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May 29, 2023

The Best Ski Backpacks of 2023

From small ski packs designed for lift access runs to behemoths built for

From small ski packs designed for lift access runs to behemoths built for serious backcountry ventures, we found the best ski backpacks for every use and budget.

For skiers, snowmobilers, and splitboarders, backpacks carry avalanche rescue tools that can save lives. Other times, they just carry a few energy bars and a water bottle or an extra pair of mittens. Picking the right pack for your day on the slopes depends a lot on the mission at hand.

While most packs have a lot in common — namely, shoulder straps and a central zippered compartment — they differ wildly in size, weight, and how much they’ll comfortably carry. Packs these days are incredibly well-made. Materials are built to last, seams are heat-welded or bar-tacked, and buckles only break if they’re abused.

Across many winter seasons, we have tested dozens and dozens of ski packs that are available now. Testers have racked up hundreds of ski days (at resorts, in the backcountry, and on ski hut trips) in Canada, the U.S., Japan, and Europe.

To find the best ski backpacks, we ascended and skied Oregon's Mt. Hood and Washington's Mt. Adams, ski and splitboard mountaineered in the Rocky Mountains, and scrambled up snow-covered peaks in the Dolomites. We’ve steered backcountry snowmobiles to reach the base of peaks and couloirs and joined skimo races, too.

While not every top-notch ski and snowboard pack made our list, we can assure you this guide includes excellent designs across a range of volumes and styles. These packs serve a spectrum of objectives for various types of skiers, riders, and sledders.

For more help choosing the best ski backpack for the season, check out the details behind pack designs in our buyer's guide at the bottom of this article, as well as our comparison chart. If you still have questions, take a look at our list of frequently asked questions.

Otherwise, you can scroll through to see all of our recommended buys or jump to the category you’re looking for:

Most snowsport packs have fixed torso lengths, but the new BCA Stash 30 ($180) has a hip belt that can slide up or down for a personalized fit. We sent the pack out with testers with torso lengths that ranged from 16 to 20 inches. The pack fit them all like a glove.

Also, the adjustable torso lets you drop the pack lower on your hips for when you’re doing miles of skinning across glaciers. Then, you can snug it up high and tight for better mobility when you’re hucking cliffs and dropping into couloirs.

The new Stash 30 was a favorite for athletes who pushed the envelope in the backcountry. The flexible frame sheet shadows your every movement thanks to its soft molded foam construction. The back panel also consists of seven geometric pods separated with half-inch air channels.

Horizontal channels increase airflow and let the pack flex with your every movement. The hip belt wings have about an inch of play, so the pack self-adjusts as you walk or ski.

Bonus features include channels on both shoulder straps (accessed via long zippers), so you can use one for hydration and the second for your radio. The pack is designed for vertical snowboard and both diagonal and A-frame ski carry.

Testers loved the quick deployment of both skis and snowboards thanks to big, glove-friendly buckles and dedicated straps. The ski slots are reinforced, featuring compression straps in case your skis are smaller than the slots. Due to its unmatched fit and practicality, we’re confident that the Stash 30 is the best ski backpack in the game today.

The SnoBlast 22 Hydration Pack ($120) is one of CamelBak's first-ever snow adventure packs, which the hydration-focused brand launched in fall 2022. It's only fitting that the lightweight design has a 2 L reservoir that's accessed by a clamshell zipper in the back, and an insulated sleeve where the hose can be stashed to help prevent being frozen. Overall, this pack is ideal for resort days or hike-to inbounds terrain but can also be used for short tours.

One of our favorite details is the pack's spacious top compartment, which easily zips open and has a second mesh zippered pocket inside for sunglasses or goggles and an extra lens, snacks, or chapstick. A horseshoe-shaped zipper along the edge of the pack unzips to expand the volume of the pack's compartment. Two sets of side straps carry your skis while you bootpack.

At this price point, you give up a padded hip belt, though one isn't requisite if touring isn't your primary focus and the simple strap saves weight. The pack lacks a hip belt pocket and load lifters but the shoulder straps can be cinched down.

The helmet carry is two rigid loops, where you thread your helmet strap through (not the easiest process if the padding is thicker), and the noggin protector can bob around quite a bit. If your helmet is being toted, like on a hike, it also blocks the zip entrance to the primary compartment.

After taking the pack out in snowfall, the exterior fabric does repel snow and the belongings stayed nice and dry. Ultimately, this is a svelte, simple, economic option for lift laps.

The Gregory Targhee 45 L ($220) is the SUV of the pack world, with a floorplan that will please even the most nitpicky of organizers. There are six zippered pockets. And on the pack's front is a handy zippered pocket where you can stash sunglasses and snacks.

Then, there's the zippered snow-safety compartment and a roomy pocket on top of the pack (with a small interior pocket with a key clip). The main compartment, accessed through the back panel, is big enough to house extra layers, a stove, a small bivy, and a helmet.

One wing of the hip belt has a zippered pocket that's big enough for a cellphone; the other side has a gear sling.

There's an HDPE (plastic) frame sheet and a single aluminum stay. The stay extends into the hip belt, which provides great load transfer. And we like that the straps have more padding than many winter ski packs we’ve tested.

Even with the 35-pound load that we toted on a hut trip, the Targhee 45 shadowed our every movement with no sway. The back panel is a molded foam with geometric patterns designed to shed snow.

The A-frame and front diagonal ski carry options are bombproof. Straps have camming buckles that lock in place so there's no slip. The front of the pack is reinforced with 1,000-denier CORDURA for extra durability.

The tips of the skis are closer to the body and far enough from the head that there's no chance of banging into them, even if you’re wearing a helmet.

The beefy 1,000-denier CORDURA on the pack's front is ready for exposed rock or grabby tree branches — testers skied and rode for more than 60 days with no scuffing. For added durability, tool attachment hardware and buckles for the snowboard/ski carry are aluminum.

Overall, this pack is ready for long, exploratory days where you need to be prepared for anything.

Mystery Ranch, the brainchild of veteran pack designer Dana Gleason, is known for smart designs and bomber construction. In fact, Mystery Ranch packs are a mainstay for the military and firefighting communities in situations when a pack is truly survival equipment.

The Gallatin Peak ($265) is outstanding on several levels. First, the fabric is the toughest we’ve seen. The 840-denier nylon has a TPU coating, which gives it excellent water resistance and extra durability against sharp skis and abrasive rocks.

Oversized zipper pulls (and zippers) are all glove-friendly and indestructible. And there are handy color-coded zippers. The red pull tab on the snow safety gear panel helps prevent groping around when seconds count.

The Gallatin Peak is roomy enough to carry gear for hut trips or light multiday excursions. The densely padded hip belt and shoulder straps cushioned loads up to about 40 pounds. A couple of our more masochistic testers went heavier, but less weight means you’ll move faster.

This thoughtfully designed, well-constructed pack is ready for when a trip becomes a mission.

This thoughtfully built pack ($299) has a place for everything. At 50 L, it's big enough for a ski around Crater Lake or a winter ascent in the Tetons.

The molded foam hip belt and shoulder straps supported loads up to 45 pounds without too much discomfort. The frame sheet has a perimeter stay and a molded foam back panel.

The main pack bag of the Eddie Bauer Alpine Sisu 50 has a traditional top opening (with a wide 38-inch mouth). There's also back-panel access via a zipper that bisects the back of the pack. This lets you access gear in wet, snowy conditions while keeping the back panel and shoulder straps dry.

The snow-safety tool compartment is accessed with two long zippers that let you peel back the entire front of the pack. You just grab a handle and pull apart the Velcro closure, and the zippers slide open. There's a top lid with a single pocket for storing small items as well.

Testers wished for a hip belt pocket for cellphone storage, but the dual gear slings did come in handy for alpine climbing and glacier crossing. For heavy loads or overnight tours, this is one of the best ski backpacks on the market today.

Deuter has put their muscle into creating comfortable women's-specific packs across recreational activities from mountain biking to hiking and backpacking. The Freerider 28 SL Ski Tour Backpack ($165) is no exception. It has a slim fit with ample space for backcountry gear, spared ounces, and generous comfort.

The "SL" tag means this pack is constructed for the average size of female bodies. The back length is shorter compared to men's packs, and the carrying system — the hip belt and shoulder straps — hugs a narrower build.

The hip belt is also made in a conical shape. Our testers found this streamlined pack extremely comfortable, and despite the pack feeling light, the design carries and distributes a heavy load well. We love that we can access our gear stash through the full-zip back panel. Inside, our avalanche gear is neatly organized in its own compartment.

The Freerider 28 SL‘s pockets are standout — there's a deep zippered pocket in the front avalanche gear compartment and another large mesh zippered pocket in the main compartment. A third large pocket, which is accessed from the top, is lined for goggles or sunglasses and features a divider to help collect other miscellaneous items.

There are two removable straps to use for the front vertical carry, such as for a snowboard or snowshoes, or to use for the vertical ski carry. The modular setup has its pros and cons, but it's nice to be able to customize your pack on the fly.

Adding an extra step (switching the straps around) while backcountry skiing can be energy-consuming, and we’re concerned about losing the straps given they aren't integrated. It's best to set up the straps for the day's needs in advance.

We also like the unique holder for glasses on the face of one shoulder strap. There's space for a 3L hydration bladder as well. For female shredders who want a more customized feel, this is the ski backpack we’d recommend.

Suit up with this streamlined vest/pack, which features all-around upper body protection — 1 mm of hard shell sandwiched between two layers of PE foam. And it makes sled-skiing so much better; more comfortable, efficient, and safer with protection against injury.

Flying forward into the handlebars while romping a powder field and hitting an unexpected hole never feels good, but this armor can help you come out the other side.

The BCA Float MtnPro Vest Avalanche Airbag 2.0 ($800) is one of the most tailored, unique packs on our list. If you’re a hybrid user or snowmobile enthusiast who hops on your sled to enjoy those powder days in flat terrain, or you simply love adding speed and power to your ski turns, consider investing in this pack rather than double-dipping with your ski pack.

As a vest, the front of this pack fully protects the chest and feels comfortable for male and female shredders alike, according to our testers. Two huge pockets up front are easy to access and hold a large phone and snacks. An external shovel carry sits square center in the back, so you can quickly grab your tools to unbury your or your buddy's sled.

Interior sleeves for an avalanche shovel and probe are integrated in addition to a large mesh pocket. There's plenty of space inside to stash water, lunch, and extra layers. An additional external zippered pocket is big enough for a phone or snacks. There's also an interior zippered goggle-size pocket, though it's unlined. Two key clips hang inside, too.

Not to mention, the BCA Float MtnPro vest features an integrated lightweight Float Airbag system (leg strap included) for sledders to pull in the event of an avalanche. (The refillable 2.0 compressed air cylinder, which powers the airbag, is sold separately for $200.)

The handle for activating the airbag is integrated inside a zippered pocket on the right side (so riders need to be sure the handle is within reach when they’re in avalanche terrain). The other shoulder has a zippered sleeve that's great for integrating a radio.

One critique: We wish the radio integration was a bit easier to manage and the radio sleeve didn't feed through the avalanche airbag compartment.

Not only does this ladies’ pack ($265) offer a larger volume but also serves up a smart collection of pockets and compartments, so the day can run that much smoother. The 32 L Poacher R.A.S. (which stands for removable airbag system) integrates with the 3.0 version made by Mammut (sold separate), which is accessed through a roll-top closure. When deployed, the buckles remain clasped while the inflated airbag pushes through the rolled fabric. The men's Poacher R.A.S. 36 L ($270) offers a bit more volume and all the same features.

Despite being sub $300, the pack is made with a durable, Bluesign-approved 600-denier polyester fabric that's treated with a water repellent finish.

A spacious tool compartment has sleeves for your shovel, probe, and saw and a dual-zip closure. On the pack's top-front is a fleece-lined goggle pocket; Just below, a helmet hammock deploys from a stealthy zipper enclosed stowaway (which is a squeeze to pull in and out with gloves on and a stuffed pack). One side has an oblong, deep zippered pocket for a large water bottle.

One of our favorite details of this pack is a large pocket that sits parallel to the goggle pocket for all sorts of goodies like snacks, a satellite communication device, and ice scraper. A second mesh pocket sits inside to help organize smaller items. Another small pocket hangs on the hip belt. Two insulated sleeve is available for a radio (which we always use), a hydration hose, or the airbag deployment handle.

The primary compartment is accessed through a clamshell opening in the back — we’d be even happier if we could also access this large zone from the front, so we weren't fishing around or unnecessarily exposing gear to the elements, especially on the deepest days.

Another critique we have: The women's specific back panel and hip belt doesn't offer the most lower back or hip support or comfort, and the hip belt straps do not easily slide to adjust as we adapt our layers and pack load throughout the day. That said, we really like the volume, safety upgrade option, organization, and clean style of the Poacher.

This is one of the most comfortable, back-supportive ski packs that we’ve tested: The Osprey Kresta 30 for the ladies and Kamber 30 for the gents ($210) set a new standard for a lumbar hug.

The Crest and Kamber are built with the brand's LightWire suspension, which is a peripheral plastic and aluminum frame that transfers the load to the lumbar belt, which is topped off with a fully padded and contoured EVA-foam hipbelt, making a heavy load feel easy, comfortable, and seemingly lighter to carry. The pack's contoured shoulder straps also make lap after lap that much more energy preserving.

Up top is a nearly 9-inch long pocket that's unlined and spans the pack's width. That's also where you can deploy the stackable helmet carry that can clip your helmet to the front or top of the pack — a unique design. The first moderate-sized compartment has two sleeves for your shovel shaft and probe, and it's accessed by three dual-way zippers.

The central, largest compartment is accessed by the back panel, which opens via a clamshell zipper. While we love a back entry, we think it's even better if we can also access the largest compartment from the front, so we’re not needing to dig around or expose our gear to the elements too much.

Inside the primary compartment is a spacious, zippered mesh pocket. There are also two long dump pockets on each side, which are the perfect size for a narrow water bottle but aren't the easiest to slide one in and out of, especially if you’re on-the-go and the pack is stuffed.

We like that there's a streamlined hydration sleeve you can slide a reservoir into before threading the hose through an insulated, enclosed sleeve. A radio can thread to the other sleeve, which isn't enclosed. We also love that there are two zippered hip pockets — most packs have one or none.

If you suffer from back or shoulder pain or spend a lot of hours on your feet, this is one of the best suspension designs out there.

Whether you’re taking the lift up and heading out the gate for side-country laps, taking gondola spins between in-bounds runs, or taking a full-on backcountry day, the Mountain Hardwear Powabunga 32 ($200) is a versatile companion.

The frame is constructed of stable, nimble steel, which supports a load but is comfortable. For ease, the pack can swing around without a full removal in order to enter the pack's primary chamber. The design features back panel or front panel access, which we appreciate.

The padded hip belt is ergonomic and pivotable, so the pack moves with you as you skin uphill. There's a separate front compartment for avalanche tools and one hip belt pocket.

Tough against the elements, the Powabunga is made with a 500-denier CORDURA nylon blend that's lightweight. One of our favorite features is the large, lengthy top-to-bottom side pockets with zip closures, which are expandable and a great cubby for skins, bottles, or gloves.

The pockets are unique — one of our favorite features incorporated by Mountain Hardwear. You can also reach the top of the main compartment through the fleece-lined goggle pocket, adding more accessibility.

We dig this pack for sled days. For only $180, this low-volume BCA bag hits all the foundational marks for off-trail snowmobile adventures. After days of sledding in the white room and carving steeper slopes once the stability rose, we found this pack is comfortable, functional, and delivers.

The Stash 25 Throttle Backpack has a dedicated compartment for an avalanche shovel, probe, and saw. An additional exterior shovel pocket is on the front, secured by two buckles and a velcro loop around the shaft.

One of the best features of this pack is the lower exterior zipper that provides access to your radio, which slides easily into an interior sleeve that's also accessible via the primary compartment. Adjusting the radio volume or stations has never been easier and more accessible. The microphone cable can be threaded through either sleeve, and the mic can clip to the chest strap.

At your hip, one large pocket offers a great stash spot on the belt. A roomy, fleece-lined goggle pocket sits toward the pack's top. Inside, another zippered mesh pocket is attached to the upper back. The molded pack panel adds a touch of luxury, too.

The Upslope 35 L ($280) might be the perfect skinning pack. Two ginormous hip belt pockets swallow skins, water bottles, and snacks. The bellowed pockets have glove-friendly zipper pulls and overlapping zipper garages, meaning your side gear stays secure and dry.

The main pack bag is a teardrop design, so heavy gear sits over your hips where it belongs. There's a full-featured snow safety gear pocket, accessed via a big U-shaped front panel zipper. On top is a microfiber-lined goggle pouch large enough to accommodate big lenses.

An insulated sleeve keeps hydration bladder tubes from freezing, although we prefer a water bottle for cold-weather skiing. Testers really liked the Upslope's secure ski-carry system (diagonal and A-frame).

It's a big improvement from the original Upslope, and we like how easy it is to use when we’re wearing big, puffy gloves. Plus, the critical buckles that attach the shoulder straps and hip belt are metal, so there's no danger of a catastrophic break in the backcountry.

This pack carries a lot of weight. We found it carries 30-pound loads easily thanks to the densely padded shoulder straps and full-perimeter stay. The hip belt is a combo of big, wing-shaped pockets and 2-inch webbing.

It's also able to accommodate Mammut's RAS 3.0 (Removable Airbag System).

For fast and superlight missions, uphillers and skimo racers gravitate toward the ergonomic Dynafit DNA 16 ($130). Our test laps included racing the backcountry Gothic Mountain Tour in Crested Butte, Colorado, and we were impressed.

The DNA's design is super breathable, streamlined, and lightweight for folks craving speedy adventures with less bulk on their back. The pack is thoughtfully constructed with strategic pockets, including a small interior waterproof pocket and a large top-to-bottom mesh compartment to help organize goods.

We really liked the safety box (as we’ve deemed it) — a sturdy, rigid, protective compartment in the lower belly of the pack with Velcro side entry. The stash spot in the DNA is an excellent cave for crampons or extra flasks or fuel that need to remain unfrozen while soaking up the back's warmth.

If you frequently explore avalanche terrain, it's a good idea to invest in an airbag pack. The BCA Float 42 Avalanche Airbag 2.0 ($750) sets a high bar with a robust construction that's comfortable and super functional.

With another step of innovation, this airbag system (the 2.0 air cylinder engine) is 30% smaller and 15% lighter than BCA's previous iteration. That extra room is key.

On big days playing in the backcountry or on the job — like volunteer search and rescue — we need to carry additional rescue gear, food, hydration, and layers. We like that you can access the cargo through a full back panel or through the front.

The Float 42 Avalanche has a sleeve to integrate a radio and another for a hydration hose. With the internal support frame, the back panel is rigid and supportive yet comfortable. We also like the hip belt pockets and the fleece-lined goggle pocket.

When you need to carry extra equipment like ski and boot crampons, an emergency sled, or overnight apparel for a hut trip in addition to all the other backcountry essentials, the Mountain Hardwear Snoskiwoski 40 ($220) steps up to the plate. Despite being super lightweight and minimalist, this robust design can haul.

With an aluminum frame, 500-denier CORDURA base, and recycled 210-denier high-tenacity nylon shell, this pack is durable for rigorous objectives and harsh elements. Inside, a foam insert helps protect back pressure from belongings and is removable to sit on, though it's not as quick to extract when fully loaded.

The front smaller compartment is home to avalanche gear and features a nice zipper-access mesh pocket, though the pocket is not very big. One of our favorite design details is a mega side-entry zipper to a long, deep pocket that can easily stash skins or a water bottle and snacks.

The remaining gear is carried in the spacious primary compartment, which has a quick-draw top skirt opening and integrated storm flap as well as a side-entry zipper.

We really like the quick-access tool carry on the front of the pack and the reinforced A-frame ski loops for skis or splitboard skis. The shoulder straps have lash points for a radio or hydration hose, though they aren't enclosed.

On the front of the pack, two elastic straps with slidable adjusters do a great job of holding the shaft of an ice axe.

The removable helmet hammock is attached by slender straps that slide into and hook tiny daisy chains but do not lock in place, so they are only secure when fully weighted — otherwise, they can slide out. The hammock poses a risk of blowing away on windy summits or getting misplaced. A solid attachment point or direct integration would be an improvement.

With the same modular slide-and-hook design, there are two additional straps, which can be lengthened with small buckle adjusters, on the front of the pack to secure gear. The straps likewise do not lock into place. As such, my ski crampons fell off my pack on a snowmobile approach, and I had to buy a new pair. Not fun! Use the straps with caution or scrap using them at all.

Despite the issues with the exterior strap attachments, we still keep this pack as one of the best in our lineup due to its tenacious materials, sheer volume, and ability to carry a heavy load with comfort.

The ultralight Black Diamond Cirque 30 Pack ($180) is svelte and minimalist for skiers and splitboarders who want to explore mountain lines without any extra ounces but want the option to carry safety tools.

After testing this pack on backcountry splitboard and ski days for the past few seasons, we still grab it for uphill sessions or fast missions. Overall, we’re impressed by the pocket organization despite the lean silhouette.

Inside the Cirque 30 pack, there's a compartment for avalanche rescue equipment that's separated by a divider with a buckle closure. The primary chamber has an expandable pocket with an elastic band for security. There's a second pocket that's large enough for extra goggles with a zip entry and key clip.

Another sleek zipper-enclosed exterior pocket sits near the top, which is wide enough to hold extra goggles. It's also a convenient spot for a snack or cellphone.

The sternum strap has a built-in whistle. Keeping things light, the hip belt is not padded but prevents pack sway. The back pad is removable for an even slimmer kit.

Our GearJunkie gear testing team includes a range of skiers and splitboarders from intermediate to expert who explore inbounds ski areas across the United States — from the West to East Coast and around the Rocky Mountains. Our testers also travel around the U.S. and overseas, venture into the backcountry, hike uphill at the resort, and use off-trail snowmobiles to play in and access out-there terrain.

Among our testers, Snowsports Senior Editor Morgan Tilton started alpine skiing in her backyard at Telluride Ski Resort at age 4, followed closely by learning to snowboard. Thirteen years ago, she completed her first AIARE 1 course and continues to pursue backcountry certifications and exploration today by splitboard, off-trail snowmobile, and skis. (She's thankful the industry now makes stellar splitboards, breaking the need to snowshoe with a solid board on her back.)

Throughout our field tests and personal experience, we determined the best ski backpacks based on a variety of metrics including fit adjustment, ergonomics, gear carry options, hydration compatibility, ease of use, organization from compartments to pockets, access, load placement, comfort, hip belt and shoulder strap design, performance, quality, durability, and value. These ski backpacks serve a range of athletes, applications, volume of gear, and budgets.

The trick to deciding what pack to buy is knowing what you’re going to use it for.

Do you want something small and compact you can carry for a quick uphill session at the ski hill after work? Or do you need a spacious, weight-bearing pack for an overnight hut trip or a weeklong summit snag with a remote basecamp?

Then, think about feature sets and overall capacity. Will you be carrying ice tools? A ski mountaineering axe? Crampons? Will you be on a splitboard or skis and what type? Will you be in-bounds only?

In your terrain, will you need avalanche safety equipment? Do you have room for all the necessary layers, enough food and water, and a tailored first aid emergency kit? Do you need to carry a radio? Do you prefer to drink water through a bottle or hydration bladder?

These are a handful of the questions you should ask as you consider the best ski backpack for your needs.

A wide variety of ski backpacks exist. Depending on your objectives and the terrain you’ll be in, you might want a pack that's lightweight and simplified for in-bounds use or uphill sessions at a ski area. Or, you might need a streamlined, minimalist pack for fast and light training and skimo races.

If you’re heading into the backcountry, the ski or snowboard backpack you choose will have unique features. Namely, there will be a dedicated compartment with pockets for your avalanche safety gear: shovel and probe.

There will also be a helmet carry and radio integration via sleeves on the shoulder straps and, on some packs, an elastic loop on the chest strap to secure the mic.

Other backcountry packs offer greater capacity, enhanced back and shoulder support, and special organizational features for ski and splitboard mountaineering or multiday backcountry tours.

It's important to match the pack size to your body shape and size. You don't want a pack that's too big or it will shift around. Nor will it be comfortable if it's too snug.

Pack capacity is a personal choice, dependent on whether you go fast and light or you’re the type of person who wants or needs room for plenty of gear.

In general, sub-20 L packs are ideal for resort skiing and riding, uphilling, or skimo races. Some of these compact packs even have a ski and snowboard carry, which is a nice feature for hike-to in-bounds terrain.

A pack from 20 to 35 L that can haul more is ideal for side-country, backcountry, and gear-intensive trips. A few of the packs in that house include the Thule Upslope 35 L, and Mountain Hardwear Powabunga 32.

Some pack designs in the 30 L to 35 L realm are designed to support ski and splitboard mountaineering expeditions like the BCA Stash 30.

Packs from 40 to 50 L are more stout for backcountry overnight missions and hut trips as well as mixed alpine and mountaineering ascents.

The leanest pack among our top picks is the 16 L Dynafit DNA 16 for skimo races and uphill workouts. The beefiest load-carrying pack is the Eddie Bauer Alpine Sisu 50, a 50 L animal for backcountry tours, mountaineering, overnighters, and hut trips.

Suspension refers to the shoulder straps, hip belt, and frame sheet. Generally, the bigger the backpack, the more weight you can carry. And more weight requires a more sophisticated suspension system for comfortable carry.

Shoulder straps are generally padded to help cushion your shoulders from the weight. They also help disperse the weight from the pack.

New materials provide cushioning with less bulk. Most modern shoulder straps are a combination of dense foam and breathable mesh. The more weight a pack is designed to carry, the more robust the foam in the shoulder straps.

Hip belts are designed to help keep the pack from swinging around on your back. Packs that will carry 20 pounds or more need some sort of padded hip belt to help transfer weight to the hip bones.

Most hip belts are made of the same dense foam as shoulder straps. They’re built to snugly wrap around your iliac crest so the weight of your load is dispersed between your shoulders, back, and hips.

This is the distance (generally in inches) between the top of your shoulder to the top of your hip bone (iliac crest). Most packs fit torsos from about 16 to 20 inches.

If you have a very short or very tall back, you need to do some research into manufacturers’ recommendations. Fortunately, most packs come in small/medium, large/XL, or small/medium/large sizing.

And with shoulder strap adjustments and load-lifter straps, you can generally get 2 to 4 inches of adjustment out of any pack. Plus, some manufacturers make packs with back panels that have adjustable lengths. In most cases, this is done by moving the shoulder straps up or down the back panel or moving the hip belt up.

Most of our top choices for ski pack designs are unisex or men's, which can work fine for many riders and skiers regardless of their sex. That said, everyone's body is unique. Some women swear by women's-specific packs. If you generally have a smaller frame, consider checking out a women's-specific ski pack.

Compared to men's or unisex packs, a women's pack is constructed based on the average size of female bodies. The back length is shorter, and the carrying system — the hip belt and shoulder straps — hugs a narrower body figure. The hip belt is also made in a conical shape, which sits more comfortably on the hips.

Modern materials are unbelievably tough. It's really difficult to wear a hole in a pack when it's used correctly.

Abrasion is most likely to occur on the bottom of a pack. This is more common in packs hauling heavy loads of solid gear but naturally happens from setting the pack down on various terrain from rocks to ice or snow.

Packs designed for carrying ice-climbing equipment will generally have a padded bottom. This keeps sharp objects from poking through the bottom of the pack when you set it on a hard, rocky surface.

These specialty packs often use durable material in places where you attach an axe or crampons. Ski packs also have reinforced attachment points so sharp ski edges don't cut into the pack.

A major differentiator between ski and snowboard pack styles is whether or not there's a designated compartment for avalanche safety equipment — the shovel and probe. That design component is essential for backcountry and side-country recreationists because efficiency and organization are critical and life-saving.

Many ski and snowboard packs have an internal sleeve for a hydration bladder and a sleeve to route the hose but not all sleeves are insulated. Beware — the water in your hose can freeze. To be proactive, you can blow the water back through the hose after each sip, but it can help to get a proper pack, too.

Pockets add weight but are nice to keep everything in place. Again, efficiency is key when we are playing outdoors in cold, gusty, snowy elements.

We appreciate at least one spacious hip belt pocket if not two. These are handy if you want to keep snacks, sunscreen stick or sunscreen chapstick, slope angle reader, straps, or glove liners handy. Most packs for backcountry or front-country use have a softly-lined goggle pocket and ski helmet carry, too.

Packs with one or two oblong pockets toward the top-front of the pack offer an easy-to-access placement for quickly grabbing items like a google lens, sunglasses, snack, ice scraper, rub-on skin wax, compact phone, or satellite communication device. Pockets that are buried deep inside the primary compartment are not ideal, because we typically need to dig through a pile of items to reach what we’ve stashed.

Many ski backpacks have a ski-carry system — which can be used for skis or splitboard skis — and potentially one for snowboard carry, too.

Generally, backcountry skis — or a splitboard — can be attached to a ski pack via an A-frame setup, which many travelers feel is well balanced. The caveat? An a-frame carry cannot be used with packs that are set up for an airbag deploy. The other ski option carry is diagonal. Some pack designs feature straps for both of these arrangements. Other packs also provide a solid snowboard carry that is either vertical or horizontal.

Most of the time, how you carry your skis, split skis, or snowboard is a personal preference, but terrain management can also influence your choice, especially for split boarders. For instance, if you’re bootpacking a backcountry ridge or short hike-to at the resort, you might not prefer a vertical snowboard carry if the tail is digging into your calves between steps. However, if you are bootpacking a steep slope that will not top out with enough space to transition from split to solid, or rappelling into the start of the descent, you might need to strap your assembled solid splitboard to the back of your pack.

You’ll want to be sure to practice clipping your skis, split skis, or snowboard onto your bag before you head to the backcountry to make sure you know how the strap arrangement functions. Be sure to pull on your pack to make sure your gear isn't smacking the back of your calves or head.

Snowsport packs often have back-panel access via a U-shaped zipper that lets you fold back the entire back panel like a clamshell. This method of entry is handy if you’re going to throw your pack down in the snow when you open it up. This way, your shoulder straps and back panel stand a better chance of staying dry and not soaking up water.

This design is also a convenient way to access gear that's sitting in a certain quadrant of your pack without needing to unload all the goods into the snow or wind.

Some packs have front access through a large U-shaped zipper. Other designs blend the two entries with both a front and back-panel entry, which is super helpful. A handful of designs are top-loaders or have a roll-top closure.

Additional pack details range from a helmet carry system — usually, a pouch or pocket that's removable, stashable, or compressible — to a hydration sleeve for a bladder and an arm sleeve to protect the hose.

Compression sleeves are really nice for hugging a load and making it more streamlined. Load-lift straps are also key for adjusting how the pack sits on your shoulders and back, a fit that changes throughout the day due to adding or pulling out gear from inside the pack. Some packs also have external and internal gear carriers — that are fixed, removable, or adaptable — for ice tools, an ice axe, poles, crampons, or a rope.

Generally, backpacks that are developed for ski and splitboard tours have a dedicated internal compartment for avalanche safety gear: the shovel and probe. (The beacon is worn on your person, not stored inside the pack.) These packs also have ski and splitboard or snowboard carry systems.

Ski touring packs usually have a hip belt to help support the load and prevent pack swing on the descent. Some hip belts are generously padded or even have zipper-enclosed pockets, while other designs are slim to help trim ounces.

Each pack has its own organizational features, including a potential hydration sleeve, radio integration, and lined goggle pocket plus various internal and external pockets for stashing items. Most conventional packs have some kind of helmet carry system that's removable or stashable.

Some packs are larger and more robust than others in order to support a heavier load while touring for a day or more. Technical ski touring bags are outfitted with features to carry safety equipment from crampons to an ice axe or tools.

For resort riding, it's certainly not a requirement. But it can be convenient to have for carrying extra snacks or a lunch, water, extra layers, gloves, an additional goggles lens in case the light conditions change, or a camera.

On the other hand, if you’re skiing in the backcountry, it's an absolute must-have. You’ll need a backpack to carry avalanche safety gear, including your shovel and probe as well as a radio, satellite communication device, and first-aid kit.

An avalanche airbag pack combines a traditional backcountry pack with an inflatable airbag system.

For the most part, each brand has its own unique pack design that's paired with an airbag system, which all function similarly and for the same purpose: to help protect a winter traveler in the event of an avalanche.

Airbag system designs are proprietary and can be developed through a partnership or licensed between brands. For instance, Arc'teryx and Ortovox teamed up to develop the lightweight LiTRIC avalanche airbag system, which each brand utilizes in its own pack line, that launched in fall 2022.

When the rider or skier is caught in an avalanche, they need to manually release an inflatable airbag, which fills up through compressed air or gas or via an electric fan. When the airbag explodes through the top of the pack, the firm cushion surrounds the head and neck to help prevent trauma.

The airbag also helps the skier or rider stay atop the moving snow. After the snow settles, the airbag can also potentially keep snow from blocking the victim's airway.

For resort days, it's nice to have a snack, some water, and room to stash a layer you may remove as the day heats up. And it's never a bad idea to have a small first-aid kit and repair tool.

If you’re heading out of bounds, you’ll need more. In addition to a good pack with the right capacity and features, the list ranges from a down jacket, extra goggles, and ski straps to your shovel and probe. We’ve dedicated an entire article to the g ear you need to start backcountry skiing.

While this varies depending on your adventure plans and gear needs, sub-20 L packs are ideal for resort skiing and riding, uphilling, or skimo races. Some of these compact packs even have a ski and snowboard carry, which is a nice feature for hike-to in-bounds terrain.

A pack from 20 L to 35 L that can schlep more is ideal for side-country, backcountry, and gear-intensive trips. Some pack designs in the 30 L to 35 L realm are also designed to support ski and splitboard mountaineering expeditions. Packs from 40 L to 50 L are more stout for backcountry overnight missions and hut trips as well as mixed alpine and mountaineering ascents.

When you pack for a backcountry ski or splitboard day, first put your shovel and probe into their proper pockets inside their designated spots. Usually, it's most comfortable to put heavier and lesser-used items toward the bottom of the pack like a first-aid kit, repair kit, or an extra down jacket and beefy gloves.

Make sure you keep your snacks in places you can quickly access while you’re on the skin track, so you can continue to take down fuel as you venture. Likewise, you’ll want your water in an accessible place. Sometimes that's in a hydration bladder or in a water bottle that fits along the side of the pack next to a zipper entry so you can quickly grab and sip.

Battery packs, extra batteries for your beacon, or headlamps are nice to keep in a protective zip-enclosed pocket. If the backpack doesn't have one, you can put those items in a tiny dry bag and put it toward the middle or bottom of the backpack. Of course, it's a good match to put an extra pair of goggles or sunglasses in the goggle pocket.

Toward the top of the pack or in external pockets, you’ll want the layers you’ll most likely be rotating through like a fleece or buff.

You’ll also want your downhill gloves or mittens towards the top of your pack, so you can put them on right away during a transition, especially if the temps are frigid or there's windchill.

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