The combination of clean snow and good hills equals a fine day for snowboarding, which means hitting the slopes well equipped for adventure and fun. Carrying your essential gear for the day doesn’t require a snowboard specific backpack. Still, if you hit the slopes more than once or twice a season, a dedicated snowboarding backpack is a more capable adventure solution that’s worth a look. Here are five packs with the features snowboarders have come to expect.
The smallest capacity bag in our list, the Jones Snowboards DSCNT Backpack, has an internal frame, a dedicated hydro-pocket with an insulated sleeve, and is sized at 19 liters. It’s a sleek, unassuming pack that holds the essentials, like snacks, water, avy tools, and a warm layer. Jones Snowboards builds the DSCNT out of recycled 450D nylon as well.
The Burton Side Country Backpack is available in basic black or yellow and, at 20 liters, won’t slow you down. The PU-coated Cordura fabric means durability, while the front panel access gives you quick access to snacks. There’s an adjustable ice ax carry for ascents, and the back panel features airflow zones to counter the sweat.
If you want a pack that does class as well as the downhills, the Dakine Heli Pro Backpack is worth a serious look. With Vertical snowboard carry or diagonal ski carry, the 20 liter Heli Pro can keep you out and about all day. But it also has a laptop sleeve so that it can serve on campus too. There’s a fleece-lined pocket for your goggles, and the pack is hydration compatible as well.
Patagonia’s SnowDrifter Pack comes in a 20 liter and a 30-liter version, and the company says the pack is made from 100 percent recycled fabrics. The SnowDrifter has an adjustable sternum strap and padded waist belt with zippered pockets. It’s got an insulated hydration sleeve as well as quick access to the main compartment. Multiple interior pockets make gear organization a snap.
Moving up in size, the Arc’teryx Alpha SK 32 Backpack, as the name suggests, is a 32-liter pack. More expensive than most, this weatherproof pack keeps the water out and your layers and other gear dry. Its side zipper gives you easy access to the interior of the bag, while the top lid holds your helmet and other bulky or wet items.
Finally, the largest pack in this list, the Osprey Kamber 42 Men’s Ski Pack, has dual top-load and back panel access into the spacious main compartment. This 42-liter pack can take on most ski and snowboard carrying configuration, horizontal or vertical. It sports a removable top pocket and glove-friendly zipper pulls so you can grab your tools quickly.
The backpack you choose holds your essential gear safely and comfortably and lets you concentrate on the fun.
