"I want to buy a new backpack this season," "I got by on my first guided tour last season with a rental, so this year I want my own," etc. For skiers and snowboarders like you, BC pro guides confidently recommend these easy-to-use, excellent "backpacks for one-day tours." And why did they choose them?
*For detailed information on the guide club, click on the guide club name
ARC'TERYX | Microcomputer 32
This backpack is optimized for backcountry tours, offering a balanced loadout, weather resistance, and easy organization. Designed for tough alpine conditions, it combines durable and weather-resistant N210r HT nylon with N400r-AC² ripstop fabric and features Watertight™ zippers.
New colors are expected to be added throughout the season, so there's much to look forward to.
Capacity: 32ℓ
Weight: 970g
Size: REG
Color: Euphoria (Black, 2 colors)
¥37,400
◆Official Website/https://arcteryx.jp/
"Not only is it comfortable to wear, but it also keeps your center of gravity from shifting backwards." | TERUI DAICHI
This is the Arc'teryx "Micon 32." It's not only comfortable to wear, but the pack's shape is designed to keep the center of gravity from shifting backward. Like the Micon 42, it also has a helmet holder and ice axe attachment. It's simple, but the ease of access to each compartment is excellent
Reviewer:
Daichi TERUI
While attending university, he aspired to become a mountain guide and studied under international mountain guide Hirofumi Ishizaka. Upon graduating, he became a certified guide by the Japan Mountain Guides Association. In his early twenties, he began heli-ski guide training in Northern Europe and experienced mountaineering and ski touring in the European Alps
"Recommended for women and petite individuals" |JUNRINA mountain service Jun Nagai,
Available in regular and short back lengths, it's recommended for women and smaller people. It holds a lot of luggage despite its 32L capacity. It's perfect for everything from one-day tours to overnight stays in mountain huts in the backcountry of Mt. Tateyama. It's also great that it can be customized with a silicone band
Reviewer:
JUNRINA mountain service|Jun Nagai
He quit his job and began working at Tateyama Raicho-so while undergoing guide training. In 2010, he started working as JUNRINA mountain service. He has extensive experience on backcountry trips overseas. In summer and autumn, he works as a mountaineering guide, mainly in the Alps and Joshinetsu region, and in winter and spring as a backcountry ski guide
BCA｜STASH PRO 22
Based on the features of the Float E2 pack, this newly released pack is the pinnacle of backcountry gear. Lightweight and designed to fit comfortably to the body, it offers comfort even during extended use. Made with durable nylon fabric, it features convenient storage options including side stash pockets. Ski attachment is available in both A-frame and diagonal configurations. Available in two sizes.
Capacity: 22L
Weight: S/M: 2.39 lb / 1084 g M/L: 2.45 lb / 1111 g
Size: S/M, M/L
Color: Black
¥36,300
◆Official Website:https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/
"The curved back fits comfortably to your back and doesn't tire you out." | Kagura Powder Station, Kazuya Igarashi
Equipped with a side stash pocket, it can store wet stickers, bottles, etc. separately and easily access them. The curved back fits your back without shaking or tiring. Lightweight and durable
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
BLACK DIAMOND ｜ Dawn Patrol 32
This 32-liter bag is packed with features and perfect for day trips. Its front pocket can hold an avalanche tool, a hydration system, a soft flask, a small radio, and more. The back panel fully opens with a zipper, allowing for easy access to your belongings. It's made from 100% recycled fabric
Capacity: S/M = 30L, M/L = 32L
Size (Height x Width x Depth): S/M (Back Length = 41-48cm), M/L (Back Length = 47-55cm)
Weight: 1200g
Color: Storm Blue (Black - 2 colors total)
¥31,130
◆Official Website:https://www.lostarrow.co.jp/store/c/c10/
"A design specialized for backcountry is good" | KinTouN Backcountry Guide Kenichi Minegishi
The capacity is just right. It's designed specifically for backcountry use. The waist belt pocket is large and very convenient
Reviewer
Backcountry GuideKinTouN
He has been a backcountry guide since 2003. He runs a members-only club, "Valley of the Wind," a traditional Japanese campsite in Yamakita Town, western Kanagawa Prefecture. Together with members he has met through backcountry skiing, he builds campsites and playgrounds in the mountains using DIY methods
Deuter | Freerider Pro 32+ SL
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: 32 + 10 liters
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 58 / 35 / 18 cm
Weight: 1280 g
Color: Globe x Mineral (Black, 2 colors total)
¥33,000
◆Official Website:https://www.iwatani-primus.co.jp/products/deuter/index.html
"Especially recommended for short people and women" | WARP Arima Arata
I've been using Deuter backpacks for 25 years since I started my guiding business. I've used three generations of Deuter backpacks, starting with the "FREERIDER PRO30," and I currently use the green and black versions of the current model. I use two because I use them for about 100 days a season, and alternating between them helps them last longer. For
shorter people or women, I recommend the "FREERIDER PRO 32+ SL." It should be sufficient for trips of up to two nights (if staying in mountain huts, etc.).
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
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: 24L
Weight: 1150g
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 48.5 x 27 x 20.5cm
Color: Carbon Bronze
¥36,300
◆Official Website:https://www.gregory.jp/
"A tour with shorter hikes and more riding focus" |Rhythm Works Asahi Ritta
I use it for 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 functions like 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 |RyutaAsahi
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
Features a separate compartment for storing safety gear and a main compartment with a wide, easily accessible, and innovative opening.
Capacity: 30L
Size (H x W x D): 55 x 27 x 22 cm
Weight: 1,297g
Color: True Black
¥48,400
◆Official Website:https://haglofs.jp/
"Various useful features!" | GRANIX mountain guide Satoshi Arakawa
The separate compartment for storing snow safety equipment and the wide-opening main compartment make it easy to access. The back opens completely when you set up a solid board in the backpack. The side compression straps allow you to freely adjust the height to suit your board and snowshoes when skiing, putting on snowshoes, or hiking up the A-frame
Reviewer:
GRANIX mountain guide|Satoshi Arakawa
the desire to provide guests with the best possible backcountry experienceいながら、I primarily operate in the mountainous areas of Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture. In the summer, I work as a mountain guide, leading tours in mountainous areas throughout Japan. Guiding experience: 13 years
Klättermusen｜Ull Backpack 30L
This lightweight ski touring backpack is designed for half-day or full-day missions. Its original 210-denier ripstop fabric boasts a water resistance of 10,000mm. The simple drawcord closure system allows for easy top-loading with one hand. The roll-top closure also allows for compression. The exterior loop webbing allows for the attachment of poles, ice axes, and other gear
Capacity: 30L
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 58 x 29 x 16cm
Weight: 843g
Color: Snow Burnt Russet (6 colors available)
¥57,200
◆Official Website:https://klattermusen.jp/
"The roll top is convenient because it can be compressed to fit the amount of luggage." | CIRCLE GAME guide service, Shohei Sasaki
This is a smaller capacity model of Klättermusen's "Trud 44L." It has no rain cover and a roll-top design, so you can compress it to fit the amount of luggage you're carrying. It's lightweight and comfortable to wear, making it a recommended choice
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
MAMUUT ｜Nirvana 30
It offers a variety of features, including full rear access, a jacket carrying system, a front pocket for safety gear, hydration system compatibility, a removable padded hip belt, and an integrated helmet carrier. It also offers an excellent fit and is made with recycled materials. It features two-way ski attachment: A-frame and diagonal
Capacity: 30L
Weight: 1,350g
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 52.5 / 28 / 15.5cm
Color: Sapphire-Black (Available in 3 colors: Black, Hot Red-Black)
¥30,800
◆Official Website:https://www.mammut.jp/
"I wanted one myself, so I can recommend it to my customers." | Mariko Sato, Spur Akita Mountain Guide Service
It's highly functional and easy to use. It fits well to the body and looks sleek, so I wanted one myself and would recommend it to my customers
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
OSPREY | Soulden 32
It offers ample capacity and an excellent fit. This popular model has garnered high praise, especially from users who prioritize skiing. Its excellent balance and weight distribution make it lightweight even when worn. It features a two-chamber design with rear access and a rain cover. The waistbelt also has a small storage compartment, convenient for storing snacks and small items. The 2023/24 model is made with bluesign®-certified 100% recycled fabric and a PFAS-free DWR finish
Capacity: 32L
Weight: 1,150g
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 54/31/28cm
Color: Black (Artisan Yellow - 2 colors available)
¥26,400
◆Official Website/ https://www.lostarrow.co.jp/store/c/c20/
"Easy to carry and designed with attention to detail" | Kuroda Mountain Guide Office, Makoto Kuroda
I think it's a standard product for all the products out there. It's easy to carry and the design is well thought out down to the smallest details
Reviewer:
Kuroda Mountain Guide OfficeMakotoKuroda,
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
Patagonia Descensionist Snow Pack 37L
The gear compartment and rain cover are integrated, allowing for overall compression, preventing body shaking and allowing for quick movement even when carrying a large amount of luggage. The sturdy outer material is resistant to bad weather and friction, and is lightweight and comfortable for climbing while maintaining the quality of the ski
Capacity: 37ℓ
Weight: 1460g
Size: S, M, L
Color: Dulse Mauve (Forge Gray, 2 colors)
¥39,600
"It's simple and lightweight, and the side zipper makes accessing it easy." | RIKI JAPOW GUIDE Riki Nakajima
It has a simple design and is very lightweight, but the padding on the back and shoulders is solid. The fabric is crisp and durable, so it doesn't get floppy and is easy to use. Until now, I've only ever chosen backpacks with back openings for backcountry use, and I thought that side zipper access wasn't enough, but when I actually used it, I didn't find it particularly inconvenient even with just side access
Reviewer
RIKI JAPOW GUIDE|Riki Nakajima
He obtained a CSIA instructor qualification in Canada and was the first Japanese person to be certified as a CFSA freeski instructor. He expanded his activities from freeski competitions to backcountry skiing, and is currently based at Hoshino Resort Tomamu Ski Resort, where he provides guided and instructed lessons
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 rigidity of the backpack reduces the strain on the body from carrying it for long periods, which positively impacts skiing. The advantage of not swaying and the resulting stability that prevents fatigue enhances the backpack's overall quality. The simple design is also convenient, as it allows for separate compartments for snow-covered gear such as shovels and probes, including climbing skins, and for items that should not get snow on them.
Dedicated pockets for storing backcountry equipment and a roll-top access opening are useful for storing helmets, crampons, and extra gear. The back access and back length are also well-designed. The backpack's slim profile is also a good match for skiers, as it brings the center of gravity closer to the body during skiing.
Even when forced to switch from climbing skins to crampons, the backpack securely holds and supports the skis, making the added weight feel almost imperceptible.
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
Rab｜Khroma 30
Rab, a brand born in the UK. This pack offers stability for both skiing and climbing thanks to its top tensioner for load stabilization and bottom compression for overall pack tightening. It also boasts excellent usability with back panel access, compatibility with diagonal and A-frame carry systems, gear loops, and equipment organization features.
Capacity: 30L,
Weight: 1,220g,
Size (Back Length): 54 x 30 x 25cm,
Color: Coyote (Black - 2 colors available)
¥39,600
◆Official Website:https://www.landr.life/rabtop
"The storage capacity and rear access are sufficient, making it easy to move quickly." | Masaaki Sato
It can hold a lot of equipment and has smooth rear access, so I think it will make it easier to act quickly and without hassle when needed
Reviewer:
Masaaki Sato
He has been fond of skiing since he was a child, and has had experience in competitive and basic skiing, moving to Hakuba Village at the age of 20. He became interested in backcountry skiing at the age of 24. He gained experience at Port Snow Hakuba and Power Zone Hakuba before going independent
SALOMON｜MTN30
Developed based on Salomon's trail running packs, it offers excellent mobility, stability, and comfort, with a full zip for easy access from the back, highly waterproof fabric, and a built-in hydration system
Capacity: 30L
Weight: 911g
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 56 x 26 x 22cm
Color: Fiery Red/Fiery Red (Black/White - 2 colors total)
¥22,000
◆Official Website:https://salomon.jp/
"Lightweight and convenient to store, perfect for a one-day tour" | Coyote Ryuta Furuichi
The rear compartment can be opened directly, making it easy to access items stored underneath the backpack. There are pockets on both shoulder straps, which are useful for storing a radio or small items. Its lightweight construction is also very helpful. In addition to these reasons, I recommend this backpack because its 30-liter capacity is just the right size for a one-day backcountry tour. It's also great that the main compartment is separated from the compartment for wet items like shovels and probes
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