"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 about a guide club, click on the guide club name and go to the guide club introduction page on STEEP!
ARC'TERYX ｜RUSH SK32
This roll-top backpack can be expanded from 32 liters to a maximum of 40 liters. It features two high-performance materials, optimally positioned for durability and lightweight construction. Its balance, weather resistance, and organization are optimized for backcountry touring. 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 (Fluidity - 2 colors available)
¥36,300
"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
Reviewer:
Daichi Terui
[Main guiding area] All of Hokkaido
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level I
"There are many points I can recommend about using it in the mountains."- Jun Nagai
Here are the points I like about this backpack from my own experience using it in the mountains, and I can recommend them to guests as well:
1. It looks cool!
2. It's a backcountry backpack designed for balanced and comfortable carrying.
3. It's simply constructed, lightweight, weather-resistant, durable, and waterproof.
4. The removable helmet attachment system is convenient.
5. The roll-top design allows you to create several liters of extra capacity by adjusting the number of rolls.
6. The wide side zipper makes it easy to access the contents.
7. You can arrange gear using silicone bands, etc.
8. You can choose between short and regular back lengths to suit different body sizes.
Reviewer:
JUNRINA mountain service
Jun Nagai,
[Main guiding area] All of Hokkaido
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage III
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 1
BCA｜STASH30
zippered back panel access, options for carrying ice axes, skis, and snowboards, a fleece-lined goggle pocket, ventilation holes, and most importantly, an anti-freeze stash hydration sleeve, as well as a sleeve on the other side thata BC linkcanaccommodate
Capacity: 30ℓ
Weight: 1,490g
Color: Tan (Moss Green, Black, 3 colors)
¥25,300
"The BC gear is well stored and easy to take out."- Yuya Takeo
This backpack makes it easy to store and access your BC gear. Since it's made by a manufacturer specializing in backcountry gear, there aren't many drawbacks to it
Reviewer:
Bantei ~bamboo tail~ (Bantei)
Yu TAKEO
[Main Guide Area] Hakuba Area
[Qualifications Held]
JMGA Ski and Snowboard Guide Stage II
, Mountain 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:
Iwao
Saeki
[Main guiding area] Toyama Prefecture, Tateyama / Others: Tateyama, Tsurugidake, Hakuba, Myoko
[Qualifications held]
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: 30L
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 58 x 29 x 16cm
Weight: 843g
Color: Raven (Burnt Russet - 2 colors available)
¥49,500
"It's lightweight and comfortable to carry, which is why I recommend it."- 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
Reviewer:
CIRCLE GAME guide service
, Shohei Sasaki
[Main guiding area] All of Hokkaido
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 1
PLUS ONE WORKS｜SHUMARI 35
The bag features a convenient roll-top gear rack and a dedicated compartment for storing safety gear. It also features rear access and a pocket for two pairs of goggles. The shoulder straps and frame are designed to fit the Japanese body type, reducing the weight of the luggage and reducing interference with movement while skiing. The waist harness fits snugly around the pelvis, preventing the luggage from swaying sideways
Capacity: 35ℓ
Weight: 1,700g
Size (back length): 50cm
Color: Glass Hoper (4 colors: Navy, Silver, Coke Red)
¥25,300
"For beginners, stability that prevents swaying and doesn't tire the body is very important." -Tomohiro Shakawa
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,
[Main guiding area] Hakuba VALLEY (Hakuba, Otari, Omachi) / Others: Tateyama, Senjojiki, Myoko, Mt. Fuji
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
"Functionality, usability, and design" by Satoshi Tsukahara
Functionality, usability, and design
Reviewer:
Hokkaido Backcountry Guys
Satoshi Tsukahara,
[Main guiding area] Kiroro, Niseko, Akaigawa area / Others: All of Hokkaido
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, Board Member of Hokkaido Mountain Guide Association
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: 25L
Weight: 1,300g
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 50 x 28 x 27cm
Color: Techno (Black, 2 colors available)
¥25,850
"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,
[Main guiding areas] Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, Togakushi, Tateyama / Others: Hokkaido: Asahikawa, Furano area, Eastern Hokkaido, Niseko
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Ski Stage II, Mountain Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level I completed
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 (Height x Width x Depth):
71.1 x 28 x 25.4cm (S/M) / 76.2 x 28 x 25.4cm (M/D)
Color: Spark Navy
¥36,300
"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
Review
by
Toyokazu Nakano
[Main guiding area] Myoko/Kubiki area, Northern Shinshu / Others: Tateyama, Chokaisan, etc.
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
BCA｜FLOAT E2‐35
BCA has released a new battery-powered float bag for the 2022-2023 season. The new E2 system uses Alpride's supercapacitor fan drive system to store energy and power the compressor when deployed. It stores and releases energy based on magnetic energy, not chemical reactions like secondary batteries. This makes it highly reliable, even in 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
"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 needed for backcountry skiing. The float system is secure and highly reliable. It's
absolutely not true that beginners don't need a float pack; it's best to understand its necessity from the beginning for safety management. The instructions are easy for anyone to understand. Carrying a float pack doesn't mean you'll never die, whether you're a beginner or experienced skier, but it leads to a better understanding of safety and raises awareness of safety in backcountry and powder skiing in general.
Reviewer:
Powder Station
Kazuya Igarashi, Kagura
[Main Guide Area] All routes entering from the BC gate at the top of the 5th Romance Lift at Kagura Ski Resort / Others: Spring tours of Tateyama, Gassan, Mt. Fuji, etc.
[Qualifications Held]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
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: 30L
Weight: 1,000g
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 54 x 34 x 18cm
Color: Marine x Ink (Cinnamon x Almond, Black - 3 colors total)
¥19,800
"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:
Mountain Guide Office
Makoto Kuroda, Kuroda
[Main guiding area] Primarily the Joshinetsu region, but we can also guide you to your requested area.
[Qualifications held]
International Mountain Guide
, JAN Avalanche Operations Specialist Level 2
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: 30L
Weight: 1,191g
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 54 x 30 x 17cm (S/M), 59 x 30 x 17cm (L/XL)
Color: Black (Red - 2 colors total)
¥23,100
"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 Held]
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
・JAN Avalanche Operations Personnel Level 2
GREGORY | Targhee 32
For the 2022-2023 season, the bag has been updated with a more durable body material and a dedicated front pocket for avalanche gear and snow tools. It also features a flexible perimeter frame, durable anodized aluminum hooks for cold weather durability, full-circumference compression, a stowable and adjustable helmet carrier, and ski carriers compatible with both diagonal and A-frame skis. It also features a shoulder harness with hydration tube access, among many other features, making it a GREGORY staple
Capacity: 30L (S), 45L (M), 48L (L)
Weight: 1370g (S), 1470g (M), 1570g (L)
Size (Height x Width x Depth):
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
"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
Reviewer:
Rhythm Works (Ryuta
Asahi
[Main guiding areas] Shirakawa-go, Tateyama, Hakuba, Hirayu, Hoki-Daisen *Mainly the Hida Mountains and Ryohaku Mountains
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
MILLET｜D-tour30
This new MILLET backpack for the 2022-2023 season is packed with features to make mountain skiing safer and more comfortable. It features
a detachable safety gear pocket and a zippered main compartment accessible from the side. With numerous small pockets and attachments, you can quickly access the gear you need, supporting your activities in the mountains. It's full of features to make climbing and riding more comfortable, including a ski carrier that supports both A-frame and diagonal setups and an included helmet holder.
Capacity: 30L
Weight: 1030g
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 27 x 52 x 18cm
Color: RED/SAPHIR (SAPHIR - 2 colors total)
¥29,920
"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 guiding area] Around Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, Northern Alps
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, CAA Operation Level 1 (CAA: Canadian Avalanche Association)
OSPREY | Soulden 32
It offers ample capacity and an excellent fit. This popular model is especially popular among users who prioritize skiing. Its excellent balance distributes the load evenly, making it lightweight when worn. It features a two-chamber design with rear access and a rain cover. The waist belt also has a small storage compartment, making it convenient for storing snacks and small items
Capacity: 32L
Weight: 1,150g
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 54cm / 31cm / 28cm
Color: Dust Moss Green / Black
¥26,400
"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 GUIDE
: Riki Nakajima
[Main guiding areas] Tomamu area, Furano area, Asahikawa area / Others: Niseko, Rusutsu, Nozawa Onsen
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 1
