Shovels, jackets, hand warmers, maybe even a peanut butter-jelly sandwich, the list goes on and on.
These are just a few things that you may have or wish you had in your ski backpack when you're halfway up the lift with the lodge nowhere in sight.
A nice ski backpack can be a gamechanger for skiers of all levels and styles. Whether you're alone at peak elevation of the resort or teaching the kiddos on the bunny slopes, we all need a reliable pack.
What Should You Look For in Ski Backpacks?
If a ski backpack is going to get any real use at all, it needs to be comfortable on your back. Not too big or heavy where you feel like you got someone trying to bring you down from behind. A backpack too big can also get in the way of your ski turns and when you are getting onto the lift. Backpacks are supposed to increase safety not create danger on the chairlift.
Inside your ski backpack, it is preferred to have many different pockets of many different shapes and sizes. Storing your items in an organized fashion can be super beneficial, especially in desperate situations like emergencies, cold weather, or anything of that nature where you want to know exactly where everything is.
Keep in mind, a ski backpack can be used in other settings as well. They are not overly priced, some of the best ones are under $200 and are something you can use every day, 365 days a year if necessary. Some can be more technical and detailed which drives the price 5-10x above the others. This is not to say go drop a month’s pay on a backpack. However, that is an option if you can afford it.
The 10 Best Ski Backpacks Today
The Dakine Heli Pro 20L is far and away the best deal for a ski backpack on the market right now. This backpack is the perfect baseline for everything you could want from a pack. Multiple strap-in points to carry your skis, a goggle pocket, a hydration sleeve, and plenty of room in your main compartment for jackets and a shovel. All of this for $120 is an incredible deal.
This pack from Patagonia has a unique combination of size and aerodynamics. Enough room to store your bigger gear and a slime shape to fit the skiers back to provide the comfortability that you're looking for. There are two access points and carry options for both skiing and snowboarding. At a price point of $249, there is so much to love within this spacious backpack.
The North face describes this backpack as a “minimalist pack built for high-alpine missions”. If you're looking for something for your next high altitude adventure this is the backpack for you. Only $99 while being reflective all over, comfortable and lightweight, and allows you hydration and areas for rope, ice tools, and an ax.
Black Diamond is listing the Dawn Patrol 25L Backpack for a generous price of $134.96. This is the pack for any backcountry skier looking for some adventurous tours. The bag itself is not flashy but it's going to get the job done with excellence. Implemented is a front pocket for your avalanche gear, extra padded shoulder straps that allow for hydration and a radio, as well as hip pockets for extra storage. The Dawn Patrol is built for anything you need in the backcountry.
Considered a bigger ski backpack at 32L this is designed mostly for ski touring but can also be used in resorts. The Switchback from Ortovox is prided on its accessibility, as the skier does not have to remove the pack in order to access the must needed tools it carries. Two ax holders, chain and rope attachments, and a nice large pocket for your larger gear are all included in this pack that is listed at a price point of $220.
The Dakine Poacher is another variation of Dakine’s top of the line ski backpacks. Similar to the Heli Pro in shape, this backpack is a bit more expensive because of its size advantage and a few more key features. For a price of $195, the Poacher still has the tight and compact look to it but also has snow tools and shovel pockets, helmet carrying ability, and an ultra comfortable snow deflecting molded back to it. The poacher is an advanced backpack that is diverse for both in bounds and out.
Detailed to be an in resort backpack the Osprey Glade 12 is lightweight, compact, and knows what it's therefor. This pack is a hydrator at its core with its hydraulics bite valve and hydraulics reservoir. Smaller items like goggles, gloves and food are also able to be stored in the front pocket. This slim resort pack will cost $130, but can also be used for bike riding, snowshoeing, or cross country ski days.
$1350 is the price you pay for safety. The Avabag Litric Freeride 28 is a top tier avalanche airbag backpack by Ortovox. This electronic system is equipped to be lightweight and very efficient. With just a 25 minute charge you're ready to go. WIthin the backpack is very spacious for necessary larger equipment to be taken with you. Features such as ski, snowboard and ice ax fastenings, and helmet holding are all included too.
The Micon 32 backpack is a larger and more spacious pack to carry extra gear in its main pocket, helmet can be attached externally and has a goggle pocket for smaller items. Arc’teryx designed this backpack to be durable against any weather condition no matter how extreme through its N210r HT nylon and N400r-AC² ripstop combined exterior. This backpack is available fairly priced for what you're getting at $220.
The Arva Ride 18 is a smaller backpack for the freerider getting down to business on the slopes. There is no movement constraint with this pack as it fits close to the body, you won't even notice it on your back. Still able to carry your skis in an A-frame style hold, goggle pockets, and a fully openable main pocket are all featured. This pack is very affordable and is just $109.85.
The Bottom Line: Ski Backpacks
Whether you are headed for the backcountry or just ripping up the resort a good ski backpack is always necessary.
Make sure to find one that fits and has all the features you desire.
You never know what you're going to need out of the elements of mother nature so it's always better to be well prepared with your new backpack.
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