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 pro shops come in handy. Let's take a look at the recommended backpacks for the 2023-2024 season, highly rated by pro shop staff with extensive expertise and backcountry experience
INDEX
Recommended backpacks for the 2023-2024 season
ABS｜A.LIGHT E SET 25-30L
The long-awaited electric airbag has finally arrived from ABS, the leading name in the airbag industry!
A.LIGHT E SET 25-30L
Capacity: 25-30L Weight: 2530g Color: DARK SLATE
*Prices vary depending on size A.LIGHT E SET 10l ¥170,300 /2290g A.LIGHT E SET 18l ¥173,100 /2390g A.LIGHT E SET 25-30l ¥178,800 /2530g A.LIGHT E SET 35-40l ¥183,000 /2600g
Founded in 1985, ABS is a leading specialist in airbags. For the 2023-2024 season, ABS has finally released their long-awaited electric airbag! Equipped with the industry-leading Alpride E2 technology, it offers convenient USB charging and backup AA battery activation. Even if the battery runs out, it can still be powered by AA batteries. AA batteries can be purchased at convenience stores along the way.
Its lightweight weight of just 2,290g with a 10L ZipOn is an overwhelming advantage for a BC. Four ZipOn sizes are available: 10L, 18L, 25-30L, and 35-40L. The 35-40L ZipOn offers ample storage for BC gear, even when compared to other airbags. Even with a 35-40L ZipOn, it's ultra-lightweight at just 2,600g, and boasts a sleek and stylish design.
Reviewer: UPLND Sapporo Staff/Store Manager Daiki Mikami
THE NORTH FACE｜CHUGUCH35
This versatile model is a must-have for anyone unsure about which backpack to choose
It's compact despite its 35L capacity, has easy access to the storage space for avalanche gear, and is available in sizes from small to large, making it suitable for both men and women. It's also highly versatile, being suitable for everything from side country to day trips in the backcountry, so if you're unsure which backpack to choose, this is the one for you.
This backpack offers stylish design and outstanding protection. The waterproof material is made of 210 denier nylon, which has high abrasion resistance. Furthermore, the X-shaped reinforcement makes it the strongest material on the market. The built-in steam frame inside provides stability even when carrying skis or snowboards, and it has all the functionality you need to venture out into the snowy mountains in backcountry or sidecountry. This truly excellent backpack is also
equipped with RECCO reflectors and a built-in helmet carrier in neon orange, which is a nice touch. It represents the brand's safety-first concept and will help you take on thrilling and risky situations.
Its design allows it to be equipped with ropes and axes, and its clean, modern design makes it suitable for a wide range of uses, including urban areas. Its ample capacity of 34 liters and roll-top construction provide ample flexibility, allowing for easy access to the back and trunk
For the 2023-2024 season, Plus One Works, a company that has developed backpacks tailored to the Japanese skeletal structure, has redesigned the IRWAK 38, a signature backpack! Its structure has been redesigned, including a new back system. The back panel features three independent pads. The uniquely designed back pad is designed to stabilize the sides of the backpack, centering on the spine. Even when loaded, the back pad keeps the bag flat, preventing it from becoming spherical, maintaining a comfortable fit.
The IRWAK features a rain cover and a goggle pocket on top. A dedicated compartment can be stored for avalanche gear like a shovel or probe, allowing for easy access. The access to the cargo compartment is located at the back, making it easy to access even in bad weather.
The large goggle pocket is large enough to comfortably fit two pairs of goggles. The 3DS shoulder straps and 3DET frame, designed to fit the Japanese body type, reduce the weight of the luggage and hinder movement while skiing, while the CS waist harness fits snugly around the pelvis to prevent the luggage from swaying sideways.
This backpack is packed with features designed for backcountry use that are hard to describe in a single word. It's a highly recommended product that offers everything from design and functionality to comfort
It has sophisticated functionality and looks great too!
The lightweight, one-piece aluminum frame and thermoformed back padding provide excellent balance while riding. The front features a snow safety gear pocket and snowboard carry, while the side compression straps double as an A-frame ski carry. The rear entry design makes it easy to access the main compartment even with skis or boards attached. The bottom has a separate compartment for storing ropes and crampons, which can be quickly accessed via a side zipper. The top features a goggle pocket that can hold two goggles, and the hip belt has gear loops and zippered pockets on each side. The interior also features a hydration pocket and a mesh pocket.
Not only is it sophisticated and functional, it also looks great! It's the best overall!
Mammut's classic, the Nirvana 35. It can be accessed from the top as well as the back, and there's a goggle pocket at the top that's protected by a hard material. The waist belt is easy to tighten, and the avalanche pocket is easy to open and close. My favorite feature is the outer pocket on the backpack. I use it to store stickers, and it keeps other items dry, so it's a big plus.
The design is also sophisticated and not clumsy, so I recommend it. For a one-day tour, I'd choose the 35.
Reviewer: PADDLE CLUB Staff / Koji Kato
ARC'TERYX | RUSH SK32
The excellent design that doesn't restrict movement while gliding and the light weight of less than 1 kg are attractive features
RUSH SK32
Capacity: 32 liters Size (H x W x D): 63 x 28 x 32 cm Weight: 900 g Color: Black (Fluidity 2 colors available) ¥36,300
This pack is characterized by its lightweight design, weighing less than 1kg, and its excellent design that doesn't restrict your body movement while skiing. It's about 500g lighter than other packs, so it helps reduce energy consumption when hiking up and doesn't restrict your body movement while skiing. It's highly recommended for people who like to ski multiple routes with multiple climbs, people who are worried about their stamina, and people who often go on long routes.
The fabric has been changed to ECOPAK, which is strong yet lightweight. This backpack has a simple design and is easy to use. It is also more comfortable to wear
With 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 on one side and a BC link compatible sleeve on the other, it's just the right size and with this you'll be fine for a day in the backcountry.
It distributes weight on the shoulders and is very comfortable to carry
TARGHEE45
Capacity: M: 45 liters, L: 48 liters Size (H x W x D): M : 77.5 x 29.2 x 29.2 cm L : 82.6 x 29.2 x 29.2 cm Weight: M: 1660 g, L: 1740 g Color: Atlantis Blue (Alaska Blue, 2 colors available) ¥37,400
The flexible outer frame and sturdy waist padding distribute the weight evenly across the shoulders, making it very comfortable to carry. ◎ It is also highly abrasion-resistant, so you can use it with confidence
