Updated on January 11, 2022

Have you ever wondered how you would carry your gear while skiing? Maybe you simply need a place to store an extra pair of gloves, some snacks, and a heavier jacket, or perhaps you need a way to store an avalanche airbag system for a backcountry trip. For every type of ski trip, whether it is a day in the chutes, a backcountry adventure, or a day at the resort, having the best ski backpack can make a difference. But how do you know which is the best ski backpacks for you?

Here, at The Adventure Junkies, we want to help you narrow down your choices when selecting the best ski backpacks. We’ll break down the features that you should consider, explain why those features are important— depending on the type of skiing you will do — and review a range of ski backpacks to help you find the best one for you.

For more of our top ski gear recommendations, check out the Best Ski Bags

 

Quick Answer - The Best Ski Backpacks

  1. Deuter Freerider Pro 30
  2. Backcountry Access Float 42
  3. Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 32
  4. Dakine Heli Pro
  5. Mammut RAS 3.0

 

Comparison Table - The Best Ski Backpacks

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NameBest ForGear CapacityHydration SystemAirbag SystemPriceRatingReview
Deuter Freerider Pro 30Side or backcountry30 litersYesNo$4.3Read Review
Backcountry Access Float 42Overall32 literNoYes$$5.0Read Review
Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 32Overall32 literYesYes$5.0Read Review
Dakine Heli ProBudget20 litersYesNo$4.0Read Review
Mammut RAS 3.0Overall22 litersYesYes$$4.5Read Review
NameBest ForGear CapacityHydration SystemAirbag SystemPriceRatingReview

Reviews - Ski Backpacks

Deuter Freerider Pro 30

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Airbag System: No
  • Best For: Side or backcountry
  • Hydration System: Yes
  • Gear Capacity: 30 liters

BEST FOR SKIING IN THE SIDE OR BACKCOUNTRY

HYDRATION SYSTEM: Hydration system compatible

SKI-CARRY OPTIONS: Vertical (center or sides) and diagonal ski-carry systems

PROS: Helmet holder, avalanche gear storage and goggle pocket, sitting mat, strong zippers

CONS: Pack sits flat against the back so not great for bulky items

Backcountry Access Float 42

Specs
  • Airbag System: Yes
  • Best For: Overall
  • Hydration System: No
  • Gear Capacity: 32 liter

BEST FOR OVERALL ALL-MOUNTAIN USE

AVALANCHE AIRBAG SYSTEM: Float airbag system deployed via compressed air cylinder, left or right trigger mount

SKI-CARRY OPTIONS: Diagonal ski-carry system

PROS: Lightweight, great value for an airbag pack, integration for BC Link radios, fleece goggle pocket, helmet sling, shovel and probe sleeves

CONS: One size only, small safety gear pocket

Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 32

Specs
  • Airbag System: Yes
  • Best For: Overall
  • Hydration System: Yes
  • Gear Capacity: 32 liter

BEST FOR OVERALL ALL-MOUNTAIN USE

HYDRATION SYSTEM: Insulated hydration system compatible

AVALANCHE AIRBAG SYSTEM: AvaLung ready

SKI-CARRY OPTIONS: Diagonal and A-frame ski-carry options

PROS: Comfortable for all day skiing, helmet compartment, axe loop, avalanche gear pocket, great value, unisex only but two sizes for different body types (small/medium and medium/large)

CONS: Avalanche safety pocket takes up too much room

Dakine Heli Pro

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Airbag System: No
  • Best For: Budget
  • Hydration System: Yes
  • Gear Capacity: 20 liters
Dakine Heli Pro

BEST FOR SIDECOUNTRY OR CHAIRLIFT ACCESSIBLE SKIING

HYDRATION SYSTEM: Hydration system compatible

SKI-CARRY OPTIONS: Diagonal ski-carry

PROS: Fleece lined goggle pocket, avalanche whistle, durable, easy to attach helmet and poles, lightweight (1.8 pounds)

CONS: Needs deeper pockets

Mammut RAS 3.0

Specs
  • Airbag System: Yes
  • Best For: Overall
  • Hydration System: Yes
  • Gear Capacity: 22 liters

BEST FOR OVERALL ALL-MOUNTAIN USE

HYDRATION SYSTEM: Hydration system compatible

AVALANCHE AIRBAG SYSTEM: Removable airbag system with refillable cartridge sold separately

SKI-CARRY OPTIONS: Diagonal and A-frame ski-carry options

PROS: Helmet compartment, axe loop; avalanche gear pocket, ergonomic shoulder straps, fleece-line goggle compartment, TSA friendly so you can fly with empty air canister and refill canister at destination

CONS: No waist belt pockets, airbag system takes up space

 

 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SKI BACKPACKS

GEAR CAPACITY

Gear capacity is a great way to narrow down your options when selecting the best ski backpack. In most cases, it goes hand-in-hand with the type of skiing you will do. There are three major categories that gear capacity can fall under.

 

LARGE GEAR CAPACITY (35-55 LITERS)

These ski backpacks are often used for overnight hut trips because of their abundance of room. Expect a heavier bag, but more features and room.

 

MEDIUM GEAR CAPACITY (20-35 LITERS)

Ski backpacks with medium gear capacity are ideal for single-day skiing in the backcountry.

 

LOW GEAR CAPACITY (20 LITERS OR LESS)

These small ski backpacks are perfect for trips into the side country that are served by chairlifts, helicopter, or snowcats. Some can be used for resort skiing, simply storing extra gloves and a snack.

 

GENDER-SPECIFIC OR UNISEX-ONLY OPTIONS

Depending on your body shape, a gender-specific ski backpack may be necessary. Typically, women’s ski backpacks have shoulder straps that are closer together and form an s-shape. The hip belts may be contoured for a woman’s body more so than for their male-specific counterparts. Some ski backpacks only have unisex options available, which may work fine for many body types. Plus, some of those unisex skiing backpacks offer two sizes (small/medium and medium/large) instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.

 

HYDRATION SYSTEM INCLUDED OR COMPATIBLE

Dehydration is one of the most dangerous things that skiers will face. In fact, researcher Dr. John Seifert has reported that—every hour— a minimum of twelve ounces of water or sports drink should be consumed while skiing. There are three different hydration system options for ski backpacks. The ski backpack hydration system can include the reservoir/bladder, or it can be compatible for a reservoir/bladder. In addition, some ski backpacks have insulated sleeves to prevent the water from freezing in the tube. Not all skiing backpacks contain a hydration system.

 

AVALANCHE AIRBAG SYSTEM

The primary pieces of equipment for backcountry skiing is the avalanche beacon and the helmet. However, some people prefer to add additional safety measures, such as an avalanche airbag system. In fact, the American Avalanche Association’s journal, The Avalanche Review, reported in October 2014 that 36 out of every 100 skiers who were killed in an avalanche would have survived if they had an avalanche airbag system.

While not all skiing backpacks come equipped with an avalanche airbag system, many are. There are four different types of avalanche airbag systems: sealed nitrogen cylinders, atmospheric air cylinders (refillable), CO2 cylinders (disposable), rechargeable lithium battery systems that operate a jet fan. While some (the lithium battery system) are travel friendly, others are not. There is also a system called the AvaLung, which basically allows a skier caught in an avalanche to breathe residual air from within the pockets of their clothes.

 

SKI-CARRY SYSTEM

Skis may be attached to skiing backpacks if you need to hike up and ski down. Depending on if there are deployable air bags, skis may be attached vertically, diagonally, or as an A-frame.

 

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Expect a good ski backpack to have some additional features. While some features are key for skiing the backcountry, others are nice to have when skiing in areas accessible via chairlift. These features can include easy zipper access, helmet attachment (loop, sling, or clip), axe loop, avalanche gear tool pouch, extra avalanche protection, and google pouch (preferably fleece-lined).

READ MORE

For more of our top skiing gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:

Downhill Skis

Ski Boots

Ski Bindings

Ski Poles

Ski Pants

Ski Jackets

Ski Goggles

Ski Helmets

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