
- Weight: 3.7 pounds
Pros
- Extra strength Hypalon and Ballistic material structure.
- Comes with a helmet carry system.
- Removable sitting mat included with ski touring backpack.
Cons
- Its great weight provides stability and carrying capacity. But it can tire you out faster than other options.
Deuter Freerider Pro 30 Backpack
The price of “Deuter Freerider Pro 30 Backpack ” varies, so check the latest price at
4. Dakine Heli Pro 20L Backpack
How do you come after the Freerider Pro-30 and not expect to fail? It seems like none of the ski backpacks left on the list could hope to match up against it. If this is your assumption, then it’s an incorrect one.
Sweetening the pot.
The Heli Pro 20L wants to get on your good side. The best way of doing this is through your wallet. You won’t find a cheaper deal anywhere else, at least, not one that has similar quality.
With a nylon and polyester structure, you get the two best clothing and pack fabrics melded into one backpack. Nylon provides security and durability, while polyester has quick-drying properties that make water and moisture a non-issue.
Both ski and snowboard carry systems are included and with a lifetime warranty should the worst come to pass. You know, a beautiful tear across your Dakine.
There are other thoughtful little features throughout this Dakine offering. A laptop sleeve should you need one, but I’d recommend leaving the electronics at home.
There is also a rescue whistle that comes with the pack. A neat feature but one I hope you never have to rely on.
For your comfort, a padded hip belt helps dial the fit in. Have goggles or sunglasses, and you don’t know where to put them? How convenient for you that a fleece-lined goggle pocket is also included.
This is a running theme for all the best ski backpacks on our list. They are loaded with features you never thought to ask for but definitely needed.
Features
- Material: Nylon and Polyester
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
- Ski Carry: Yes
- Snowboard Carry: Yes
- Weight: 860 grams
Pros
- The great starting price makes this a safe purchasing option.
- Roll top closure and recycled polyester exterior with a water-repellent finish.
- Internal mesh pocket for extra storage capacity to carry gear while resort skiing.
Cons
- No reservoir for hydration is included with the backpack.
Dakine Heli Pro 20L Backpack
The price of “Dakine Heli Pro 20L Backpack” varies, so check the latest price at
5. Soelden Pro Avy 32L Airbag Backpack
You heard me right. This Osprey Soelden airbag pack is the number one safety gear on this list. Think about it, what could be safer than an airbag pack?
But that’s not all, (you knew I’d say this huh?), as far as ski packs go. This one has got all those features you’ve come to know and love.
You can’t say no to safety!
With diagonal ski carry straps and a vertical snowboard carry, I’d wager that you could haul around both at the same time. However, I wouldn’t recommend that you do this because that weight on your back would be killer.
Although this backpack is not hydration pack compatible, the contoured EVA foam shoulder straps should bring you some relief. There’s also a webbing waist belt that can be adjusted.
If you think about it, all belts should be adjustable, otherwise, what’s the point of using them? But enough of my philosophical ramblings! Let’s get to the rest of this lovely pack.
The deployment system used for the airbag is a high-speed fan. You can count on it for the worst of times.
And that’s my issue with writing about safety gear like airbag packs. While it is great to have all of these safety precautions in place, one must hope that they never have to use them.
Still, it’s better to have something and not need it than need something and not have it.
Features
- Material: Nanofly 100D recycled robic nylon
- Warranty: 5 years
- Ski Carry: Yes
- Snowboard Carry: Yes
- Weight: 6.4 pounds
Pros
- Comes with a removable airbag system on the top backside.
- The immense carrying capacity of 32L hits the sweet spot of carrying a heavier load too.
- Despite the airbag and its carrying capacity, this is a surprisingly low-weight airbag pack.
Cons
- Incredibly high price, but its long list of features justifies every penny spent.
Soelden Pro Avy 32L Airbag Backpack
The price of “Soelden Pro Avy 32L Airbag Backpack” varies, so check the latest price at
6. Backcountry Access Stash
Read the following with a tune in mind: It’s got looks for days, and it’ll make your aunt Tess say, ” Wow! Get me the Access!”. Now, I promise to never try writing song lyrics again if you hear me out about Backcountry Access.
Help me keep my promise!
The Backcountry Access lets you bring all your backcountry essentials with you. There’s a dedicated pocket for your tools. The good stuff like your saw, pole, shovel, and probe. Now you can cut down all those trees that you ran into when first learning how to ski for beginners.
Don’t worry, they had it coming.
Compression straps help with load distribution and comfort. They are backed by a back panel, the same one all the other packs have, for reaching your safety gear with no problems at all. Its more eccentric pack features include dual zippered shoulder straps and a hydration sleeve.
Let’s talk about this hydration sleeve a bit more because it’s got to be my favorite feature on this entire list. Being able to carry your avalanche rescue tools be damned because I can sip water (or any liquid I manage to get in there) from my sleeve!
Don’t worry about your drink freezing over, because this pack has an insulated hydration sleeve. What else is there to say about this awesome pack? How about I throw in the fact that the Access comes with BC link radio integration?
Perhaps, you’d be interested in learning that the dedicated tool pocket is meant to handle muddy tools as well. Now it’s not just your Aunt Tess that wants the Access but you as well.
Features
- Material: 210 deniers rip-stop nylon
- Warranty: 3 years
- Ski Carry: Yes
- Snowboard Carry: Yes
- Weight: 3.3 pounds
Pros
- Insulated sleeve for drinking your delicious beverages.
- Reservoir hanger with BC link radio integration.
- Dedicated tool pocket.
Cons
- Not the lightest weighing pack.
Backcountry Access Stash
The price of “Backcountry Access Stash” varies, so check the latest price at
7. Gregory Targhee 45
Durable, which means that this bad boy won’t get ripped to shreds as you sink deeper into avalanche terrain. The Gregory Tar Ghee 45 is the ski and snowboard pack for those that don’t want their sharp ski edges to damage their gear. Which I suppose is all of us.
While it could have benefited from a higher storage capacity, the durability of the Tar Ghee is top-of-the-line.
How strong is it?
How exactly does one protect their pack against the razor edges of their skis? Why with a diagonal edge guard, of course! This front panel, near the main compartment, is made with an extremely resilient 1000D Cordura fabric.
There’s also a front avalanche rescue gear pocket with zippered access. This is where you’ll store your trusty shovel and probe. If you’re a messy person, then you’ll come to appreciate the organization sleeves that dwell within this pocket.
What about that cold weather? After all, as we ski, we are surrounded by snow. The aluminum hooks scattered throughout the pack are made to resist the coldest temperatures. They’ll remain operational even as temperatures continue dropping.
The Tar Ghee also has a carrying system for your lightweight ski boots. Do you ever like to carry an extra pair around? Well now, you most certainly can. No problems at all. What you won’t be hauling around is snow, as the back panel has a brilliant snow-shedding design.
Water slips off a duck’s back, and snow will slip off yours.
Features
- Material: 1000D Cordura fabric
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
- Ski Carry: Yes
- Snowboard Carry: Yes
- Weight: 3.66 pounds
Pros
- A true lifetime warranty to keep you covered long after you’ve stopped skiing.
- Snowshoe carrying system with compression straps.
- Easy access to the main compartment via a zippered entrance.
Cons
- Could do with more storage capacity.
Gregory Targhee 45
The price of “Gregory Targhee 45” varies, so check the latest price at
8. Eddie Bauer Alpine Sisu 50
If all else fails to pique your interest, there is always a solid all-around option at the end of the list. The Eddie Bauer Alpine Sisu 50 is our all-around offering for this week. But it would be a disservice to the quality on offer here to call this pack solid.
It’s not, this pack is fantastic.
The Alpine at a glance
If you want to access the plethora (what an overused word) of zippered pockets available for storage, you need only remove the lid of this backpack. For quick, emergency access to your shovel and other avalanche safety equipment, there are external pockets.
Zippered external pockets. Think of them as your own personal avalanche airbag pack compartment. The back panel has been compression molded and is made with nylon. At this point, I am just prattling off product specifications. Allow me to paint a picture.
As you make your way through the backcountry, you cross through frozen shrubbery and tree limbs. Sharp and waiting to pierce through your pack. Don’t worry, the nylon will stop it in its tracks.
You continue to press on and notice heavy patches of snow that you think may cave in. No problem, access your probe and prod away. This is the Alpine at a glance. A one-stop solution to everything that the skiing world can send your way.
This is why it’s an incredible all-around option that had to be included on this list. Sure it could have benefited from more main compartment storage space, but that could be said about any of the packs on this list.
It ticks all the boxes for backcountry tours!
Features
- Material: Ripstop nylon
- Warranty: Not available
- Skis Carry: Yes, A-frame ski carry
- Snowboard Carry: No
- Weight: 3.94 pounds
Pros
- Adaptable design that offers various ways to carry your skis.
- The main compartment is accessible through a back panel.
- Heavy loads are balanced through the side compression dedicated straps.
Cons
- This pack has a hefty weight of nearly four pounds.
Eddie Bauer Alpine Sisu 50
The price of “Eddie Bauer Alpine Sisu 50” varies, so check the latest price at
9. Dakine Mission Pro 18L
Going for a short hike or a backcountry tour, you would like to opt for this backpack here!
You’ve got enough room!
Suited for women, it lets you carry your ski or snowboard. Plus, it has two compartments with plenty of room for snacks, gloves, camera gear, or whatever you might need along the way. It also comes with a padded hip belt.
Keep your goggles safe from scratches with its fleece-lined pocket, especially for this purpose.
Worried about your backpack wearing down due to moisture? Well, worry no more! As this bad boy is made of water-repellant materials. It also has a rescue whistle, just in case you get lost!
It stays well-balanced on your shoulders and comes with more than one strapping point, but as per my experience, the lower three straps work best to hold your board in place, even when it’s windy.
Even in plummeting temperatures, that isolated sleeve in the shoulder strap will keep your water supply warm.
This backpack also comes with dual-zippered side pockets and a breathable mesh pocket on the inside. Moreover, you can also carry it to school! It can easily fit your 15-inch laptop or iPad.
Features
- Material: Nylon/Polyester
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
- Ski Carry: Yes
- Snowboard Carry: Yes
- Weight: 1.9 lbs
Pros
- Comes with a ski and snowboard carry system.
- Lightweight and easy to carry on short trips.
- Hydration sleeve to keep your water warm.
Cons
- It does not have enough storage space for a full touring trip.
DAKINE Mission Pro 18L Backpack
The price of “DAKINE Mission Pro” varies, so check the latest price at
10. Rossignol Escaper Tour 25L
When untracked lines call, pick up your Rossignol Escaper Tour 25L backpack going!
Just the perfect size!
Being neither too big nor too small, this backpack comes with a 25-liter volume. It has room for layers, snacks, water, and essential safety gear. Its simple, low-profile design makes it suitable for quick tours and missions beyond the gate.
It’s got a separate pocket that keeps a shovel and probe close at hand, which keeps your hands free while riding, leaving the main compartment free for other items that need to be stored.
An easily accessible pocket for storing avalanche safety tools will help you be prepared if you are going off the grid.
This model has a pocket to keep your goggles safe and comes with a helmet holder ideal for clutter-free climbing. A zipped back panel gives easy access to the inside of the pack.
It has ample cushioning and hip and sternum ski straps, like any good ski backpack, to move with you as you dance down trails.
If you are a nature lover like me, you’d be glad to know that the pack is made with 100% recycled polyester fibers. Go ahead and play your part in environmental protection with this backpack!
Features
- Material: Recycled Polyester
- Warranty: 2 years
- Ski Carry: Yes
- Snowboard Carry: Yes
- Weight: 1.98 lbs
Pros
- Enough room for your essentials without being bulky.
- Comes with a helmet holder.
- Made with 100 % recycled materials.
Cons
- It is a relatively high-priced backpack.
Rossignol Escaper Tour 25L
The price of “Rossignol Escaper Tour 25L” varies, so check the latest price at
11. Osprey Glade 12
Ready for some winter adventures, be it a snowshoe hike with your pals or an adrenaline-rushed morning on the hills, the Osprey Glade 12 ski backpack is your best companion!
Jack of all trades!
It has a simple and minimalist design, but it is ready to guarantee maximum safety on the mountaineering ascents and stability on the descents.
Saving you from hydration, it also comes with an Osprey Hydraulics® LT 2.5 L reservoir made by Hydrapak for on-the-go hydration and an insulated hose that keeps your water flowing in those freezing degrees.
Equipped with a J-zipper, this model gives you easy access to the main compartment. You can quickly and easily strap your skis and snowboard vertically or horizontally.
This streamlined pack has external attachment points; a key clip and a mesh pocket to keep your snacks at hand. You also get an easy-access stash pocket to store your goggles at the top of the pack.
The back panel is made of a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating free of PFCs to reduce snow and ice buildup. Considering recent climate control issues, Glade 12 is made of recycled high-tenacity nylon and a Bluesign-approved design.
Features
- Material: Recycled Nylon
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
- Ski Carry: Yes
- Snowboard Carry: Yes
- Weight: 2 lbs
Pros
- This minimalist pack comes with a reservoir and insulated hose.
- Large enough storage is provided.
- This ski and snowboard backpack is made of water-repellent and recycled materials.
Cons
- It only comes with a webbing waist strap.
Osprey Glade 12
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12. Black Diamond JetForce Pro 25L
A product whose pricey tag is justified! Easy to use, long-lasting, lightweight, customizable, and possibly life-saving.
It’s a technology world!
With this backpack, you can personalize settings and update the software directly through the PIEPS app on your smartphone with the addition of Bluetooth connectivity.
In the backcountry, avalanche airbag unit is becoming increasingly prevalent. While airbag technology won’t ever fill in for experience in the backcountry, they can come in handy in life-death scenarios.
What could be the possible benefits of having pack designs like this? Fortunately, electric airbag systems have valuable features you won’t find in any other system.
The most significant one is the capacity to deploy the avalanche airbag pack multiple times with a single charge, in contrast to gas canister systems’ one-time activations.
The Jetforce Pro’s motor allows you to fully inflate the 170-liter airbag in just three and a half seconds, which is an excellent feature if you find yourself at the bottom of a slope. Even if the airbag has a seven-inch tear, this motor can still keep it inflated.
While the weight has been kept to a minimum, durability is still maintained thanks to the use of 210-denier fabric.
It is not cheap at all. In fact, it is probably one of the most expensive backpack purchases you will ever make. But still cheaper than a coffin!
A lithium battery is used to power the airbag in the Black Diamond JetForce Pro 25L. The system is user-friendly and straightforward to use. You don’t have to fumble through the pack to turn the system on or off, as the power button is on the end of the deployment handle.
The process of recharging the JetForce’s battery is pretty easy. The handle also has a status indicator that informs you whether the bag is on, how much power is still available, and if there are any issues.
If the battery is completely depleted, it will take approximately six hours to complete the task, and a four-bar LED indicator will show the remaining juice along the way.
Two advantages of a battery-operated airbag pack are the capacity to try pulling the trigger to inflate the pack multiple times on one charge. Before relying on it in a life-threatening situation, this lets you get used to the procedure.
The Black Diamond JetForce Pro feels well-balanced even when loaded with heavy gear like camera equipment, sits quite snugly against your back, doesn’t move while skiing, and is comfortable to carry.
In addition, the shoulder straps are well-spaced and evenly distribute weight throughout the upper torso.
My only major complaint is that with a helmet attached outside, the pack can be quite bulky, which can cause it to snag on trees when skinning in tight glades.
The JetForce Pro’s modular “booster” system, which lets you choose between different capacities based on your storage requirements, is one of its most significant selling points. Black Diamond sells boosters with capacities of 10, 25, and 35 liters.
The main compartment can hold a lot of extra gear. Inside the pack, you get functional storage for avalanche equipment, an accessory pocket for other essentials, and a single stash pocket on the adjustable hip belt.
However, I have discovered that the avalanche airbag zipper can split open if slightly overpacked. This is a fairly serious design flaw.
In addition to these essential features, it comes with a leg loop that can be retracted and a clip that looks like a carabiner for better securing the pack to your body in the event of a violent slide.
In case you become separated from your group or become stuck, the JetForce also has an integrated safety whistle on the sternum strap.
Features
- Material: Dynex
- Warranty: 3 years
- Ski Carry: Yes
- Snowboard Carry: Yes
- Weight: 6 lb 5 oz – 6 lb 7 oz
Pros
- Booster system for different storage capacities.
- This lightweight pack is user-friendly.
- It’s Bluetooth compatible and battery operated.
Cons
- The compartment zipper splits open if the pack is fully loaded.
JETFORCE PRO 25L AVALANCHE
The price of “JETFORCE PRO 25L AVALANCHE ” varies, so check the latest price at
13. Black Diamond Cirque 45
If you plan a backcountry ski tour or mountaineering, you would like to take Black Diamond Cirque 45 out for a spin.
The more, the merrier!
This is one of the largest ski packs out there, at 45 liters (2746 cubic inches). It is absolutely capable of carrying both your technical gear and complete avy gear kit on ski mountaineering trips.
For lightweight overnight tours, it can easily accommodate your sleeping bag and ultra-light tent if you plan on sticking just to skiing.
The helmet can be carried using an external removable helmet hammock carry system, which frees up space internally. Your avalanche shovel, avalanche probe, and snow saw are all easily accommodated in the large internal avalanche gear own compartment pocket.
Four side compression straps and the top chest strap assist in reducing its size while on less serious excursions.
The Black Diamond Cirque 45’s carrying system is snow-friendly, straightforward, and well-designed. It comes with a thin foam waist belt and perfectly contoured shoulder straps to keep you comfortable.
Both A-frame and diagonal-style skis can be carried on the Cirque 45. However, they render the side zip and top access pockets useless, making it impossible to enter the pack. Because the diagonal carry makes use of the same strap and hook that are used to secure the top flap.
When sharp objects like ski edges and ice axe are added to the mix, a lighter pack may have issues with durability over time. However, even after a dozen or so ski tours, it still held up well for me.
The bottom is heavily reinforced with PE 200 denier, and the main pack material, Dynex (210 denier), feels soft to the touch.
When it’s time to switch to goggles, a stretch-woven hip pocket is a perfect place to put your sunglasses!
With extra layers of protection, it is also compatible with the AvaLung Element for enhanced security in avalanche terrain.
Access via a side zipper! You will love that top-loading packs like this one will allow you to pack everything to the brim and still find all the essentials, your water bottle or first aid kit without emptying the entire pack.
The only minor complaint about this pack’s design is the avalanche gear pocket. You need to unbuckle the internal pocket and open the top main compartment to get to it. This isn’t a big deal, but avalanche gear pockets that can be accessed from the main pack would be great.
Features
- Material: Dynex
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
- Ski Carry: Yes
- Snowboard Carry: Yes
- Weight: 2 lb 4 oz – 2 lb 5 oz
Pros
- Lightweight and large storage space inside for overnight trips.
- Comes with an external helmet carry system.
- Compatible with AvaLung Element for extra protection.
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a hydration system or insulated hose.
- Back panel access is not available
Black Diamond Cirque 45L
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Our Trusty Buyer’s Guide for Choosing the Best Ski Backpack
Let’s have a look at what it takes to make the best ski backpack.
Your Ski Packs’ Size & Capacity
How much are you going to carry on your ski days? Are you a pack rat, or do you like to travel light? These are the kind of questions that you should be answering before deciding on your ski pack of choice.
Keep in mind your weight as well. You may want to carry all that you can, but if you are a smaller person, it’ll be harder to haul your gear around.
But if you are looking for a pack with insane storage capabilities, then consider the Freerider Pro-30. I’m convinced that you could carry your whole closet in that thing. You should must need to carry a ski boot backpack with you while going to the mountains.
Ski Pack Suspension & User Comfort
Your backpack suspension is what helps you carry the weight of your pack around. Needless to say, it’s important. Not just for keeping your back healthy but also for your overall comfort.
A great backpack for this category would be anything with compression straps. These straps squish your load closer to the frame of your pack. By compressing your load, your back is more able to handle the weight.
This directly corresponds to better weight transfer and therefore, user comfort. All the packs on our list benefit from having this feature. I’d recommend the Osprey Kamber for its lower-side compression.
Ski Pack Length
How does length affect the ski pack? Well for one, the longer it is the more storage space available to you. But there is more to this. Always try and get a ski pack that isn’t much bigger than the length of your back.
This is because if a pack is longer in length than your back, the weight suspension system won’t work as well. You will feel a greater strain on your body, and your balance will suffer greatly as a result.
Having a backpack that reaches as far as your lower back and no further is optimal.
Women’s-Only Ski Backpacks
There are ski backpacks for women only. In fact, one of the brands on our list, the Deuter Freerider Pro-30, has got a women-only offering. Women’s backpacks are slimmer in fit and width.
This is to accommodate the smaller frame of a female. Women-only ski packs also usually weigh a lot less than the men’s offerings. This isn’t just due to the slim fit but also because extra attention was placed on reducing excess weight as much as possible.
There are women-only ski packs, and Deuter is a great place to start looking for them.
What’s Your Pack Made Of
Of course, the materials used to construct your pack are going to be important. Throughout our list, you’ll notice that most of our backpacks have been constructed from either nylon, polyester, or both. This is the good stuff.
Nylon is durable and resistant to tears. These two traits are vitally important for backpacks. Polyester is a quick-drying material that makes water and moisture a non-issue.
But there are packs that go above and beyond. The Gregory Tar Ghee 45 is constructed from 1000D Cordura fabric. The really good stuff. You don’t need to go this far. Just make sure that your pack incorporates either nylon or polyester.
Your Ski Backpacks Compartment
The final thing to consider, but considering how this is a list of the best backpacks, storage capacity is the most important feature to look out for. But we’ve already discussed storage capacity, so what gives?
Well, this is in regard to the construction quality of your backpack’s main compartment and how you access it. Trust me, you are going to want a ski backpack with back panel access. It makes a world of difference when you are searching for that specific item.
Some main compartments come with organizational sections, but this could end up reducing storage capacity in favor of having everything neatly ordered. It’s all a matter of weighing up those pros and cons.
My Final Thoughts
Think about how long backpacks usually last. Now think about carrying around a backpack that you don’t find comfortable for that long. You’ll want to get this right. A ski backpack isn’t just about how much you can carry. If you are interested to buy ski bags for your skiing adventure then check out our article.
Other factors that come into play include its suspension system and quality-of-life features. Remember that the best ski backpacks are meant to improve your journey, not be torture devices for your back.
For durability and comfort, stick to a nylon shell with foam-padded shoulder straps. As for myself, I’m going to choose whichever compact pack has the largest hydration compartment. Refreshing!
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