A backpack is essential for backcountry (BC) skiing. In order to enjoy skiing and snowboarding safely in the unspoiled snowy mountains, there are many essential equipment such as safety gear. You want a new backpack, but with so many different backpacks to choose from, what criteria should you use? To find the right backpack for you, start by learning about its functions and how to use it.
INDEX
Why do you need a backpack to go to BC?
Skier: RIKI Nakajima
If you want to skate the backcountry, you have to bring a lot of equipment. First and foremost, in order to protect your safety in the snowy mountains, and to enjoy skiing and stay comfortable, there are a great many items that you should carry with you, such as safety gear, seals, water, food, and clothing.
By the way, there are so many items to carry to go on a 1DAY backcountry tour (bottom photo). Of course, clothes pockets and waist pouches are not enough. After storing these, you have to hike or slide. It's also comfortable. As a matter of course, a backpack with a storage capacity and a sense of stability that does not hinder slipping while carrying it is a necessity.
Items to carry for 1DAY backcountry
Ability required for a backpack
On backcountry tours, I always carry a backpack, whether climbing or skating. Since it is a backpack that is used in the ever-changing natural conditions of the snowy mountains, the required abilities are inevitably diverse. There are various ways of thinking, but in order to enjoy climbing and sliding safely and comfortably in the backcountry, I think that such an ability is necessary.
As a function required of a backpack, the first major premise is the storage capacity, that is, the "capacity" of how much can be put in. Backpacks come in different capacities. The most common ones are large 35-45 liters, middle 25-35 liters, small 15-25 liters, and even more compact 15 liters and under. Depending on what kind of BC you ski, the equipment you need will be different, so the size will change to accommodate them. Below is one guideline. Naturally, the longer the action time, the more luggage we have.
capacity
Assumed scene of BC
15ℓ or less
Backcountry with lift access
15〜25ℓ
A short BC tour within 3 hours including day trips and climbing
25〜35ℓ
Longer BC tours, such as a full day with a day trip/climbing action time of 3 hours or more
35〜45ℓ
Tours with overnight stays and full-scale mountaineering in the alpine area
Even for lift-access backcountry skiing, the minimum necessary avalanche gear such as beacons, shovels, and probes is essential for safety.
For a one-day BC tour, you should bring climbing gear (skins), insulation wear, a water bottle, spare goggles and gloves, and a first aid kit. If you are going on a long tour, such as an all-day tour, you will probably need a backpack of around 30 liters. In addition, if you are going touring with overnight stays or going deep into the mountains in a full-fledged mountain style, you will also need crampons, harnesses, ropes, ice axes, etc., and you will want more capacity.
rigidity
The stiffness that a backpack has depends on the model. Strong rigidity distributes the load and provides a sense of stability, which reduces the burden on the body during climbing and skiing, and reduces fatigue. On the other hand, it becomes heavy in terms of weight. In addition to the materials used, it is important to pay attention to whether the structural parts such as the shoulder straps, waist belt, and back are also sturdy.
fit
Fit is especially important. It is important that the backpack and the body are in close contact with each other during both climbing and gliding. If the backpack sways too much on your back, you will lose your balance and not only will it be difficult to move, but it will also consume extra energy. The fit is supported not only by the height of the back matching your body, but also by the specifications of the back part and the adjustability of the shoulder straps, harness, and waist belt.
thinness
The thickness of the backpack varies depending on the size and shape of the compartment. If the thickness increases, it will be pulled by the weight to the rear, making it difficult to balance. Of course, the thinness of the backpack is also related to the fit and ease of movement. The thinner it is, the easier it is to adhere to the body. Especially if you want to emphasize slippage, thinness is also a point that cannot be overlooked.
Waterproof
A backpack with a high level of waterproofness is essential so that the inside does not get wet even if you spend a long time in the snowy mountains. A backpack that uses a highly waterproof and robust fabric for the surface fabric gives a sense of security. Some zippers are attached to pockets and some are waterproof zippers.
durability
Durability is also required for backpacks used in harsh natural conditions. I want it to be sturdy enough not to be easily torn or damaged even if it hits a tree or is placed on a rocky place. Also, when attaching skis and snowboards, the edges and parts that come into contact with the bindings will inevitably wear out. Some interfering parts are reinforced with high-strength materials such as panels.
weight (lightness)
If you want to lighten your luggage even a little, pay attention to the lightness of the backpack itself. For example, even with the same 30 liters, the weight of backpacks varies considerably depending on the materials used and the functions installed.
Functionality
Backpacks are equipped with various functions in order to enjoy backcountry skiing safely and comfortably under harsh natural conditions. For example, let's take a look at the details of the functions of "OSPREY SOLDEN32", which is taken up as a sample model this time. It's easy to see how many different functions it has.
・J zipper for quick access to avalanche safety gear ・Main compartment back panel access ・Transceiver/GPS carry ・Main compartment inner side sleeves for small items and water bottles ・A-frame or diagonal ski carry ・Vertical snowboard carry ・Goggles to prevent scratches pocket and gear loop on hipbelt Sled carry attachment loop Dual position helmet carry Ice tool carry sleeve and attachment points
how backpacks work
If you know the structure of the backpack, the names of the parts, the functions and how to use it, it will be easier to compare and consider various models when choosing a backpack.
Even when I go to the shop to see it, I can understand the explanation of the clerk well. First, let's understand how a backpack works. Here is a sample model. As mentioned earlier, it is surprisingly light while fully equipped with backcountry-specific functions. It is a long-selling OSPREY model that is thin and has an excellent fit, and has been strongly supported by skiers seeking high performance.
OSPREY｜Solden 32
Capacity: 32ℓ Size (H x W x D): 54 / 31 / 28cm Weight: 1,150g Fabric: Main = 210D High Tenacity Nylon Shadow Box, Accent = 210D Nylon Dobby, Bottom = 210D Nylon Dobby, Reinforced Webbing = UHMWPE Integration Color: Dust moss green, black
The main space for storing luggage. It is called a cargo room or an air room. An important point is whether the necessary equipment can be neatly stored so that it is easy to use without being mixed up. For BC use, the two-chamber structure is convenient because it separates the snow-covered seals and wet gloves from the main body and stores them in separate locations. Larger ones have a partition inside, and many of them have specifications that can be arranged into a two-chamber structure with the bottom compartment.
By the way, when I packed the necessary equipment for a 1-DAY tour, it looked like this. 32ℓ seems to be the perfect capacity for a 1-day tour.
back panel
The back panel is the surface that touches your back when you carry it on your back. The back panel plays a very important role in a backpack as it affects load distribution and balance in some way. Depending on the materials used and how they are made, there are various things such as hardness, lightness, breathability, cushioning, etc., and the feeling when carrying them will also differ. This SOLDEN32 uses "EVA foam", a material that fits the body and is resistant to snow and ice.
Considering that you will be working in the mountains for a long time, it is necessary that you will not get tired even when carrying it on your back and that it is comfortable. I want to focus on comfort with good stability and balance, breathability and cushioning by distributing the load well.
In addition, BC has a zipper on the back panel as shown in the photo above, and the type that allows you to access the main compartment from the back is overwhelmingly convenient in that you can take out your luggage quickly.
Front panel + front pocket
The front panel is the front part of the backpack. Many have large front pockets. Many backpacks designed for use in snowy mountains have a dedicated pocket on the front for storing avalanche gear such as shovels and probes. SOLDEN32 is called "J-zip front panel", and the avalanche pocket can be accessed immediately with a J-shaped zipper.
rain cover (top lid)
A cover to protect the opening of the main compartment from the elements. Many have storage spaces and pockets. The pocket on the rain lid is convenient for storing small items that you want to take out immediately during action. In snowy mountains, many people put goggles, sunglasses, spare gloves, towels, etc. in this top pocket. It is easy to use the one that is as large as possible and the zipper at the entrance is wide.
waist belt pocket
Many backpacks have pockets on the waist belt. The advantage of a small pocket in this position is that you can quickly open the zipper and put it in and take it out without taking the backpack down or stopping. Especially suitable for storing items that are likely to be taken out immediately. It is convenient to put a cell phone, GPS, camera, sunscreen, lip balm and a little action food.
waist belt + gear loop
This SOLDEN32 has a gear loop on one side of the waist belt as shown in the picture. You can attach a carabiner, compass, or watch.
Shoulder Harness / Chest Strap
A shoulder harness is a shoulder strap for carrying a backpack. It plays a role in stabilizing the entire backpack from the shoulder to the back. The chest strap is a belt for adjusting the width of the left and right shoulder harnesses. It prevents the shoulder harness from opening outside the body due to the load of the backpack, and plays a role in fitting the backpack and the body. During gliding, the role of the chest strap is particularly important because the sense of stability changes.
ax holder
It has a holder for attaching an axe. Add a side compression strap over it for a more secure fit.
inner pocket
The inside of the backpack is also equipped with many pockets and attachments that make it easy to use in the mountains. The pocket on the back of the back panel has a built-in strap for attaching a key chain.
internal pocket
The side part of the main compartment has a pocket for a walkie-talkie. It is in a position where you can take it out as soon as you open the zipper. It is convenient because it can be put in and taken out even while wearing gloves.
helmet holder
There is a mesh holder built into the upper part of the front (left photo) to store the helmet, which is a must-have for BC skiing. 2 patterns are possible to attach to. Use it properly depending on whether you are skiing or snowboarding.
ski and snowboard carry system
The way skis and snowboards are attached to the backpack also differs depending on the backpack. There are two patterns, "Diagonal" and "A Frame", but let's see the explanation video here for the attachment method in SOLDEN32.
Tips for choosing a backpack
Let's consider the important aspects when choosing a backpack.
❶What kind of BC tour you want to do and choose the type that suits your purpose
What kind of backcountry tour do you want to do? Is it a tour that doesn't have much access to the slopes? Is it a full-fledged alpine tour including? Depending on that, the necessary equipment will differ, and you will see the capacity that can be stored.
❷What elements do you want to focus on?
What is the next element you look for in a backpack after capacity? It would be a good idea to clarify your pursuit points, such as those who want a good fit with the body above all else because they want to emphasize sliding, or those who want a lighter weight as much as possible because the climb is long.
❸What kind of functions and performance are necessary, and are there any unnecessary ones?
There are various functions to improve the usability of the backpack, but it is troublesome if there are not enough functions that you want, but it is rather annoying if there are too many functions that you do not need. Check if it has features and performance that match your needs. Commonly raised points include:
・Whether it is easy to access the main compartment and take out the contents inside ・Whether it is a two-chamber structure with a main compartment and another compartment so that wet items do not mix ・Easy access to avalanche gear What kind of attachment function for skis and snowboards (diagonal A-frame) ・Is there a back height adjustment function to get a good fit ・Is the shoulder belt, waist belt, and harness adjustable? ・Is the zipper and buckle easy to use even with gloves on? ・Is there enough pockets for goggles, tools, and small items?
comfortable when climbing? lasting? Can you trust the waterproofness even if it is exposed to snowstorms and rain for a long time?
❹ Choose a size that fits your body
When choosing a backpack that suits you, the most important thing that you can't compromise on is whether or not it fits your body. After making full use of the adjustment functions such as the back height adjustment function and the shoulder harness and waist belt, can you feel a sense of unity when you carry it on your back?
Climbing and sliding on snowy mountains for several hours puts more strain on the body than one might imagine. If you carry a backpack that doesn't fit your body, you will feel pain and fatigue in your shoulders, lower back, and lower body. Then you won't be able to fully enjoy your skiing.
The best way to know if it fits your body is to try it on in a shop. Some ski and mountaineering pro shops have staff with extensive knowledge and experience in BC. It's a good idea to try out different backpacks while getting some advice.
You may also want to refer to this article on STEEP.
