Recommended Backpacks | 2022-23 Season Highly Recommended Backpacks from Pro Shops!

A backpack is what you pack all the necessary gear into when heading out into the backcountry (BC). Not only is it important for safety, but because you'll be skiing with it on your back, it also has a big impact on the quality of your skiing. When choosing a backpack, you want to be sure to be picky so you can enjoy BC to the fullest safely. That's where a pro shop can be a reliable source of advice. Let's take a look at the recommended backpacks for the 2022-23 season, as recommended by pro shop staff with extensive expertise and backcountry experience

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Recommended backpacks for the 2022-2023 season

POC | DIMENSION VPD BACKPACK

It's really cool! And it can be used professionally!

◆Official Website:https://www.full-marks.com/aclima/

It's simply stylish and cool! And it's fully functional! It's accessible not only from the back but also from the side panel zipper. It's a clever design with a double zipper for easy access. The VAP AIR backplate on the back softens as your back warms and hardens upon impact, demonstrating POC's commitment to safety

Reviewer:
NATURAL
Staff / Seiko Tsuji

DEUTER | FREERIDER PRO 34+

Lightweight, affordable, and highly functional

◆Official Website:https://www.iwatani-i-collect.com/products/outdoor/item-21747.html

This is a great product that combines the three qualities of being light, affordable, and highly functional. Compared to other manufacturers' backpacks, the fabric is thinner, making it very light, and recommended for those who want to keep their gear as light as possible. The large capacity means it has plenty of room for a one-day hike

Reviewer
Recommendation:Ishii Sports Links Umeda Store
Suegami, Staff at

PLUS ONE WORKS｜IRWAK 38

Designed to fit the Japanese skeletal structure, it is comfortable to wear, stable, and reduces fatigue

◆Official Website:https://www.full-marks.com/plusoneworks

This backpack has been completely redesigned from the ground up, including a revamped back system. It's designed specifically for the Japanese physique, offering a comfortable, stable, and fatigue-reducing carrying experience. The uniquely designed, independent three-panel back padding secures and stabilizes the sides around the spine. Even when fully loaded, it prevents the backpack from becoming spherical, maintaining a comfortable fit against the back.

The opening allows for quick access even while wearing snowboards or snowshoes, and avalanche gear like shovels and probes can be stored in a dedicated compartment for easy access. This ensures quick action in emergencies, providing peace of mind.

The main compartment has rear access, allowing for quick access even in bad weather. The large goggle pocket comfortably fits two pairs of goggles. Designed to fit the Japanese physique, the 3DS shoulder straps and 3DET frame reduce the weight of the load and hinder movement during skiing, while the CS waist harness provides a snug fit around the pelvis, preventing the load from swaying from side to side. I think this is an excellent backpack with so many positive points that I could go on and on.

Reviewer:
COMPASS HOUSE
Junhiro Murai,

NORRONA｜lofoten 30L Pack

The perfect size for 1-day BC, it is highly durable and fits well

◆Official Website:https://www.full-marks.com/norrona/

This backpack boasts a design that will instantly capture your eye with its cool style, and is the perfect size for a one-day backcountry trip. Beyond its design, its high durability, comfortable fit, and user-friendly pockets reduce stress during backcountry adventures. It's

unobtrusive and doesn't get in the way while skiing or snowboarding, allowing you to focus and enjoy your run more. It's versatile enough for both skiing and snowboarding, and suitable for both backcountry and sidecountry activities.

Reviewer:
Fullmarks Harajuku
Store Manager / Shiro Kondo

ORTOVOX｜HAUTE ROUTE 32

Highly visible, vivid colors and thoughtful placement of belts

While the backpack world is dominated by black and navy, the "HAUTE ROUTE 32" comes in four vibrant colors: desert orange, yellowstone, just blue, and dark navy. Each color is highly visible, making it a highly reliable choice for safety. It's sure to be useful even in Japan, where there are many cloudy days. Another great feature is that the straps are carefully positioned to make them less visible!

Reviewer:
SKI SHOP VAIL
Staff / Yuta Shiraishi

OSPREY |Salden 32

The ease of use and comfort of carrying it are impeccable

◆Official Website:https://www.lostarrow.co.jp/store/c/c20/

OSPREY is a backpack specialist brand. The "Soleden 32" is a highly popular backcountry pack that has been around for generations. With each new model, the usability and comfort have been improved, making it impeccable. The 2022-2023 model has also been significantly lighter, making it even more appealing

Reviewer:
TOYRU
Store Manager / Minoru Takanashi

BCA｜STASH 40　

It has almost all the necessary functions, not many unnecessary ones, and the price is reasonable

It has almost all the necessary features and not much that is unnecessary. The height-adjustable waist belt allows you to adjust the back length to suit your height, and in combination with the back panel, you can get a better fit. The backside access is also easy to use. The price is also reasonable

Reviewer:
ski & snowboard shop Narrows
Takao Ban, owner

BCA｜STASH 20

Just the right size for a one-day backcountry trip　

◆Official Website:http://www.k2japan.com/brand/bca.html

The size is just right for a one-day backcountry trip. There are two large pockets, so you can separate wet items. If you want more space to carry your belongings than the STASH20, we recommend the STASH30. It also has side pockets, making it suitable for long tours

Reviewer:
TRUNKBASE
Owner / Mikiya Tanno

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PeakPerformance｜Vertical Ski Backpack L/XL

This bag is full of ideas and can be adjusted to a maximum length of 2m

◆Official Website:https://peakperformanceonline.jp/

In addition to the back, it can be accessed from the top, making it easy to take things in and out. The goggle pocket is separate, so you can store your goggles without a hard case. The waist harness also has a pocket, which is perfect for storing snacks!

Reviewer:
PeakPerformance Futako-Tamagawa
Staff / Shunsuke Murai

PeakPerformance｜Vertical Ski Backpack

Everything is black and easy to coordinate

◆Official Website:https://peakperformanceonline.jp/

The logo and strap are all black, making it easy to coordinate with other items. Perfect for everyday wear!

Reviewer:
PeakPerformance Sapporo
staff

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SCOTT | PATROL E2 30L

The most advanced electric airbag in terms of perfection and lightweight design!

◆Official Website:https://www.scott-sports.com/jp/ja/

I think electric airbags will be the future of backcountry skiing. And among electric airbags, the "Alpride 2" is at the forefront in terms of both refinement and lightweight design! Although it has

than gas-poweredless power, its short charging time and wide range of charging options, as well as the ability to use dry cell batteries in emergencies, offer a considerable sense of security and are definite advantages. After all, you'd want to deploy an airbag at least once, right? With an electric one, you can easily try it out!

Reviewer:
Websports
Manager

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BCA｜FLOAT E2 35L

It is guaranteed to last 500,000 charges, so you can practice and use it many times

Capacity: 35L.
Set of main unit and cylinder: ¥159,500 (with engine, tax included)

. A new battery-powered float bag from BCA for the '22-23 season. By adopting Alpride's supercapacitor fan drive system, it stores energy and supplies power to the compressor when deployed. It stores and releases energy based on magnetic energy, rather than a chemical reaction like a secondary battery.

◆Official Website:http://www.k2japan.com/brand/bca.html

BCA, which has been manufacturing and selling float-type airbags since 2010, will be releasing a new battery-powered float bag for the '22-23 season. The adoption of a supercapacitor fan drive system enhances reliability at low temperatures and also reduces weight. Furthermore, it is guaranteed to withstand 500,000 charge cycles, allowing for repeated practice. It comes in two sizes, 25L and 35L, and three colors.

Compared to previous compressed air cylinder types, it can be taken on airplanes without complicated procedures, and best of all, it's easy to use, requiring only two AA batteries (charging time 40 to 80 minutes) or the included USB cable (charging time 20 to 40 minutes). It fully fulfills the normal functions of a backpack, ensuring safe and comfortable use.

Reviewer:
Mountain shop Niseko 343
Katsuhiko Odajima, owner

It can be deployed any number of times by charging, so you can rest assured

The backpack itself is well made and does not interfere with sliding. It is lighter than previous models due to its motorized design. It can be deployed multiple times by charging, so it is safe

Reviewer
Tyrol
Owner / Iwao Saeki