What good is all the gear you’re getting for this season without the proper pack? No good at all. Make sure you’re transporting all of those valuables properly, whether it’s to and from the mountain, up and down the mountain or anywhere in between. Here, we’ve gathered your top eight options of 2017-2018.
Rise 34+ Backpack, by Deuter
With 34 liters (or 42, thanks to a height-adjustable lid) of storage, the Rise 34+ is trustworthy for weekend-long overnight outings or longer tours that require a bit more gear than your typical day trip. A reinforced avalanche tool pocket stands tough in the face of sharp shovel blades and two lateral pockets provide extra storage for water bottles, gas canisters, 24 oz. summit “sodas” and other cylindrical objects. As an added plus, the foam back-pad can be removed and utilized as a sitting mat to keep you dry during your lunch break.
The Skiddlyscatscoot, by The North Face
A featherlight and compact build (one pound, 12 ounces; 16 liters) makes the Skiddlyscatscoot a stellar option for both resort skiers and the occasional sidecountry adventurers. Despite its slim size, the pack boasts plenty of thoughtful features to aid you on the hill including multiple ski carry options, a fleece-lined goggle pocket, hydration compatibility and a zippered internal security pocket. And in case you’re wondering, the name is coined by pro skier and The North Face ambassador Ingrid Backstrom, who said, “sometimes you just need to skiddlyscatscoot over to the next line.”
Tech Backpack, by Oakley
With an 18-liter capacity the Oakley Tech Backpack is a grade-A option for lift-accessed backcountry skiing or for those who bring a pack with them while ripping around inbounds—loaded with a couple of sandwiches, a few Tecates, Snickers bar, Starburst, etc. Functionality-wise, top and side zippers provide access points to your goods; a padded eyewear compartment safeguards your goggles or shades; a zippered waist strap pocket stows your smaller trinkets; and a 450 Denier Ripstop, TPE-coated exterior is durable enough to keep everything safe and sound.
Float 27 Speed Backpack, with Float 2.0, by BCA
BCA’s new Float 2.0 airbag system—including the cylinder, ejector, bag and engine—is 30 percent smaller and 20 percent lighter than the original Float 1.0. Additionally, the cylinder is located in the airbag chamber, providing more space in the main compartment for your goods. The 2.0 system is compatible with the new Float Speed packs, the 27 Speed being about 20 percent lighter than BCA’s Float 32… so, you’re getting all-around weight savings to the max. This particular model’s 27-liter volume and manageable 5.7-pound weight (with full cylinder) is ideal for day trips into the backcountry.
Rise Lite 26 SL Backpack, by Deuter ♀
This lightweight pack (2.69 pounds) accommodates everything you need for a successful day-long backcountry (or frontcountry) ski trip. A 26 liter volume is enough to house water (it’s hydration system compatible, too), food, valuables, extra layers, goggles and safety tools—i.e. everything. Additionally, the pivoting, flexible hip fins follow the contours of your body for ease of movement and also to help maintain a center of gravity. The fins are also conically-shaped to accommodate the female anatomy. If we had just one word with which to describe this pack, we’d go with “reliable.”
Mission Pro 25L Backpack, by Dakine
This everyday ripper has everything you need and nothing you don’t; we count on the Mission Pro 25L for day-long outings of any sort—including frontside ripping, lift-accessed backcountry skiing or long slogs on the skin track. Features include a diagonal ski carry system, dedicated tool and shovel pocket, padded hip belt, insulated hydro sleeve and fleece-lined goggle pocket. In a nod to your safety, the pack is compatible with the DK Impact Spine Protector (sold separately), which hardens on impact for added protection from rocks, trees, Sasquatch attacks, etc.
Ascent 30 Avabag Airbag, by Ortovox
The Ascent 30 Avabag is a minimalist, lightweight (2,170 grams with carbon cartridge) airbag pack that doesn’t skimp on the essentials (storage, ski/ice axe carry, tool pocket, etc.). The airbag is welded not sewn, for a stronger, more compact build; the venturi unit is slimmed to almost half the weight of the former ABS M.A.S.S. system; and the number of components in the system is down to 20 from 70. Aside from weight, Ortovox’s mechanical, rather than percussive, release mechanism allows the user to pull the trigger without consuming the cartridge in order to practice and build muscle memory to prepare for an actual slide scenario.
The Explorer Backpack, by Douchebags
A brand-new addition to the Douchebags line-up, the Explorer is a pack of the “peaks to streets” variety. With 20 liters of storage and a diagonal ski carry set- up it functions as your go-to resort pack, with plenty of room for extra layers, a bag lunch, snacks, water, keys, phone and wallet, etc.—while also allowing you to toss your skis on your back and huff it up the boot- pack en route to that coveted hike-to terrain. When it’s time to hit the town or, say, the airport, you can remove the waist straps and easily hide many of the other ones via an innovative interior stowage system for a toned-down, styled-up look.
