Backcountry skiing is a great hobby for those who know the sense of adventure and the thrill of discovering new and exciting places.
Nothing is quite like that adrenaline rush and freedom of skiing down the snowy, ungroomed slopes.
But before you go on this adventure, you need to do some serious planning.
The first thing that should be on your “to-do” list is finding the best backcountry ski backpack where you can store all your skiing or snowboarding gear.
What makes a great backcountry ski backpack?
It needs to be big enough to store all the gear you need, it needs to be comfortable even after hours of wear and it also should be durable and weather-resistant to endure cold and wet weather conditions.
Make sure that the pack has an easy to reach compartment for safety gear.
Also, airbags or a breathing system is a plus for safety reasons.
Our recommended ski backpacks
These are the packs you must check out if you are looking for a backcountry ski backpack!
Osprey Kamber 32 Ski Backpack
This mid-sized Osprey ski backpack is compact but has enough room for all your backcountry essentials.
It is specifically designed for winter conditions with glove-friendly buckles and zipper pulls, multiple possibilities for attaching your skis or snowboard, as well as easily and quickly accessible pockets for safety gear like a shovel.
There are also separate compartments for dry and wet clothing.
You can also securely attach the helmet to the top of the pack on long ascents.
This sleek pack is a favorite of many backcountry adventurers.
Users point out that this backpack is very comfortable on skiing trips and its thoughtful and clever construction is suitable for winter conditions.
Dual zippered rear backpanel access to main compartment and hydration reservoir sleeve with insulated zippered harness router (fits up to a 3L reservoir sold separately).
Extra-large front panel j-zip access to avalanche safety pocket with shovel handle and probe sleeves.
Lower reinforced ski carry loops and upper side carry straps provide secure A-frame ski carry with the ability for diagonal ski or vertical snowboard carry.
Osprey Kamber 42 Ski Backpack
Osprey’s Kamber 42 is like an older brother to Kamber 32.
While these two packs have many things in common, Kamber 42 is bigger and has more room for your gear. It provides several ways to attach your skis, snowboard, or snowshoes to the pack.
Kamber 42 has a removable top pocket and a fabric flap that keeps the contents safely in place.
Users agree that this high-quality ski backpack is great for backcountry skiing and snowboarding trips.
This pack is greatly priced and offers value for money.
Top load and dual zippered rear backpanel access to main compartment and hydration reservoir sleeve with insulated zippered harness router (fits up to a 3L reservoir sold separately).
Extra-large front panel j-zip access to avalanche safety pocket with shovel handle and probe sleeves.
Lower reinforced ski carry loops and upper side carry straps provide secure A-frame ski carry with the ability for diagonal ski or vertical snowboard carry.
Thule Upslope 35L Backpack
This backpack is designed for all your backcountry needs.
It provides multiple carry options for skis and snowboards, it has a compartment for securing your tools and gear and there is also a protective goggle pocket that allows you to protect fragile items.
Thanks to this pack’s thoughtful design, you will be able to reach side pockets without taking the backpack off.
It has an insulated hydration sleeve so that the drinking water does not freeze in the cold.
On-the-go access and storage for water bottles, skins, gloves and large items in roomy side pockets.
Store helmet on either the bottom of the pack for easy retrieval or the front of pack for a classic carry.
Easily access gear in the bottom of your pack and keep your backpanel snow free with backpanel access to the main compartment.
Deuter Freerider Pro Women Backpack
Deuter Freerider Pro 32 comes with a lot of cool features that will come in handy on your backcountry ski trip.
You can attach skis, snowboard, or snowshoes to the outside of the pack. It also has a mesh overlay that secures your helmet on the backpack when you are not wearing it.
This pack has a number of compartments inside of it, one of them specifically designated for storing ski goggles and other fragile items that need extra protection.
Users report that the padded shoulder straps and hip belt are comfortable throughout the trip and that it is a spacious pack day trips.
For keen backcountry skiers looking for a full winter-spec pack with flexible and expandable capacity for multi-day ski tours. A close fitting full contact back system allows for stability over uneven terrain, while a "chimney" between the shoulder blade pads allows excess heat to escape.
Fix skis, a snowboard, or snowshoes onto the outside of the pack. Two dedicated gear straps have multiple configuration options: Skis can be attached diagonally or in an A-frame, snowshoes or a snowboard in an upright position. The gear straps can also be used for compression.
