Some important points to consider when choosing a backpack for backcountry skiing include the ability to securely store safety gear and other essential items, while not interfering with climbing or skiing. The staff at pro shops have the ability to compare and consider many products, try them out on the snow themselves, and gather feedback from users, making them highly skilled at discerning high-quality products. So, we asked them to tell us about their "highly recommended backcountry backpacks" from the new models for the 2024-2025 season. If you're looking for a model that has received high praise from experts, be sure to check this out!
BCA STASH PRO 40 UL

Stash Pro 40-UL
Capacity: 40L
Features:
Side stash pocket
, dedicated shovel/probe compartment
, roll-top closure
, side-access zipper
, internal support frame
, compression straps with multiple attachment points
, A-frame and diagonal ski carry, vertical snowboard carry
, two hipbelt pockets
, BC Link radio and hydration compatible
Body size: M/L: 17-21" / 43.1 - 53.3 cm
Color: White (Black, 2 colors available)
¥46,200
◆Official website: https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/
This ultra-lightweight backpack is rare for a backcountry backpack, and is made with a lightweight, highly durable material called X-PAC, weighing an astonishing 1,166g! The fabric is quite thin (lol), but the shoulder and waist harnesses fit perfectly from the back, so it feels stable even when carrying a certain amount of weight. In addition to backcountry climbing, this backpack is recommended for those looking for a lightweight alpine backpack for ice climbing, year-round alpine climbing, and regular traverses
Reviewer
Ishii Sports Kanda Main Building
Staff Makoto Shimoyama

BCA |STASH 30

STASH 30
Capacity: 30 liters
Weight: 1,490g
Size: 18-21 inches / 45.7 - 53.3 cm
Color: Tan, Black, Green (3 colors in total)
¥30,800
◆Official website: https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/
This backpack is designed for backcountry use, so you can easily carry it all day. The back opens completely, which makes it very convenient. It has a two-layer structure, so you can separate wet and dry items. It holds a helmet securely, and the 30-liter size feels just right
Reviewer
TRUNKBASE
Owner / Mikiya Tanno

D_b_ |Snow Pro Backpack 32L

Snow Pro Backpack 32L
Capacity: 32 liters
Weight: 1.64 kg
Size: 32 x 60 x 28 cm (width x height x depth)
Color: Black Out, Midnight Teal (2 colors available)
¥41,800
◆Official website: https://www.lpdb.uplnd.com/
The silhouette when worn is so clean that it's hard to believe it's a BC backpack. The avalanche pocket is located at the very front and has a center zipper, so you can conveniently store your stickers. It also has thoughtful details, such as three pockets on the back and a removable goggle pouch
Reviewer
UPLND
Staff/Shunsuke Murai

Haglöfs Sensate Pro 32

Sensate Pro 32
Capacity: 32ℓ
Size: S/M, M/L
Weight: 1,277g
Color: True Black, Habanero/Blaze Orange
¥27,500
◆Official website: https://haglofs.jp/
This new model backpack offers a great fit and balance. Backside access allows for smooth work. It's compatible with skis, snowboards, and snowshoes. Access from the bottom side allows for storage of seals and crampons in a separate compartment.
Functional details include a zippered pocket on the left side of the waist harness (personally, I'd have liked one on both sides...if you don't use the right gear loop, you could attach a storage bag instead), and toggles and belts for securing a helmet net, ice axe, poles, etc.
Of course, probes and shovels fit snugly and are easily accessible. It's the ideal backpack, with almost everything you need, simple and efficient for work.
Reviewer
Narrows
Staff/Takaro Ban

This freeride backpack is optimized for freedom of movement. It's designed to hold all your gear and improve carrying comfort. It's crafted for a snug fit and optimal weight distribution. It features customizable side compression straps, a
zippered back panel for the main compartment, an avalanche pocket in the front compartment, a fleece-lined goggle compartment, a stowable helmet net, and a side-access crampon pocket.
Reviewer:
UPLND Sapporo
Staff / Kenta Watanabe

NORRØNA|lofoten 30L Pack

lofoten 30L Pack
Capacity: 30 liters
Weight: 1,412g
Color: Arednalin (Indigo Night Blue, 2 colors available)
¥39,600
◆Official website: https://www.full-marks.com/norrona
This bag is not too big or too small, making it easy to handle and a great choice for a first backpack. It's extremely comfortable to wear. Another plus is the space at the bottom to store stickers. The 2024-2025 season comes in two colors: navy and orange. The orange is a new color, but it's a slightly muted orange that goes surprisingly well with any outfit. This is a backpack that our staff frequently use
Reviewer
SKI SHOP VAIL
Staff / Yuta Shiraishi In charge of wear and accessories

This backpack is packed with features designed for use in the backcountry, which is difficult to describe in a few words. It is a highly recommended product that is packed with design, functionality, and comfort
Reviewer
Xraeb sports
Staff / Taketo Yamada

OSPREY|Soelden32

Soelden32
Capacity: 32 liters
Weight: 1,150g
Size: 54 x 31 x 28cm (height x width x depth)
Color: Artisan Yellow, Black (2 colors available)
¥26,400
◆Official website: https://www.lostarrow.co.jp/osprey/
This backcountry backpack has enough capacity for short trips, even overnight hut trips. It features two attachment methods for attaching skis to the backpack: A-frame and diagonal. The hip belt is adjustable, so you can adjust it to fit your body. The main compartment and avalanche pocket are separate, allowing for quick access in an emergency
Reviewer
Mt.Peaks
Staff/Hoshiwajin

PLUS ONE WORKS|MAKIRI 25 EVO

MAKIRI 25 EVO
Capacity: 25ℓ
Weight: 1,380g
Back length: 45cm
Color: Coyote (Black, 2 colors)
¥33,000
◆Official website: https://www.full-marks.com/plusoneworks
The 3DS shoulder straps and 3DET frame, designed for the Japanese physique, reduce the weight of your luggage and reduce interference with movement while skiing. The waist harness and compression belt provide a snug fit around your pelvis, reducing strain on your body even when carrying essentials like avalanche gear.
The fabric is made of 100% recycled polyester ECOPAK, providing lightweight yet abrasion-resistant durability. While the bag has a capacity of 25L, it offers more storage than its capacity and a wide range of accessories, including a helmet holder and mobile pouches (sold separately), allow for customization to suit your preferences.
Reviewer:
FULLMARKS Sapporo Store
Staff / Daisuke Ito

PLUS ONE WORKS|SHUMARI 35 EVO

SHUMARI 35 EVO
Capacity: 35ℓ
Weight: 1,700g
Back length: 50cm
Color: Black (Coyote 2 colors)
¥36,300
◆Official website: https://www.full-marks.com/plusoneworks
It has been significantly updated from the previous SHUMARI, making it even easier to use.
The back pad and shoulder straps are designed to suit the Japanese physique, so we encourage you to try carrying it with some weight on it!
Reviewer
FULLMARKS Tomamu Store
Staff/Ikki Hoshi

Teton Brose |AMAUTI

Capacity: 25 liters
Weight: 1,040g
Color: BLACK (DESERT, BLACK×STING, 3 colors)
¥39,600
◆Official website: https://www.teton-bros.com/
AMAUTI is said to refer to the large piece of cloth traditionally used by Inuit women to carry babies on their backs. When wearing this backpack, the shoulder and waist belts are fastened and it fits snugly against your back. The capacity is a little small at 25L, so it may not hold enough for full-fledged BC equipment, but it is recommended for lift-access skiing or when carrying only the bare necessities
Reviewer Shugakuso
Hokudai Store
Staff / Climbing and Ski Manager - Mr. Minoru Kojiguchi

This is a new backpack from Teton Bros, developed in collaboration with a group of Swiss designers. The outer shell is made from a single piece of ripstop nylon fabric, and the shoulder and waist straps extend from the outer shell, providing a high level of fit and comfort.
By creating space between the outer shell and the main compartment, you can store climbing skins, insulation, and other items for immediate access. This limited edition item comes with a patch and is available in limited quantities.
Reviewer
Mt.Peaks
Staff/Hoshiwajin

THE NORTH FACE | Chugach 28

Chugach 28
Capacity: 28 liters
Weight: 1,480g
Size: One size
Color: Cave Blue (1 color)
¥31,350
◆Official website: https://www.goldwin.co.jp/tnf/
This compact and easy-to-use backpack is easy to store and access avalanche gear, and can even carry skis. We highly recommend it to anyone who is undecided about which backpack to choose
Reviewer
Xraeb sports
Staff / Taketo Yamada

THE NORTH FACE | Chugach 35

Chugach 35
Capacity: WM/32ℓ, M/34ℓ/38ℓ
Weight: WM/approx. 1,555g, M/approx. 1,625g, L/approx. 1,705g
Size: WM, M, L
Color: Black (Moss Green, Muted Pine, 3 colors available)
¥36,300
◆Official website: https://www.goldwin.co.jp/tnf/
This is a backpack recommended for entry-level users who want to actively use it in the freeriding scene. Its wide back access opening makes it easy to use even for users who are not used to packing. Another notable feature is the backpack's thinness. This minimizes the centrifugal force and resistance that occur when riding. It will be a great ally for your freeriding
Reviewer
Ishii Sports Yodobashi Kofu
Staff / Yuki Amari


