Skiing Backpacks, Avalanche Backpacks

Shovel, probe, transceiver, skins, spare gloves, a lightweight insulated jacket, ski goggles, small snacks, and a thermos — there’s no way all of this fits into clothing pockets, and the features of a regular daypack quickly fall short.Shovel, probe, transceiver, skins, spare gloves, a lightweight insulated jacket, ski goggles, small snacks, and a thermos — there’s no way all of this fits into clothing pockets, and the features of a regular daypack quickly fall short. That’s why dedicated backpack models are made specifically for freeriding and ski touring.

Backpacks for freeriding and ski touring

Shovel, probe, transceiver, skins, spare gloves, a lightweight insulated jacket, ski goggles, small snacks, and a thermos — there’s no way all of this fits into clothing pockets, and the features of a regular daypack quickly fall short. That’s why dedicated backpack models are made specifically for freeriding and ski touring.

Backpacks designed for freeriding and ski touring need different features than those used for hiking on snow-free ground. Ski attachment systems, dedicated pockets for avalanche safety gear, and in extreme cases even avalanche airbag systems set ski backpacks apart from ordinary daypacks. Because ski backpacks come into contact with things like shovels and ski edges, they are made from durable materials – ultralight fabrics simply aren’t suitable for this type of use.

Top brands

Osprey is known for excellent carrying comfort and lightweight yet durable materials
Ortovox is a trusted choice for many freeriders
Arva is a pioneer in avalanche airbag backpacks
Fjällräven stays true to its familiar, distinctive style also in its range of ski backpacks

Avalanche backpacks

Backpacks equipped with avalanche airbags work either with a compressed gas cylinder or with an electrically powered fan system. They improve the chances of survival if caught in an avalanche by helping the user stay closer to the surface of the moving snow.

How to choose the right ski backpack

Choose the volume: A 20-liter backpack is a traditional daypack size, but for winter use many people opt for a 30-liter pack as well.
Check whether the backpack is available in different frame sizes: Many manufacturers offer their backpacks in different frame sizes for users of different heights and body types. The product page explains how to choose the correct size.
Do you need an avalanche airbag? In a real emergency, an avalanche backpack can save your life or reduce injuries caused by an avalanche. Especially for those traveling in terrain known to be hazardous, an avalanche backpack is well worth its price.