A professional skier’s favourite ski backpacks for carrying layers, gear and backcountry essentials

Each ski and snowboard backpack featured on this list was personally tested

Not everyone needs a backpack for skiing, but if you do, you want to make sure it’s right for you. Some people will ski around the resort with an everyday backpack, which are great for carrying a spare layer, ski gloves, a drink, money and those all-important snacks. However, unlike specialist ski backpacks, they’re not designed for harsh ski conditions.

Ski equipment expert, Al Morgan teamed up with ski coach and freeride athlete Ffion Townsend to put this season’s ski focussed backpacks to the test. This is all the information you need on the top 13 ski and snowboard backpacks, to help narrow down your selection.

The best ski backpacks: At a glance

• Best Buy ski backpack: Arva Explore 30
• Best Value ski backpack: Deuter Freecline 15
• Best women’s ski backpack: Ortovox Free Rider 26 S
• Best men’s ski backpack: Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 15
• Best ski touring backpack: Osprey Firn 28

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How we test ski backpacks

We spend a lot of time carrying gear around mountains, and over the years of testing kit, have seen how frustrating it can be when a backpack fails to live up to the expectations or brand’s hype. Broken buckles, inadequate, fiddly attachments, zips that constantly want to slide open, inadequate padding and oh so many more woes; we’ve seen a lot of bag failures. That’s why we test packs, so you don’t have to endure the challenges poor backpack design, or choice, adds to your ski trip.

The testing involves walking and skiing with each backpack, while fully-loaded. We also checked that the backpacks were easily accessible, even while wearing ski gloves and tested how easy they were to adjust to suit different sized torsos. As with all my ski guides, each backpack was tested for at least a week on the slopes.

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The best ski backpacks

1. Best Buy Ski Backpack: Arva Explore 30

Score: 10/10

We like: Durable construction using sustainable materials that’s also great for summer mountain sports

We don’t like: The single back length may not work for everyone

Arva is an off-piste and avalanche safety specialist, and at the time of writing, it has released the lightest avalanche airbag in the world. This new Explore range doesn’t have airbag tech, but these durable bags have all the features you need for full-on freeride, ski touring and summer adventures.

It’s like Arva has taken all the best features and rolled them into one stellar pack range. The bottom, zipped crampon/touring skins pocket is easy to access while wearing, and the zipped divider allows you to expand the main compartment into this pocket, too. You can attach skis diagonally without removing the pack, or use the A-frame and snowboard carry system.

The features continue with twin ice-axe attachments complemented by a trekking/touring pole fixation, there’s a soft flask pocket on the left shoulder strap and a removable helmet net (available separately for the Explore 20).

There are plenty of pockets for organising kit and a large top-mounted fleece-lined pocket for lens and screen protection. The spacious gear pocket has a bright red rip pull for quick identification. It’s also available in 40 and 20 litres, but the 30 offers excellent value, is light enough, has the best feature set we’ve come across and the harness, with split hip wings and is fantastically comfortable. This is the pack for all others to beat.

Key specifications

• Volume: 30 litres
• Weight: 1,140g stated
• Main compartment access: Top, sides and clamshell opening
• Ski carry: A-frame and diagonal
• Snowboard carry? Yes

2. Best Value Ski Backpack: Deuter Freecline 15

Score: 9/10

We like: Stowable external attachments and comfortable harness system

We don’t like: Axe and skis can’t be attached at the same time

The Freecline was one of the most surprising backpacks we tested. When we first got to play with it, it felt so light and looked like it was a basic, piste-focussed pack. If you do want to ski mostly on piste and want a slim pack, the Freecline is fantastic. However, on closer inspection, we found the hidden ski and snowboard attachment systems and the helmet net, meaning this is more than a basic all-mountain pack after all.

You can attach a snowboard or carry skis diagonally. Once you put the straps in the configuration you want, they’re easy to use. There’s also the ability to attach an ice-axe, although not at the same time as skis.

Avalanche safety gear has dedicated sleeves in the main compartment and there’s one for a hydration bladder, too. Deuter is a big player in the world of mountain sport backpacks, so it should be no surprise that the Freecline is fabulously comfortable to wear.

The padded wings on the waist belt add another level of comfort and security, especially when you’re carrying skis or a board. You can stow the ski, axe and helmet attachments, leaving a clean aesthetic. It also has a smaller outline than many others, making it a great choice if you want a smart, minimalist pack, or if you have a smaller frame but don’t want to skimp on snow sport features.

Key specifications

• Volume: 15 litres
• Weight: 695g stated
• Main compartment access: Top and side
• Ski carry: Diagonal
• Snowboard carry? Yes

3. Best Women’s Ski Backpack: Ortovox Free Rider 26 S

Score: 10/10

We like: Shorter pack length and excellent feature set

We don’t like: Those who don’t like short pack length will prefer Free Rider 28

The 26 S is the same as the Free Rider 28, in a shorter back length and slightly smaller volume. Ortovox packs are exceedingly popular, thanks to the superb design, feature set and secure fit, with a Free Rider bag update for this season.

The back panel access zip makes it easy to find what you need and the roll-top closure means you can add extra volume, if needed, or stash your helmet (in all the testing we do, Ffion always prefers to put her helmet inside the pack when we’re hiking or skiing).

There’s a separate compartment inside for stashing wet kit and a zipped side pocket for skins. Side compression straps accommodate A-frame ski carry and you get diagonal attachment, along with snowboard straps.

A neat feature is the waist-mounted toggle that allows you to cinch the pack in. Ortovox avalanche safety gear (shovel and probe) easily fits in the separate gear pocket. You can easily attach ice axes and a rope to the outside. The zipped stash pocket on the left shoulder strap is a nice feature. A truly brilliant freeride and day ski-tour pack for those wanting a shorter back length.

Key specifications

• Volume: 26 litres
• Weight: 1,310g stated
• Main compartment access: Roll top and back panel
• Ski carry: A-frame & diagonal
• Snowboard carry? Yes

4. Best Men’s Ski Backpack: Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 15

Score: 9/10

We like: Slim design holds the load close to your back

We don’t like: No waist belt padding

This is the smallest Dawn Patrol pack Black Diamond offers, but we could fit enough food, spares and drinks inside for full freeride days. That includes larger avalanche shovels than many other packs, slotting in the dedicated pocket accessed from the main compartment.

There’s no ice axe system, but you can use the lower ski carry loop and the snowboard attachment straps, which work fine as long as you’re not carrying skis, too. The hydration bladder hose is routed down the left shoulder, inside an insulated sleeve. This is also large enough to stow a radio or a soft flask, if you prefer this to a bladder.

Even though there’s no padding on the waist belt, this is not a massive pack, so it wasn’t an issue with the loads we carried. The design of the pack means the back panel articulates around the sides of your back, adding load-carrying stability.

The attached, stowable helmet net allows front and top helmet stowage. When you use the diagonal ski carry system, having top helmet attachment is a real benefit, and you can adjust the tension on the helmet holder. The pack uses a lot of recycled material and proved super durable for our freeride adventures. We also used the 25-litre model, which has further options for kit carrying, and the waist belt wrapping is one of the best we’ve ever tested, with loads of storage.

Key specifications

• Volume: 15 litres
• Weight: 910g stated, 955g weighed
• Main compartment access: Top and side access
• Ski carry: Diagonal
• Snowboard carry? Yes

5. Best Ski Touring Backpack: Osprey Firn 28

Score: 9/10

We like: It has a surprisingly large carrying capacity and you can attach skis without taking the pack off

We don’t like: Smaller items can get lost below the crampon pocket

The Firn 28 allows you to carry a lot more kit than you may expect, thanks to the clever design and array of attachment options. While it’s designed for ski touring, this was the pack I used more than any other last season for an array of skiing. The harness vest-like design holds securely when moving dynamically. It also adds a lot of storage options, so you can stash your phone, radio, soft flask and snacks on the chest straps.

You get a mesh pocket on the waist and a gear loop and ice-screw clip attachment. It’s easy to attach two ice axes to the pack, and the external avalanche gear pocket accommodated the largest shovels we tested it with. You can also attach skis diagonally when wearing the pack. The flexible foam padding is comfortable and performed brilliantly when working up a sweat while spring touring.

The Firn 28 uses a drawstring opening for the main compartment, but the avalanche safety gear pocket-flap covers this with a strap to expand the volume, or stash your helmet or rope on top of the pack. There are even more pockets inside and a helmet stowage net. The zipped touring skin/crampon pocket in the base can be accessed whilst wearing the pack, so is an excellent place to stash your drinks bottle. The only issue I had was that small items in the main compartment could slip down below this crampon pocket, making them harder to find.

Key specifications

• Volume: 30 litres in M/L and 28 litres in S/M
• Weight: 1,170g stated and 1,208g weighed (M/L size test pack)
• Main compartment access: Top drawstring opening
• Ski carry: A-frame and diagonal
• Snowboard carry? No

6. Best Snowboarding Backpack: Dakine Heli Pro 20L

Score: 9/10

We like: Durable construction and excellent snowboard carry options

We don’t like: Avalanche gear stowage could be better

I bought two Dakine Heli backpacks 20 years ago and still use them, although one does look rather tired. The new Heli Pro I tested delivers the bombproof build I like about Dakine bags. It doesn’t come with a helmet net or ice-axe attachments, and only the left shoulder has hydration hose routing.

The avalanche gear pocket is trickier to get longer shovel handles and probes in than others we tested and, when in place, these reduced the capacity of the fleece-lined goggle pocket. If I put the handle and probe in the main compartment, my goggles easily fit in the fleece pocket.

Larger shovel blades also needed to go into the main compartment, but most blades fit in the avy gear pocket fine. The diagonal ski carry works great, although I found the A-frame carry in the Heli Pro 20L held ski tails too close to my bum and legs. The reinforcement on the shoulder straps allows you to carry your snowboard between the backpack and your back, something I’ve always liked about Dakine packs. You can also carry your board vertically on the front.

There are plenty of pockets for sorting your kit, and the large grab handle’s a nice touch. The unpadded waist belt works fine, as this is not a massive bag, and it accommodates all waist sizes. It’s a comfortable bag and a superb all-mountain or freeride pack if you won’t be spending hours going uphill. It’s shorter than many, making it great for teens, too.

Key specifications

• Volume: 20 litres
• Weight: 860g stated, 912g weighed
• Main compartment access: Top and side
• Ski carry: A-frame & diagonal
• Snowboard carry? Yes

7. Best Ski Backpack for a Clean Style: DB Snow Pro Backpack 32L

Score: 9/10

We like: Spacious with lots of pockets for organising gear

We don’t like: No diagonal ski carry option

The Snow Pro 32 allows you to carry a lot of kit, but it’s not just a basic tube that makes finding what you need an impossibility. The back panel zip gives a clamshell opening for the main compartment. Lining the back panel are three large mesh pockets, and there’s a big, removable fleece lined pocket in the main compartment; superb for goggles, glasses, action cameras or anything you want to prevent getting scratched.

The avalanche gear safety pocket has zipped access on the front of the pack with sleeves for a probe, shovel handle and snow saw. It’s a large pocket, although cramming bigger shovel blades through the zip was a challenge. The neatly concealed snowboard carry straps are easy to access.

DB adds its rib-cage style reinforcement under the side compression straps, so carrying skis A-frame is super stable. You can remove the waist strap, but we appreciated it when carrying heavier loads, and the pocket and gear loop it has are handy. The metal buckle on the belt also prevents the breakages associated with being stood on by ski boots.

Dual ice-axe attachment, roll top closure and an upper compression strap adds even greater versatility. There’s no helmet net, but we just stashed our helmet in the roll-top closure and upper compression/rope carry strap. The shoulder straps feature DB’s hook-up system, so you can attach this pack to other luggage when travelling. A stylish pack for full-on freeride missions.

Key specifications

• Volume: 32 litres
• Weight: 1,530g stated, 1,565g weighed
• Main compartment access: Roll top and back panel
• Ski carry: A-frame
• Snowboard carry? Yes

8. Most Rugged Ski Backpack: Fjällräven Bergtagen Touring 30

Score: 9/10

We like: Excellent external attachment systems and the vibrant orange colour is fantastic for being easy to spot

We don’t like: The helmet net attachment loops in the front pocket mean leaving it open

The new Bergtagen Touring 30 is a tad heavier than most bags we tested, but can take some serious abuse. The ski and snowboard attachments are easy to use and are secure, no matter whether you’re rocking your board vertically or skis A-frame or diagonally. The equally secure double ice axe attachment is also a cinch to use.

There’s a good assortment of pockets, although you miss out on a fleece-lined one for goggles (our spare goggles are always in a protective cover anyway). There’s a drawstring divider inside, which is great for separating kit, if needed. The top and back panel access makes accessing the gear you need super easy. The removable helmet net is stored in a front zipped pocket, under the top horizontal strap.

There are loops to attach the top net clips in this pocket, but that means leaving the pocket open, risking snow getting in. To avoid this, just use the larger orange loops at the side of the snowboard attachment straps. This stowable helmet net is removable, if you don’t need it and want to save weight, and the same can be done with some other attachments.

The metal waist belt buckle prevents the pack from being accidentally broken, which can be an issue with plastic buckles. This is an impressive pack; it’s superbly laid out and the firm foam gives a secure ride and load carry. Also available in two back lengths and a 22-litre model.

Key specifications

• Volume: 30 litres
• Weight: 1,460g stated
• Main compartment access: Top and back panel
• Ski carry: A-frame and diagonal
• Snowboard carry? Yes

9. Best Ski Backpack for Sustainability: Osprey x Houdini Allt 30

Score: 9/10

We like: The most sustainable design we’ve tested and has a versatile design catering to various maintain sports

We don’t like: The multi-season shoulder straps can feel bulkier than slim ski-specific straps

The Allt 30 (also in 20 litres) is so different, not just in design, but also in being the most eco-friendly backpack we’ve used. Swedish outdoor apparel brand Houdini focusses on sustainability and circular design. Partnering this knowledge with Osprey’s backpack expertise and its emphasis on sustainability makes a superb partnership.

Together, the brand has made a top-performing four-season, cross-discipline pack that can be returned to Osprey at the end of its useful life and recycled. It works superbly for hiking, rock and ice climbing, skiing and snowboarding. It is a classic backpack bucket, although there are a couple of pockets inside and a sleeve to stow wet gear or a shovel blade.

It doesn’t accommodate huge shovels, but it worked for most we tested it with. The handle and probe have sleeves in the main compartment, which has a roll top closure with another separate draw string closure above this. You can roll the inner closure down, with toggles to fasten it there, so you just use the draw string when you don’t need full foul weather protection. A top quick-release strap makes it easy to stash a rope or your helmet.

External daisy chains add attachment options. The back length is easy to adjust, and the harness is arguably the most comfortable we tested, especially when just wearing a base layer or t-shirt. The downside is that the straps feel bulkier than regular slimly padded ski backpack straps when you’re wearing lots of layers.

Key specifications

• Volume: 30 litres
• Weight: 1,590g stated, 1579g weighed
• Main compartment access: – Top
• Ski carry: A-frame
• Snowboard carry? Yes

10. Best Lightweight Ski Backpack: Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 20L

Score: 9/10

We like: Diminutive size belies the true carrying potential

We don’t like: No snowboard carry system

I’ve used the SnowDrifter 20 a lot. I didn’t think I would, as it looks and feels small, but the double hip belt pockets and large shoulder strap pockets allow you to pack more than you expect. The added benefit is having a slim pack, so it doesn’t move around or throw you off balance, despite being a soft, flexible pack. The ripstop material helps keep the weight down, although I did manage to put a hole in it, where the avalanche shovel blade is stowed, when sitting on an unpadded chairlift. The ripstop did its job, preventing the hole from getting bigger.

You get diagonal ski carry, and you can attach an ice axe at the same time. There’s a separate touring skins/crampon pocket in the base with zipped access so you can grab your skins without removing your pack. I ended up also using this to stow my water bottle, so I could grab a drink whilst skinning. The removable helmet net is stowed in the top pocket, clipped to the key loop.

You can set the diagonal ski carry to either side and you can attach and remove the skis without having to take the pack off. There are separate sleeves in the main compartment for avalanche safety gear. A spare sleeve meant I could carry a screwdriver, too. There’s no specialist hydration bladder pocket, although there is a hydration hose port for each shoulder strap and the hose runs inside covers to the zipped shoulder pockets.

Key specifications

• Volume: 20 litres
• Weight: 886g stated, 861g weighed
• Main compartment access: Top and side
• Ski carry: Diagonal
• Snowboard carry? No

11. Best Ski-specific Freeride Backpack: Peak Performance Vertical Ski Backpack 25L

Score: 8/10

We like: Firm foam on harness straps and back system distribute weight evenly

We don’t like: Lack of snowboard carry system

The Vertical is plenty big enough for most backcountry days, using a firm foam padding and provides surprising comfort with a secure hold when skiing. This was one of my favourite packs for comfort and fit, although those with a slim build may struggle to tighten the waist belt enough. The ripstop body fabric doesn’t attract snow and there’s a daisy chain on the waist belt and pack front.

The bottom right compression strap is also used as the lower diagonal ski carry strap. This is different to most others but worked fine with our 100mm skis. The upper diagonal carry loop looks like it could double as a snowboard carry strap, but there’s no equivalent lower strap, which is a shame. The ice axe system works well enough, although the T that goes through the axe head is placed farther from the pick sleeve than needed, so the axe pick could swing out of the sleeve it sits in.

The avalanche gear pocket easily accommodates most gear, although we did struggle with longer shovel handle models. Uniquely, it has bottom zip access, so make sure the zip is securely closed so nothing falls out.

The attached, stowable helmet net can only stash the helmet on the front upper half of the pack, but you can still stow a helmet with skis attached diagonally. The front pocket can be accessed from both sides, so you can loop a jacket or rope through it.

Key specifications

• Volume: 25 litres
• Weight: 1,141g stated, 1,146g weighed
• Main compartment access: Top and back panel
• Ski carry: A-frame & diagonal
• Snowboard carry? No

12. Best Ski Backpack for Stability and On-the-go Snacking: Rab Khroma 30L Ski Pack

Score: 9/10

We like: Harness is very comfortable and it’s incredibly stable, even when fully loaded

We don’t like: It lacks a traditional snowboard carry system

The Khroma 30L is light considering how stable it is and the amount of gear you can carry with it. The harness is superbly comfortable and the broad wings on the waist belt do a great job of distributing weight from the bag. The waist belt has a metal buckle, adding another level of durability. Plus, there’s a massive pocket on the right wing, which is handy for storing snacks, liner gloves or a hat.

There’s a large gear loop on the other wing. You can attach skis in A-frame or diagonally, and the pack feels nice and stable in either setup. It’s a shame it lacks the horizontal straps for carrying non-touring snowboards.

The X-Shield back system holds the load close to your back and could be partly why this pack feels so secure when you’re skiing and skinning. There’s an attachment for one ice-axe and a removable helmet net. The avalanche gear pocket has two zip sliders, one of which has a large orange pull loop, designed to make getting to emergency equipment easier in a panicked situation.

The puller is easy to use with large gloves on and getting your avalanche kit out is easy. There was enough room for the shovel and probe we had, but we didn’t get the chance to test it with some of the larger models we sometimes use.

Key specifications

• Volume: 30 litres
• Weight: 1,220g stated, not weighed
• Main compartment access: Back panel
• Ski carry: A-frame and diagonal
• Snowboard carry? No

13. Best Ski Backpack for On-the-fly Glove Stowage: The North Face Slackpack 2.0 Daypack

Score: 9/10

We like: Slim outline with well considered features

We don’t like: No ice-axe attachment

The Slackpack has a clean outline and feels minimalist on your back, especially when compared with the larger packs we tested. It has enough volume to carry a spare layer, water bottle, snacks, goggles, gloves and a hat. The North Face even builds a specific hat and glove stash strap onto the left shoulder strap, which was handy for storing a hat on hot ascents or stashing gloves when we needed to use bare hands.

The straps around the pack body mean you can comfortably carry a snowboard, and there’s diagonal ski carry. You can attach skis in an A-frame configuration, but it doesn’t advertise this and it’s not great for wider skis.

There’s no ice-axe attachment, which could be a deal-breaker for some. The separate avalanche gear pocket was nice to have, especially given the small pack size. You can’t fit massive shovels in, but that’s not who this pack’s designed for. The large back panel zipped opening to the main compartment ensures you can easily find what you need. There’s a fleece-lined goggle dump pocket inside, along with a zipped mesh pocket and a hydration bladder pocket on the inner side of the back panel.

The Slackpack has a basic webbing waist belt, which works fine, as this pack is not big enough to need more. It’s a smart, comfortable pack, which looks great in the striking red and black colourway with just the right features for shorter adventures in the backcountry, and it’s perfect for resort skiing.

Key specifications

• Volume: 20 litres
• Weight: 940g stated, not weighed
• Main compartment access: Back panel
• Ski carry: Diagonal
• Snowboard carry? Yes

Ski and snowboard backpack FAQs

How to choose the best ski backpack

Ski-specific packs are designed and built to make your time on the mountain as easy and fun as possible. They use snow-shedding materials, have various pockets to store kit and specialist compartments for your avalanche safety kit, hydration bladders, goggles and more. Most ski backpacks feature attachments for your skis or snowboard, making it easier and safer to hike with your equipment.

The backpack should fit you securely, to ensure that when it’s full of gear, it doesn’t move around when skiing, which can potentially throw you off balance. When shopping for a backpack in a store, ask if you can load the bag and try it on (most have weights to add to the bag for testing) to see how it fits you and how the load sits on your shoulders, back and waist. Move around and twist your torso, so you know the bag moves with you. Have a good look at the pocket arrangements and attachments to make sure it all suits your needs.

What’s the difference between a regular daypack and a ski/snowboard backpack?

You can ski about the resort with a regular everyday or commuter backpack, but ski and snowboard-specific backpacks have features especially designed to make your time in the mountains as comfortable, easy and fun as possible.

This may simply include using snow-shedding materials and having a waist belt to keep the pack secure when skiing and prevent having loads of snow stuck to it. Ski backpacks also have technical features specific to snowsports.

What is the difference between a ski and snowboard backpack?

There is only one main difference. If you want to carry a regular snowboard, you need straps that can accommodate a snowboard. These are usually two horizontal straps across the front of the pack (the bit furthest from your back, when wearing the pack), one towards the top and one towards the bottom.

If a backpack advertises a Splitboard carry system, it does not necessarily mean you can carry a regular snowboard. Splitboard carry often means you need to attach the board in the same way as skis, split into two halves and paired, base to base. Make sure the straps accommodate the width of your board, in this configuration.

Not all ski backpacks will have snowboard attachment straps. It can be possible to attach skis using snowboard straps though.

Is there a difference between women’s and men’s ski backpacks?

Brands can design women’s specific backpacks with shoulder straps and/or waist belts with a different outline to better match the difference in torso shape.

Women’s packs will often have a shorter back length, which can make these great options for anyone with a shorter back, not just female skiers or snowboarders. Sometimes women’s packs will be made in more traditionally ‘feminine’ colours, but the trend seems to be for designers to move away from this approach.

What size ski or snowboard backpack should I choose?

Bigger is not necessarily better. The more you fit in a backpack the more challenging it will be when skiing. If you are skiing about a resort and stopping for lunch in a restaurant, you may only need to carry a means of payment, a bottle of water, a hat, sunglasses and a few treats. You may therefore only need five or 10 litres of volume in the backpack as larger ones aren’t stable with so few items in.

If you ski off-piste, you need to carry avalanche safety kit, spare gloves and a spare layer, along with some food, money, first aid kit, touring skins and plenty of hydration. For this, a backpack that’s 15-30 litres often works best. For bigger outings or overnighters with gear such as crampons, a harness, rope and other safety kit, then a pack that’s 30-40 litres, or more, could suit you best.

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