Backcountry (BC) guides are specialists who spend most of the snow season on the snow. For them, backpacks are extremely important items, not only ensuring the safety of their guests and themselves, but also directly affecting the loss of energy and time during tours depending on how well they store their gear. What kind of backpacks do professional guides love and use on a daily basis? We asked them to tell us about their great features. We hope this will be a great reference for choosing your next backpack
*All prices shown include consumption tax
BCA｜FLOAT E2 35L
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: 30-35ℓ
Weight: 2,792 g (S/M with E2 system), 1,651 g (without E2 system)
Size: S/M, M/L
Color: Tan (Black, Moss Green, 3 colors in total)
¥231,000
◆Official website: https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/
"The float system is extremely reliable" | Kazuya Igarashi, Kagura Powder Station
It's lightweight and highly functional. It fits well and feels well-balanced when worn, so it doesn't tire you out.
The side stash pockets can be used to store wet seals and other items separately, and they're easy to access. The float system is reliable and extremely dependable. It has all the features you need in a BC.
Reviewer
Kagura Powder Station | Kazuya Igarashi
After becoming the All Japan Mogul Champion, he participated in the W-CUP and served as a national team coach, training Satoya, Miura, Tsukuda, Hara, and others. He worked under Yuichiro Miura and was active with Snow Dolphin. In 2008, he climbed Mount Everest with Miura. He currently works as a backcountry ski and mountaineering guide, supporting Kagura Powder Station
Deuter | Freerider Pro 34+
The top section features a 10-liter expansion compartment for excellent storage capacity. While pursuing lightness, the shoulder straps are slightly thicker, providing a comfortable fit that enhances a sense of unity while riding. The back access function allows you to access the cargo area from the rear even with gear attached. Ski attachment is available in two ways: A-frame and diagonal
Capacity: 34 + 10 liters
Size (H x W x D): 58 / 35 / 18 cm
Weight: 1280 g
Color: Black (Light Blue x Neptune, Cactus x Sprout, 3 colors available)
¥33,000
◆Official website／ https://www.iwatani-primus.co.jp/products/deuter/index.html
"The strongest BC backpack currently available" | WARP Arima Arata
I've been using Deuter backpacks for 25 years, ever since I started guiding. I've used three, starting with the Freerider Pro 30 and continuing through to the current model, which I use in green and black. I use two because I use them about 100 days a season, so alternating between them helps them last longer.
The current model is incredibly light for its liter capacity, has separate air chambers for different purposes, has a seal pocket on the outside, and is packed with many ideas needed for backcountry skiing. It's no exaggeration to say that it's the best BC backpack available! I don't receive support; the fact that I bought it myself is proof of its quality.
Reviewer
WARP | Arata Arima
In the 2002-2003 season, he and his friends founded WARP, the first guide club in the Minakami area. They are active mainly in the Tanigawa, Hotaka, and Kagura areas. As a freeriding-focused guide club, they continue to focus on developing local areas rather than focusing on peak hunting
Deuter | FREESCAPE PRO 40+
Maintaining a consistent shape from top to bottom improves fit and reduces weight while skiing. 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 or diagonal
Capacity: 40 + 10 liters
Size (H x W x D): 70 / 32 / 24 cm
Weight: 1500 g
Color: Ink x Marine (Teal x Corn, 2 colors total)
¥36,300
◆Official website／ https://www.iwatani-primus.co.jp/products/deuter/index.html
"It's easy to pack and comfortable to carry." | Kuroda Mountain Guide Office, Makoto Kuroda
It has ample capacity and is comfortable to carry. It can be used in many situations, including overnight stays in huts. It's easy to carry and comfortable, so you won't feel tired even after a full day of activities. It's also great that it's easy to pack and there aren't many other people using it. When I'm guiding, I use the more versatile Freescape Pro 40, and when I'm on private mountain trips where I can share equipment, I use the FREERIDER 30, also from Deuter
Reviewer
Kuroda Mountain Guide Office | Makoto Kuroda
With private guides for small groups, we support original mountain trips suited to each level. We provide services that value not only skiing but also the spirit of travel
GREGORY | Belte24
The Freeride hip belt moves with your body, allowing for freedom of movement while providing just the right amount of support and tension. It's also incredibly convenient, with features like a hydration sleeve, a back panel with snow removal, side gusseted zippers, a durable, padded front pocket for avalanche gear, and zipper pulls and buckles that are easy to open and close even with gloves on
Capacity: 24 liters
Weight: 1150g
Size (H x W x D): 48.5 x 27 x 20.5 cm
Color: Carbon bronze
¥36,300
◆Official website: https://www.gregory.jp/
"I use it for tours where the hike is short and the riding is the main focus" | Rhythm Works' Ryuta Asahi
I use it on tours where the hikes are short and the riding is the main focus. I like how it's easy to move around in thanks to the hip belt, which is similar to a goggle strap, and the simple design, and how it can store not only avalanche gear but also emergency preparedness equipment, making it compact
Reviewer
Rhythm Works｜ ｜ Ryuta Asahi
He climbs mountains throughout the four seasons, following the rhythm of nature. He is a multi-talented mountain guide who conveys the charm of a wide range of mountains, from general traverses to variation routes, and from river climbing to backcountry riding
Haglöfs ｜ROC Nordic 30
It features a separate compartment for storing safety gear and a main compartment with an innovative opening that is wide and easy to access.
Capacity: 30 liters
Size (height x width x depth): 55 x 27 x 22 cm
Weight: 1,297 g
Color: True Black
¥48,400
◆Official website: https://haglofs.jp/
"Various useful features!" | GRANIX mountain guide Satoshi Arakawa
The bag features a separate compartment for storing snow safety equipment and a wide opening for the main compartment, plus a fully opening back for added convenience. It also features side compression straps with adjustable heights
Reviewer
GRANIX mountain guide | Satoshi Arakawa
Hoping he mainly works in the mountainous areas of Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture. In the summer, he guides around mountain areas in Japan as a mountain guide. Guide experience: 13 years
GREGORY ｜TARGHEE45
The main compartment has rear access, is made of abrasion-resistant, snow-resistant fabric, has a flexible perimeter frame, full-circle compression, a front avalanche safety pocket, and features a stowable and adjustable helmet carrier. The ski carrier is compatible with diagonal and A-frame skis. It also has a shoulder harness with hydration tube support
Capacity: 45ℓ (M) / 48ℓ (L)
Weight: 1660g (M) / 1740g (L)
Size (H x W x D): 77.5/29.2/29.2cm (M) 82.6/29.2/29.2cm (L)
Color: Alaska Blue
¥37,400
◆Official website: https://www.gregory.jp/
"It's comfortable to wear and fits well, and the luggage doesn't shake around while you're skating." | Infield's Toyokazu Nakano
As a backpack for backcountry use, it fits a shovel and probe very well. It has enough capacity to hold the gear needed for guiding, and the back is fully open, making it easy to access and use. Of course, it's comfortable to wear and fits well, so your gear won't shake around while you're skiing
Reviewer
in Field | Toyokazu Nakano
After moving to Myoko Kogen and gaining 10 years of experience, he started "Infield" in 2006. He currently works as a backcountry tour guide and telemark ski instructor in the winter, and as a mountain climbing/trekking guide and sea kayaking guide in the summer
Klattermusen ｜Trud 44L
Lightweight and durable, this bag is ideal
fabric is waterproof to 10,000 mm and exceptionally durable. The side zipper allows easy access to the main compartment. The single roll-top design allows for compression. It also features ski attachment and a hydration system. The lightweight 4-S system with quick-release buckles and an advanced chest strap provides excellent adjustability and control.
Capacity: 44 liters
Size (H x W x D): 69 x 29 x 27 cm
Weight: 980 g
Color: Raven (Burnt Russet, 2 colors available)
¥63,800
◆Official website: https://klattermusen.jp/
"The sophisticated and cool design and color make it stand out!" | CIRCLE GAME guide service Shohei Sasaki
This is a lightweight, spacious alpine backpack. It weighs less than 1kg, but even carrying over 10kg of gear doesn't cause shoulder pain, which is extremely helpful. It also has ample storage space for avalanche gear, and the main compartment can be accessed in two ways: from the top, which can be opened with one action, or via a side zipper. And best of all, its stylish design and color make it sure to stand out!
Reviewer
CIRCLE GAME guide service | Shohei Sasaki
Originally from Nanae-cho, Hokkaido, he is based in Sapporo and works as a backcountry ski guide in the winter and a guide in the Hokkaido wilderness in the summer. He likes to combine climbing and skiing
PLUS ONE WORKS｜ IRWAK 38
*Available from 2023-2024. The expandable
back access and removable rain cover accommodate two pairs of goggles. The 3DS shoulder straps and 3DET frame, designed for the Japanese physique, reduce the weight of your luggage and hinder movement while skiing. The CS waist harness provides a snug fit around the pelvis, preventing luggage from swaying sideways and maintaining a high-quality skiing experience. Perfect for one-day tours.
Capacity: 38ℓ
Weight: 1800g
Size (back length): 50cm
Color: Navy (Olive, Coke Red, 3 colors)
¥26,400
◆Official website: https://www.full-marks.com/plusoneworks
"There's no unnecessary shaking and no stress when skiing." | Mariko Sato, Spur Akita Mountain Guide Service
I feel a sense of unity with my body, and there's no unnecessary shaking when I'm skiing, so I don't feel any stress when I'm skiing. I also like the storage, rear access, design, and color, so I use it
Reviewer
Spur Akita Mountain Guide Service | Mariko Sato
He competed in alpine skiing until high school, then moved on to basic skiing. He has competed in the All Japan Ski Technical Championships. Something happened that made him fall in love with mountain skiing, and he decided to become a guide, studying at the International Natural Environment and Outdoor College (i-nac) and becoming a professional guide
PLUS ONE WORKS｜SHUMARI 35 EVO
The "EVO" model, available for the 2024-2025 season, is lightweight and made with 100% recycled polyester ECOPAK fabric. It features a convenient roll-top gear rack and a dedicated compartment for storing safety gear. It also has 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 hindering movement while skiing, and the waist harness provides a snug fit that envelops the pelvis and prevents the luggage from swaying sideways
Capacity: 35ℓ
Weight: 1700g
Size (back length): 50cm
Color: Coyote (Black, 2 colors)
¥36,300
◆Official website: https://www.full-marks.com/plusoneworks
"The rigidity reduces strain on the body, allowing you to spend the day in comfort." | COLOR SPORT CLUB Tomohiro Shagawa
The backpack's rigidity reduces the strain on the body caused by carrying it for long periods of time, improving skiing. Its lack of sway and resulting stability, which prevents fatigue, enhance the backpack's quality. Its simple design also allows for convenient separation between separate compartments for gear that gets snowy, including climbing skins, like shovels and probes, and items you don't want to get snow in.
Dedicated pockets for backcountry gear, and a roll-up access opening make it convenient for storing everything from helmets to crampons, as well as extra gear. The rear access and long back length make for a well-designed backpack. The backpack's slim design also makes it a perfect match for skiers, as it shifts their center of gravity closer to the body.
Even when you're forced to change from climbing skins to crampons, the backpack securely holds and supports your skis, so you barely notice the added weight. I also use the SHUMARI 50 (50L).
Reviewer
COLOR SPORT CLUB | Tomohiro Tonegawa
He is a pioneer who built the backcountry ski scene that continues to this day. Since the early 1990s, he has turned his attention to off-piste skiing, pioneering the mountain ski scene in the harsh winter. Even after achieving the development of the entire Hakuba ski field, which is now synonymous with his name, his pioneering work continues
SALOMON｜MTN45
Developed based on a trail running pack, it allows for quick hydration, is easy to move around in, and offers excellent stability. From the integrated opening to the large stash pocket, adjustable ski carrier and gear loops, the design is focused on storage
Capacity: 30ℓ
Weight: 1311g
Size: 58 x 28 x 25cm
Color: Glass Hoper (4 colors: Navy, Silver, Coke Red)
¥26,400
◆Official website: https://salomon.jp/
"It's multifunctional and very helpful!" | Mountain Guide Coyote Furuichi Ryuta
The back of the backpack opens directly to the cargo area, making it easy to access items stored underneath. There are pockets on both shoulder straps, which are great for storing a radio or other small items. The lightweight design is also a big plus
Reviewer Mountain
Guide Coyote | Ryuta Furuichi
Interested in the environment and food, after graduating from Meiji University's Faculty of Agriculture, he joined a company in Hokkaido to live in the magnificent country. He founded Mountain Guide Coyote to feel closer to nature and live a life that has no impact on the environment. He loves telemark skiing down snowy mountains