Hey there fellow backpack enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out my three best backpacks for skiing the slopes with this year. As we know, skiing is an adventure where you generally need your hands free. However if you plan to be out for a while, you may need to take some gear with you as well – or at the very least transport it all to and from the ski fields.
This is where a good skiing backpack comes in. Beyond storage, the right skiing backpack accommodates gear, safeguards essentials and keeps essential belongings at hand whilst out on the slopes. So for those of you in the market for a good backpack for your skiing needs, I have had a good look around and come up with three decent options below.
Let’s check them out…
My Three Recommended Backpacks for Skiing
I will review these in more detail below. Still, if you want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:
What are Backpacks for Skiing?
Backpacks designed for skiing are optimized to incorporate specialized compartments, ingenious attachment systems and adaptable straps that cater to the diverse gear range typical of skiing expeditions. This usually includes sections and attachments for ski gear such as helmets, gloves, boots and even skis or snowboards.
Other options also accommodate everything from avalanche safety equipment and hydration systems to spare clothing layers and communication devices as well as daily needs such as wallets, phones and so on.
What Should You Be Looking For?
The following factors should be considered as you look around for a good backpack to meet your skiing needs.
- Size and Capacity
- Durability
- Ski-Specific Design
- Comfort and Fit
- Organization
- Safety features
- Additions
Size and Capacity
A backpack’s size, measured in liters, determines its volumetric capability and dictates how much equipment it can accommodate. In terms of skiing, a backpack with a capacity range of 20 to 30 liters often aligns well with day-long skiing ventures, striking a balance between spaciousness and maneuverability.
For extended backcountry treks or multi-day expeditions, a larger capacity might be imperative to accommodate additional layers, sustenance and safety gear without sacrificing convenience. As usual however, the larger the capacity, the larger and heavier the backpack will be.
Durability
The durability of a skiing backpack is a culmination of its design, materials, construction techniques, and specialized features. Typically, durable backpacks are crafted from robust fabrics such as nylon or polyester, which offer resilience against wear and tear. The denier of the fabric, which indicates the fiber thickness, can also provide insights into the backpack’s strength; higher denier usually suggests greater durability.
Moreover, the backpack’s stitching should be reinforced, especially at stress points. This ensures the bag can handle the weight and strain of the contents without falling apart. Additionally, YKK or other high-quality zippers tend to last longer and operate smoothly even in harsh conditions. Lastly, features specifically designed for skiing, such as ski-carrying mechanisms and specialized compartments, if constructed well, not only enhance the pack’s functionality but also its lifespan.
Ski-Specific Design
A backpack equipped with ski-specific design elements is characterized by its strategic incorporation of features dedicated to accommodating skis, snowboards and other skiing gear. These backpacks often include external attachment systems that allow skis or snowboards to be securely fastened to the pack, thus liberating the skier’s hands and facilitating effortless navigation in challenging alpine environments.
Internally, many will also include specialized sections for other gear such as helmets, boots and gloves etc. as well.
Comfort and Fit
A well-fitting backpack is an essential contributor to the skier’s overall experience on the slopes. The integration of adjustable padded shoulder straps, a cushioned back panel and a waist belt crafted for an ergonomic embrace aligns the backpack with the contours of the skier’s body, distributing weight evenly and mitigating discomfort during extended periods of wear.
A backpack that hugs the body snugly while affording unrestricted motion ensures that the skier can navigate with precision and confidence, even amidst the dynamic shifts and unpredictable undulations of alpine landscapes.
Safety Features
The incorporation of safety features within skiing backpacks encompass a number of elements, including reflective components and bright colors that enhance visibility, especially during low-light conditions or adverse weather. The integration of such features bolsters skier safety by ensuring their presence remains discernible to fellow skiers and potential hazards, reducing the risk of collisions and enhancing overall visibility across snow-covered landscapes.
Additionally, safety-oriented design extends to considerations such as streamlined profiles to minimize wind resistance, reducing the potential for destabilizing drag during rapid descents. Others include (or at the very least have compartments to accommodate) safety equipment such as whistles, avalanche beacons and snow shovels to assist in case of emergency as well.
Additions
Other potential additions include:
- Attachment points: Skiing often involves carrying various accessories like GPS devices, radios and ice tools. Look for backpacks with dedicated attachment points such as harness webbing, sleeves, and loops.
- Standing mat: The inclusion of a standing mat on the back panel of the backpack is a practical feature. This mat allows you to stand comfortably while changing your boots, keeping your feet dry and preventing them from coming into direct contact with the snow or wet ground.
My Three Recommendations Broken Down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. libergarden Backpack For Ski Gear
For extra strength, this first option is built from tarpaulin and 1000D nylon – making it waterproof and durable. Furthermore, the smart design cuts down on weight and the straps are padded with EVA mesh, transforming even a heavy load into a comfy carry. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Libergarden
- Capacity: 50 liters
- Dimensions: 11.8 x 12.6 x 19.7 inches
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Material: Polyester
Other inclusions:
- Back panel door convertible to standing mat
- Breathable back panel
Why have I chosen it?
The backpack’s size is modest, yet its capacity is impressive, measuring 11.8 x 12.6 x 19.7 inches and it boasts a generous 50-liter storage volume, accommodating various skiing essentials including boots, helmets, clothing, goggle, and more.
With the ability to store US men’s boots up to size 12.5, it caters to a range of users, making it suitable for men, women and youth and the backpack features three separate compartments, keeping your gear neatly arranged. The top compartment can house your helmet and the front pocket accommodates smaller items like ski goggles and accessories.
The bottom of the bag is fully lined with waterproof and low-temperature-resistant tarpaulin, safeguarding your gear from moisture and snow infiltration. Additionally, the bag’s functionality shines through its weight-reducing design, featuring an EVA padded mesh back panel and shoulder straps designed to alleviate the burden of heavy loads.
2. Unigear Ski Travel Backpack
Crafted from heavy-duty 1050D nylon and tarpaulin, this backpack is highly resistant to water and snow, keeping your stuff safe and dry. With a generous 50-liter capacity there is capacity for your boots, helmets, clothes and gear as well. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Unigear
- Capacity: 50 liters
- Dimensions: 11.8 x 12.6 x 19.7 inches
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Material: 1050 Nylon
Other inclusions:
- EVA padded mesh panel
- Ski boots compartment
Why have I chosen it?
he bag’s construction is a testament to its quality, boasting 1050D nylon and tarpaulin as external materials. With its well-padded design, the backpack ensures the protection of fragile items such as goggles and other gear.
This bag’s 50-liter storage capacity is a standout feature, providing ample space to accommodate boots, helmets, clothing, goggles and more. Its 11.8 x 12.6 x 19.7-inch dimensions are specifically designed to cater to US men’s boots up to size 12.5 and the backpacks’s organization is further enhanced by three separate compartments and additional pockets, keeping gear neatly arranged.
The external adjustable webbing allows for easy attachment of skis and snowboards and moreover, the back panel door can be flipped down to serve as a standing mat, allowing convenient boot changes in various settings.
3. Osprey Soelden 22 Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Backpack
This third backpack option incorporates a one-of-a-kind blend of durability, innovation, and convenience to cater to the specific needs of backcountry adventurers, ensuring their gear is organized, accessible and secure. The backpack’s quality construction and focus on user comfort make it a reliable choice for those seeking a versatile and functional companion for their outdoor escapades. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Osprey
- Capacity: 22 liters
- Dimensions: 20 x 11 x 9 inches
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Material: Nylon
Other inclusions:
- Multiple attachment points
- Snow shedding material to reduce ice buildup
Why have I chosen this?
This backpack boasts a host of features that cater to the demands of backcountry skiing and snowboarding. The backpanel access to the main compartment provides a practical means of storing and retrieving gear, while the 22L total volume strikes a balance between capacity and portability.
A distinctive highlight is the large front panel J-zip access, offering quick and convenient entry to the avalanche safety kit pocket. This pocket includes dedicated sleeves for a shovel handle and probe, ensuring swift access to vital equipment during emergency situations. The integration of A-frame or diagonal ski carry options, as well as vertical front panel and horizontal snowboard carry capabilities, showcases the backpack’s versatility in accommodating various gear configurations.
Internal organization is facilitated by main compartment side panel sleeves for small items or a thermos, complemented by an internal zipper stash pocket for added storage. The backpack’s design even accommodates GPS/radio internal carry, featuring mic harness webbing attachment points for communication needs. Lastly, the snow-shedding material on the back panel underscores the brand’s attention to detail, reducing ice and snow buildup for a more comfortable experience.
Conclusion
There you have it, my three best backpacks for skiing. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul