"This season is my backcountry debut!" "It's about time I bought a new backpack." "I rented one on my first guided tour last season, so this year I want my own." For skiers and snowboarders like you, we'd like to introduce some excellent backpacks that professional BC guides confidently recommend to their guests, calling them "the backpack of choice for a one-day tour."
* For detailed information on the guide club, click the guide club name and go to the guide club introduction page on STEEP!
ARC'TERYX ｜RUSH SK32
It is a roll top type and can be expanded from 32ℓ to a maximum of 40ℓ. A backpack that achieves weight reduction while increasing durability by placing two types of high-performance materials in the right places. Optimized for portability, weather protection and organization for backcountry tours. Skis can be attached to the A-frame.
Capacity: 32ℓ
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 63 x 28 x 32cm
Weight: 920g
Color: Black (2 Fluidity colors)
¥36,300
Click here for the official website
"It's stable both when moving and when gliding" - Daichi Terui
It's light, has a good pack shape, and has little effect on the center of gravity, so it's stable both when moving and skiing
"There are many points I would recommend using it for mountain climbing" Jun Nagai
Here are some of the things I like about this bag when I use it in the mountains. These are the same points I would recommend to guests.
1. It looks cool!
2. It's a backcountry bag, designed for balanced and comfortable carrying.
3. It's simple and lightweight, and highly weather-resistant, durable, and waterproof.
4. The removable helmet fastening system is convenient.
5. The roll-top allows you to add several liters of extra capacity by rolling it up.
6. The side zipper is wide, making it easy to access the contents.
7. You can adjust the attachment of gear using silicone bands, etc.
8. You can choose between short and regular back lengths to suit your body size.
Reviewer
JUNRINA mountain serviceJun
Nagai
[Main guide area] All of Hokkaido
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountaineering Guide Stage III
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 1
BCA｜STASH30
It features zippered back panel access, the option to carry an ice axe, skis or snowboard, a fleece goggle pocket, dehumidification holes and, most importantly, a freeze-proof stash hydration sleeve, with another with a BC link .
Capacity: 30ℓ
Weight: 1,490g
Color: Tan (Moss Green, Black, 3 colors)
¥25,300
Click here for the official website
"It's easy to store and access your BC gear." - Yuu Takeo
This backpack makes it easy to store and access BC gear. Since it is made by a manufacturer specializing in backcountry gear, there are few drawbacks to it
Reviewer
Bantei -bamboo tail-
Yu TAKEO
[Main Guide Area] Hakuba area
[Qualifications]
JMGA Ski and Snowboard Guide Stage II
, Mountaineering Guide Stage II
"It can easily store all the equipment you need for a one-day tour." - Iwao Saeki
You can easily store all the necessary equipment. The back and shoulder straps are designed to prevent snow from sticking to the body. Back access makes it easy to take equipment in and out
Reviewer
Roll
Saeki Iwao Saeki
[Main guiding area] Toyama Prefecture, Tateyama / Other: Tateyama, Tsurugidake, Hakuba, Myoko
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
Klattermnsen｜Ull Backpack 30L
This lightweight ski touring backpack is ergonomically designed for half-day or full-day missions. Crafted from our original 210-denier ripstop fabric, it boasts a waterproof rating of 10,000mm. The simple drawcord closure system allows for easy top-loading with one hand. The roll-top design also allows for compression. The exterior loop webbing allows for the attachment of poles, ice axes, and other gear. An internal avalanche safety pocket keeps your gear organized
Capacity: 30 liters
Size (H x W x D): 58 x 29 x 16 cm
Weight: 843 g
Color: Raven (Burnt Russet, 2 colors available)
¥49,500
Click here for the official website
"I recommend it because it's lightweight and comfortable to carry." - Shohei Sasaki
This is a smaller-capacity model of the Trud 44L. It has no rain cover and a roll-top design, so it can be compressed to fit the amount of luggage you have. It's lightweight and comfortable to carry, making it a recommended choice
ReviewerCIRCLE
GAME guide
serviceShohei Sasaki
[Main guide area] All of Hokkaido
[Qualifications]
・JMGA Climbing Guide Stage Ⅱ
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage Ⅱ
・JAN Avalanche Operator Level 1
PLUS ONE WORKS | SHUMARI 35
Convenient roll-top gear rack, safety gear stored in dedicated compartment. Rear access, pocket for 2 goggles. The shoulder straps and frame are designed for the Japanese body shape to reduce the weight of the luggage and hinder movement during gliding. .
Capacity: 35ℓ
Weight: 1,700g
Size (back length): 50cm
Color: Glass Hoper (4 colors: Navy, Silver, Coke Red)
¥25,300
Click here for the official website
"It is very important for beginners to have stability that doesn't shake and doesn't tire the body." - Tomohiro Shagawa
The rigidity of the backpack has a positive effect on skiing. A backpack that doesn't shake and a sense of stability that doesn't tire the body are very important points for backcountry beginners. The design is easy to use even for beginners, with separate compartments for storing gear that gets snow on it, including shovels, probes, and climbing skins, and for storing items that you don't want to get snow in, as well as rear access and a long back length
Reviewer
COLOR SPORT CLUB
Tomohiro Tonegawa
guide
area] Hakuba VALLEY (Hakuba, Otari, Omachi) / Others: Tateyama, Senjojiki,
Myoko
, Mt.
"Functionality, usability, and design" by Satoshi Tsukahara
Functionality, usability, and design
Satoshi Tsukahara ReviewerHokkaido
Backcountry Guys
[Main guide area] Kiroro, Niseko, around Akaigawa / Others: All of Hokkaido
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
MYSTERY RANCH | SADDLE PEAK
The front is made of 840d nylon with a heavy-duty Carbonite coating for external reinforcement panels and is highly water-repellent. It features a quick-access avalanche gear pocket, a top glove pocket, and buckles that are easy to operate even with gloved fingers. It's packed with features you'll need for a day on the mountain, including a retractable helmet holder, a diagonal ski carrier, and hydration compatibility, despite its compact size
Capacity: 25 liters
Weight: 1,300g
Size (H x W x D): 50 x 28 x 27 cm
Color: Techno (Black, 2 colors available)
¥25,850
Click here for the official website
"The capacity, shape and comfort of this bag are perfect for storing everything you need!" by Akiko Nakae
We recommend our guests to choose a backpack that is large enough to fit everything they need, has a comfortable shape, and is comfortable to wear. And most importantly, it has to look good!
Reviewer
Epic Japan
Akiko NAKAE
]
Togakushi
, Tateyama / Others: Hokkaido: Asahikawa, Furano area, Eastern Hokkaido, Niseko Completion
GREGORY ｜TARGHEE FT35
The separate top section allows you to easily access the contents of the main pack, you can attach skis without taking the pack off, the zippers are easy to use even when wearing gloves, and the hip belt webbing is completely removable.Each part is lightweight and removable, so you can choose the parts you need and reduce excess weight, which is ideal for one-day tours
Capacity: 35ℓ (S/M) 38ℓ (M/D)
Weight: 1300g (S/M) 1430g (M/D)
Size (H x W x D):
71.1 x 28 x 25.4cm (S/M) 76.2 x 28 x 25.4cm (M/D)
Color: Spark Navy
¥36,300
Click here for the official website
"Around 35L is the perfect size for day trips and other versatility." - Toyokazu Nakano
The TARGHEE FT35 has the same basic performance as the Targhee, and is an easy-to-use pack for backcountry use, with ample space for a shovel and probe. The 35L size is versatile enough for day trips and even overnight stays in mountain huts. While there's no access from the back, it's a top-loading type, making it easy to use. Of course, it's comfortable and fits well, so your luggage won't shake around while you're skiing
Reviewer
Infield
Toyokazu Nakano
/
Kubiki Others : Mt. Tate, Mt. Chokai, etc.
BCA｜FLOAT E2‐35
'22-23 season, new battery-powered float bag from BCA. The new E2 system uses Alpride's supercapacitor fan drive system to store energy and power the compressor during deployment. It stores and releases energy based on magnetic energy instead of chemical reactions like secondary batteries. For this reason, it is attractive that it is highly reliable even at low temperatures.
Capacity: 35ℓ
Weight: 2,792 g (S/M with E2 system), 2,842 g (M/L with E2 system)
Size: S/M, M/L
Color: Moss Green (all 3 colors)
¥159,500
Click here for the official website
"It's lightweight, well-balanced, and has all the features you need in a BC." - Kazuya Igarashi
The FLOAT E2-35 is lightweight, well-balanced, and has all the features you need in a BC. The float system is reliable and extremely dependable.
Beginners don't necessarily need float bags; it's best to understand their importance and understand their use from the beginning for safety reasons. Anyone can easily learn how to use them. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, having a float bag won't guarantee you'll die, but it will help improve your understanding of safety and raise awareness of the importance of BCs and powder skiing in general.
Reviewer
Kagura Powder Station
Kazuya Igarashi
[Main guide area] Enter from the BC gate at the top of Kagura Ski Resort No. 5 Romance Lift / Others: Tateyama, Mt.
Gassan
, Mt.
Deuter | FREERIDER 30
Maintaining a consistent shape from top to bottom improves the fit while skiing and also reduces weight. It also features convenient back access, a large front pocket for storing safety gear, and a top pocket for storing goggles and gear straps. The ski attachment allows for two ways: A-frame and diagonal. It has the capacity and functionality to handle full-scale one-day tours, yet is extremely cost-effective at just under 10,000 yen
Capacity: 30 liters
Weight: 1,000g
Size (H x W x D): 54 x 34 x 18 cm
Color: Marine x Ink (Cinnamon x Almond, Black, 3 colors available)
¥19,800
Click here for the official website
"It's simple and easy to use, making it perfect for a one-day tour." - Makoto Kuroda
Its simplicity and ease of use make it perfect for a one-day tour. The backpack itself is lightweight, making it easy to carry. It's also great that it's designed to accommodate hydration
Reviewer
Makoto Kuroda
Kuroda Mountain Guide Office
guide
] Focusing on Joshinetsu, to the area of your choice
Patagonia Snowdrifter Pack 30L
This versatile pack is designed for all-day backcountry use, features a dedicated avalanche gear compartment, and is easily accessible through the back panel while gear is still loaded. It's made from 100% recycled materials
Capacity: 30 liters
Weight: 1,191g
Size (H x W x D): 54 x 30 x 17cm (S/M), 59 x 30 x 17cm (L/XL)
Color: Black (Red, 2 colors available)
¥23,100
Click here for the official website
"The rear access is convenient and simple to use." - Kazuya Furuse
The recommended points are that the rear access is easy to use and it is simple and easy to use
Reviewer
LOCUS GUIDE SERVICE
Kazuya Furuse
[Main guide area] Hakuba area
[Qualifications]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
JAN Avalanche Operator Level 2
GREGORY | Targhee 32
In the 2022-23 season, the material of the main body was made more durable, and the front was updated with dedicated pockets for avalanche gear and snow tools. Perimeter frame with flexibility, alumite hooks with high durability even in cold climates, all-around compression, helmet carry that can be stored and adjusted, ski carry compatible with both diagonal and A frames. A standard GREGORY model with a shoulder harness that allows a hydration tube to pass through and many other functions.
Capacity: 30ℓ (S), 45ℓ (M), 48ℓ (L)
Weight: 1370g (S), 1470g (M), 1570g (L)
Size (H x W x D):
59.7/29.2/25.4cm (S)
, 64.9H/29.2/26.7cm (M), 69.9/29.2/26.7cm (L)
Color: Atlantis Blue
¥31,900
Click here for the official website
"Good balance for both hiking and riding" Ryuta Asahi
GREGORY's Targhee 32 is well-balanced for both hiking and riding. It's simple and easy to use. I also recommend Patagonia's Snowdrifter 20 & 30
ReviewerRhythm
Works
Ryuta Asahi
[Main guide area] Shirakawa-go, Tateyama, Hakuba, Hirayu, Mt. Houki Daisen *mainly Hida
Mountains
and Ryohaku
Mountains
MILLET｜D-tour30
This new backpack from Millet, released for the 2022-2023 season, is packed with features to make mountain skiing safe and comfortable. It
features a removable safety gear pocket and a zippered side access to the main compartment. Small pockets and attachments allow for quick access to essential gear, making it ideal for mountain activities. It's packed with features to make climbing and riding comfortable, including a ski carrier that's compatible with both A-frame and diagonal skis, and an included helmet holder.
Capacity: 30 liters
Weight: 1030g
Size (H x W x D): 27 x 52 x 18 cm
Color: RED/SAPHIR (2 colors available)
¥29,920
Click here for the official website
"Easy-to-use design with key points that fits your back" - Hiroki Ito
The D-tour30 is a new mountain ski model from Millet. Its easy-to-use design focuses on key features such as pockets and straps. It is shaped to fit comfortably on the back so that you don't feel uncomfortable carrying a backpack while skiing
Reviewer
Vertical Land
Yuki Ito
[Main guide area] Around Hakuba Village, Nagano
Prefecture
,
Northern
Alps
OSPREY | Soulden 32
A feeling of fitting is outstanding while getting enough capacity. She is a popular model who receives high evaluations from users who place particular importance on sliding. She's very well-balanced and the weight is evenly distributed so you don't feel the weight when you carry it on your back. Two-chamber construction with rear access and rain lid. There is also a small storage space on the waist belt, which is convenient for storing active foods and small items.
Capacity: 32ℓ
Weight: 1,150g
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 54/ 31/28cm
Color: Dust moss green/black
¥26,400
Click here for the official website
"The design is perfect and the capacity is just right." - Chikara Nakajima
It has two compartments, one for wet items and one for wet items, and basically any back-opening bag will fit. A waist harness is essential. Among these, the OSPREY Soleden 32 is highly recommended. Its design is perfect for everything, including back access, a goggle pocket to prevent scratches, a zippered pocket and gear loops on the hip belt, and dual-position helmet carry, and it has just the right amount of capacity
Reviewer
RIKI JAPOW GUIDERiki
NakajimaRiki Nakajima
[Main guide area] Around Tomamu, Around Furano, Around Asahikawa / Others: Niseko, Rusutsu, Nozawa Onsen
[Qualifications]
JMGA Climbing Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Operator Level 1
