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
*Price varies 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
ABS is a leading specialist manufacturer in the airbag industry with a long history dating back to 1985. For the '23-24 season, ABS has finally released its long-awaited electric airbag! Equipped with the industry's latest Alpride E2 technology, it offers the convenience of USB charging and even activation with AA batteries as a backup. Even if the battery runs out, it can be powered by AA batteries, which are readily available at convenience stores.
With the 10L ZipOn attached, its lightness of 2,290g is a huge advantage for backcountry skiing. Four sizes of ZipOn are available: 10L/18L/25-30L/35-40L, allowing you to choose according to your needs. The large capacity 35-40L ZipOn is particularly noteworthy, as it can sufficiently store backcountry equipment, even for maximum hikes, compared to other companies' airbags. Even with the 35-40L ZipOn attached, it weighs only 2600g, and the design is sleek and stylish.
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
CHUGUCH35
Capacity: S/M: 34.5L, L: 38L Size (Height x Width x Depth): S/M: 57 x 30 x 14cm, L: 62 x 30 x 14cm Weight:S: Approx. 1,625g, M: Approx. 1,625g, L: Approx. 1,705g Color: TNF White (Available in Black and Cave Blue - 3 colors total) ¥36,300
Despite its 35L capacity, it's compact, offers easy access to avalanche gear storage, and comes in sizes from S to L, making it suitable for both men and women. Its versatility makes it ideal for everything from sidecountry adventures to day trips to the backcountry, so we highly recommend it to anyone unsure which backpack to choose.
With its stylish design and outstanding protection, this backpack boasts a waterproof 210-denier nylon fabric that offers high abrasion resistance. Further reinforcement in an X-shape makes it the strongest material on the market. The internal steam frame provides stability even when carrying skis or snowboards, making it a truly excellent backpack with all the features needed to hit the snowy mountains in the backcountry or sidecountry.
Thoughtful details include the inclusion of RECCO reflectors and a built-in helmet carrier in neon orange. It embodies the brand's safety-first concept, helping you take on thrilling and risky challenges.
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, known for developing backpacks tailored to the Japanese physique, has revamped its signature "IRWAK 38"! The structure has been completely redesigned, and the back system is also new. The back panel features an independent three-sided pad. The uniquely designed back pad is structured to stabilize the spine, fixing the sides and preventing the backpack from becoming spherical when loaded with heavy items, thus maintaining a comfortable fit against the back.
The IRWAK, with its rain cover, includes a goggle pocket on top of the rain cover. Avalanche gear such as shovels and probes can be stored in dedicated compartments for easy access. Access to the main compartment is located on the back, making it easy to 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 while skiing, while the CS waist harness provides a snug fit that wraps around the pelvis, preventing the load from swaying from side to side.
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 integrated lightweight 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 A-frame ski carry straps. The rear entry design allows for easy access to the main compartment even with skis or a snowboard attached. The bottom has a separate compartment for storing ropes and crampons, which can be quickly accessed via a side zipper. The top has a goggle pocket that can hold two pairs of goggles, and the hip belt has gear loops and zippered pockets on both sides. Inside, there is a hydration pocket and a mesh pocket.
Not only is it sophisticated and functional, but it also looks great! Overall, it's the best!
The Mammut Nirvana 35 is a masterpiece. It offers access from both the back and the top, and features a goggle pocket protected by a rigid material at the top. The waist belt's adjustable design and the ease of opening and closing the avalanche pocket are also excellent features. My favorite feature, however, is the outer pocket. I use it to store my climbing skins, and it keeps other items dry, which is a big plus.
The design is refined and not clunky, making it highly recommended. For a one-day tour, I would 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: 32L Size (Height x Width x Depth): 63 x 28 x 32cm Weight: 900g Color: Black (Fluidity - 2 colors available) ¥36,300
This pack is characterized by its lightweight design, weighing less than 1 kg, and its excellent design that does not hinder body movement while skiing. Compared to others, it is about 500 g lighter, which reduces the fatigue of hiking uphill, and it does not restrict body movement while skiing, so it is highly recommended for people who climb up and down multiple runs, 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
It features 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 asa BC Linkside. It's just the right size, and with this, you'll be all set for a day trip into the backcountry.
It distributes weight on the shoulders and is very comfortable to carry
TARGHEE45
Capacity: M: 45L, L: 48L Size (Height x Width x Depth): M: 77.5 x 29.2 x 29.2cm L: 82.6 x 29.2 x 29.2cm Weight: M: 1660g, L: 1740g Color: Atlantis Blue (Also available in Alaska Blue, 2 colors total) ¥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
