Necessary backcountry equipment | How about comparing popular backpacks?

What kind of equipment do you need for a 1-day backcountry trip, and what will it look like if you put it in your backpack? We hope you will get the hang of choosing a backpack by checking and comparing the storage capacity, functionality, fit when carrying it, and balance when moving.

What equipment and backpack do you need for backcountry?

When going into the backcountry, you need to bring a variety of equipment, including safety gear. Naturally, you will need to move around in various ways, such as skating and hiking while carrying a backpack. So what kind of backpack is best? Choosing a backpack can be surprisingly troublesome, especially for beginners with little experience. If that's the case, it's best to get advice from an experienced professional.

The instructor this time is Yuki Amari from Ishii Sports. He is a mountain professional who is currently training to become a professional guide in areas such as climbing and mountain skiing.

Equipment for 1-day backcountry [for experienced users]

As of 2024, this is the equipment Amari usually uses when he goes skiing in the backcountry on a one-day trip. As you gain experience and go deeper and higher, the equipment becomes more technical as your alpine level increases. Let's take a look at the photos and list of things to bring. (The item number in the photo and the number on the table are linked)

	Item name	brand	Product name	Reason for selecting/favorite
1	cold weather jacket	Patagonia	DAS ParkaDAS Light Parka	We choose a synthetic fiber type that is resistant to getting wet. We use Das Parka and Das Light Parka depending on the outside temperature, wind speed, etc.
2	scoop	G3	abby shovel	Considering mobility, I chose a type with a D-shaped handle. I also use this shovel because it has less unevenness on the back and allows me to prepare the snow surface more neatly.
3	probe	BCAs	STEALTH300 carbon	It has a smart structure that prevents the wire inside the probe from being exposed. During the snowy season, I carry over 300cm.
4	map compass	SUNTO Geospatial Information Authority of Japan	1/25000 map	A standard map.
5	goggles	sweet protection	CONNOR	I like the wide field of view since it is frameless. The lens used is "RIG light amethyst". Basically, I choose bright lenses, and I choose lenses based on the premise that I can see in all weather conditions.
6	sunglasses	sweet protection	Sinobi photochrimic	Sunglasses with a half-frame design that stand out in their ruggedness. Photochromic lenses are used to adapt to any environment.
7	Helmet	sweet protection	igniter 2vi mips	I chose this helmet because of its appearance and coolness. The fact that the ear pads can be removed is also a good feature.
8	first aid	montbell	First Aid Back S	I don't think there are many first aid bags that have this much storage capacity yet are so easy to use. In addition to first aid, the size is large enough to accommodate bivouac equipment, headlights, etc.
9	Zelt	Arai tent	Super light zelt 2 long	We use different sizes depending on the mountain you are going to, the number of people in your party, etc.
10	beacon	MAMMUT	Barry Box S	The latest type of triple antenna.
11	radio	Yaesu Musen		Class 4 amateur radio used. Some members use professional radio.
12	Weather and snow observation kit			Carry it for field weather observation and snowfall observation at any time.
13	8MM×30M rope	edelrid	guide assist pro dry	Carry a ski cut in case of unexpected situations.
14	climbing skin	KOHLA	peak line mix	I chose this sticker because of its not-too-strong adhesive strength and portability.
15	drink	THERMOS STANLEY	THERMOS ・Yamasen Bottle 750 ・Go Vacuum Bottle 0.37L	The size of the mountain bottle is different depending on the mountain you are going to climb. I also carry a Go Vacuum Bottle because I want to drink warm coffee in the mountains. It's the perfect size to hold convenience store coffee when you don't have time and can't brew it at home. I really like it.
16	action diet	granite gear	Air zip sack XXS5ℓ	I adjust the amount of food I eat depending on the time and intensity of my hike. The items I bring are based on foods that don't freeze easily and foods that are low in animal oil.
17	glove	SCCOT・HESTRA・Nitrile	SCOTT: Ultimate Primaloft Mittens HESTRA: leatherWOOL
18	climbing gear			Used in scenes that require a guide rope.

Equipment for 1-day backcountry [Introductory/General edition]

Well, if you are a beginner or someone with little experience, this kind of equipment will be more than enough. Compared to the previous [Experienced Edition], there are no ropes or climbing gear included.

Three popular backpacks and their features

This time, Mr. Amari picked up the following three points when comparing the storage and carrying comfort. All are popular models from major brands. Considering that it is a one-day tour, a capacity of 30 to 35 liters is appropriate. You can already tell a lot from just looking at it.

[ Chugach 35 ]

First of all, the two-room structure is a rare big feature. You can store stickers and cameras that you don't want to get wet on the top, stickers that get wet, clothes you want to take out immediately, and so on. The biggest attraction is thinness. It is slightly heavier than other rucksacks because it uses high-strength fabric and has an aluminum frame, but this thinness is amazing. The tighter the rucksack and body feel, the easier it is to slip. This point is extremely important, especially in freeriding, as you speed up and fly around.

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[ Connoisseur point of Solden 32 ]

Ospray was the pioneer of back opening. Three points are particularly attractive. First, it's incredibly light. Remarkably light at only 1.150g. And a helmet holder that is integrated with the rucksack. With this, it is unlikely that the wind will blow it away. And the point that the minimum necessary functions are packed. For first-timers and those who want to use it simply, a rucksack with the minimum necessary functions will be very good.

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[ FREERIDER PRO34 + connoisseur points]

In contrast to simple rucksacks, it is attractive that it is full of functions. There are many storage pockets when opened. And there is a roll-down extension on the top, which is very convenient. A convenient strap comes out from the top to bundle the rope. A nice feature for those who do mountain tours.

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When I packed the equipment into the rucksack

After learning about the advantages and functionality of the three backpacks, I packed the necessary equipment for a 1-day backcountry tour in order. Now, how did it feel? This time, the equipment to pack in your backpack is a set of 11 items. (What Mr. Amari used in the '22-23 season)

These pictures show the three backpacks with all the above equipment.

THE NORTH FACE Chugach 35

OSPREY Solden 32

Deuter FREERIDER PRO34+

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I checked three backpacks at important points

I checked the 3 backpacks selected this time based on the points I want to emphasize when choosing a backpack for 1-day backcountry: fit, multi-functionality, thinness, storage, and cost performance.

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Check out the video of the three backpacks and stuffing!

A video of Mr. Amari explaining the features and usability of the three backpacks, and actually packing the necessary equipment (all personal belongings of Mr. Amari) for a 1-day backcountry trip. Mr. Amari understands how to pack equipment, such as where and what items are packed, how it feels when carrying a rucksack, and how the rucksack looks when you bounce or move your body.

Summary
Points for choosing a backpack

Amari,
“The important thing is the fit when you carry it on your back.

The thinner it is, the more it will feel a sense of unity with the body. Personally, I'm obsessed with the thickness of the backpack, and the fact that it doesn't have too many features.

Because I think "simple is the BEST". And whether it is a smart design that fits in the width of the body. If you do it sideways, the rucksack will slip and it will interfere with stable skating.” Those who are planning to buy a backpack should be aware of this point. If you have no idea what kind of backpack to choose, or if you have a backpack that you are interested in but want to hear more about its functions and usability, you should visit the pro shop.

Interview cooperation: Ishii Sports

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❖ Check together!

STEEP Pro Shop Guide
https://steep.jp/category/spot/shop/

Ishii Sports Ski & Snow Equipment Online Store
https://www.yodobashi.com/