Photo credit: Klattermusen/sputnik
A backpack that packs the necessary equipment to go out in the backcountry (BC). Not only is it important for ensuring safety, but it also has a big impact on the quality of skiing because you ski with it on your back. I want to be particular about choosing a backpack to enjoy BC safely and to the fullest. We asked BC specialists and BC guides what kind of backpacks they use every day. I asked him about the good points. There are a lot of points that will help you in choosing your next backpack.
ARC'TERYX｜RUSH SK 32 BACKPACK
It is a roll top type and can be expanded from 32ℓ to a maximum of 40ℓ. A backpack that achieves weight reduction while increasing durability by placing two types of high-performance materials in the right places. Optimized for portability, weather protection and organization for backcountry tours. Skis can be attached to the A-frame.
Capacity: 32ℓ
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 63 x 28 x 32cm
Weight: 920g
Color: Black (2 Fluidity colors)
¥36,300
Click here for the official website
"Light and well-shaped, with little effect on the center of gravity" Daichi Terui
I like it because it is light, the shape of the pack is good, and it has little effect on the center of gravity.
"There are many points that 'this is good' when used in the mountains!" Jun Nagai
There are various points that I like using it in the mountains.
1. It looks cool!
2. Backcountry bag designed for balanced and comfortable carrying
3. Simple, lightweight, weatherproof, durable and waterproof
4. Convenient removable helmet fastening system
5 With the roll top, you can create several liters of capacity with the number of turns
6. The side zipper is wide, making it easy to take out the contents
7.
You can arrange the attachment of gear with silicon bands, etc. You can choose length size short/regular
ReviewerJUNRINA
mountain
serviceJun
Nagai
[Main guide area] Kagura BC, Echigo Yuzawa BC, Tateyama BC (November, April, May)
[Qualifications]
・JMGA Climbing Guide Stage Ⅲ
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage Ⅱ
・JAN Avalanche Worker Level 1
BCA｜FLOAT E2 35L
'22-23 season, new battery-powered float bag from BCA. The new E2 system uses Alpride's supercapacitor fan drive system to store energy and power the compressor during deployment. It stores and releases energy based on magnetic energy instead of chemical reactions like secondary batteries. For this reason, it is attractive that it is highly reliable even at low temperatures.
Capacity: 35ℓ
Weight: 2,792 g (S/M with E2 system), 2,842 g (M/L with E2 system)
Size: S/M, M/L
Color: Moss Green (3 colors)
¥159,500
Click here for the official website
"I hope more people will use it in Japan. With such a message" Yuu Takeo
electric airbag. Access to the main floor is very easy with 3 zippers. Because it is an electric airbag, you can practice deploying it. Many skiers and snowboarders from Europe and the United States use backpacks with airbags, but they are not yet popular in Japan. I think it would be good if more people in Japan became more aware of how to avoid risks in snowy mountains, and more people use them. With such a message, I am actively using it as a guide.
Reviewer
Bantei -bamboo tail-
Yu TAKEO
[Main guide area] Hakuba area
[Qualifications]
・JMGA ski/snowboard guide stage II
・Mountaineering guide stage II
・JAN avalanche worker Level 1
``Reliable airbags in the harsh winter'' Iwao Saeki
Airbags are reliable in cold weather. BCA's FLOAT E2 35L does not use an air cylinder, so even if it is inflated once, it will be refilled from the backup power supply, so there is a sense of security that it can be used again after several tens of minutes.
Reviewer
Roll
Saeki Iwao Saeki
]
Tsurugi
, Hakuba, Myoko
"The float system is very reliable" Kazuya Igarashi
It's lightweight, packs well-balanced, and has all the features a BC needs. The float system is sure and highly reliable.
Reviewer
Kagura Powder Station
Kazuya Igarashi
[Main guide area] Enter from the BC gate at the top of Kagura Ski Resort No. 5 Romance Lift / Others: Tateyama, Mt.
Gassan
, Mt.
Deuter｜FREECAPE PRO 40+
By maintaining a uniform shape from the top to the bottom, the fitting function during gliding is enhanced and the weight is reduced. Convenient back access, large front pocket for safety gear, and top pocket for goggles and gear straps. The attachment of the ski can be 2way of A frame diagonal.
Capacity: 40＋10ℓ
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 70 / 32 / 24 cm
Weight: 1500g
Color: Ink x Marine (Teal x Cone, 2 colors)
¥28,600 (price revised ¥30,800 from October)
Click here for the official website
Makoto Kuroda "Very versatile and easy to carry"
It can be used in many situations, including hut stays. It is easy to carry on your back, so you can work all day without feeling tired. I'm happy that there are few other people using it. I use the Freescape Pro 40, which is more versatile, for guiding work, and the FREERIDER 30 from Deuter for private mountaineering where I can share shared equipment.
Reviewer
Makoto Kuroda
Kuroda Mountain Guide Office
guide
] Focusing on Joshinetsu, to the area of your choice
GREGORY | TARGHEE 32
In the 2022-23 season, the material of the main body was made more durable, and the front was updated with dedicated pockets for avalanche gear and snow tools. Perimeter frame with flexibility, alumite hooks with high durability even in cold climates, all-around compression, helmet carry that can be stored and adjusted, ski carry compatible with both diagonal and A frames. A standard GREGORY model with a shoulder harness that allows a hydration tube to pass through and many other functions.
Capacity: 30ℓ (S) 45ℓ (M), 48ℓ (L)
Weight: 1370g (S), 1470g (M), 1570g (L)
Size (Height x Width x Depth: 59.7/29.2/25.4cm (S)
64.9 H/29.2/26.7cm (M) 69.9/29.2/26.7cm (L)
Color: Atlantis Blue
¥31,900
Click here for the official website
"Choose Targhee 32 & 45 considering the most suitable capacity according to the contents of the mountain"Ryuta Asahi
I love TARGHEE 32 & 45. Choose the most suitable capacity according to the contents of the mountain. TARGHEE supports activities in snowy mountains, such as materials with high friction resistance, snow resistance, and all-around compression.
ReviewerRhythm
Works
Ryuta Asahi
[Main guide area] Shirakawa-go, Tateyama, Hakuba, Hirayu, Mt. Houki Daisen *mainly Hida
Mountains
and Ryohaku
Mountains
GREGORY ｜TARGHEE45
Back access to main compartment. Uses a material that is highly abrasion resistant and snow resistant, has a flexible outer frame, anodized aluminum hooks that are highly durable even in cold climates, all-around compression, avalanche safety pocket in the front pocket, and a helmet carry that can be stored and adjusted. But. The ski carry supports both diagonal and A-frame. With a shoulder harness for a hydration tube and many other features, this tough backpack is ready for overnight trips in winter.
Capacity: 45ℓ (M), 48ℓ (L)
Weight: 1660g (M), 1740g (L)
Size (height x width x depth): 77.5/29.2/29.2cm (M) 82.6/29.2/29.2cm (L)
Color: Atlantis Blue
￥35,200
Click here for the official website
"Comfortable to carry and a good fit, so you won't be shaken by luggage while skating." Toyokazu Nakano
As a backpack for backcountry use, it fits a shovel and a probe very well. It has enough capacity to put the gear necessary for the guide, and the back is also fully open, making it easy to put in and take out gear. Of course, it is comfortable to carry and has a good fit, so you won't be shaken by your luggage while skiing.
Reviewer
Infield
Toyokazu Nakano
/
Kubiki Others : Mt. Tate, Mt. Chokai, etc.
Klattermusen ｜Trud Backpack 44L
Light and strong, perfect
The original 210 denier ripstop
fabric boasts a water pressure resistance of 10,000 mm and is extremely durable. A side zipper provides easy access to the main compartment. Compression is also possible with a one-roll top. Ski attachment, hydration system adopted. The 4-S system, a lightweight load transfer system with quick release buckles and the latest chest strap features, provides high adjustability and control.
Capacity: 44ℓ
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 69 x 29 x 27cm
Weight: 980g
Color: Raven
¥52,800
Click here
for the official website
"Standing out with cool and cool designs and colors!" Shohei Sasaki
A lightweight, high-capacity alpine backpack.
it weighs less than 1kg, it is very helpful because my shoulders do not hurt even if I carry a load of more than 10kg.
There is plenty of room to store your avalanche gear, and the main compartment can
Above all, it is sure to stand out with its subdued and cool design and color! !
ReviewerCIRCLE
GAME guide
serviceShohei Sasaki
[Main guide area] All of Hokkaido
[Qualifications]
・JMGA Climbing Guide Stage II
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
MILLET ｜Pro Writer 30+10
Lightweight, tear- and friction-resistant nylon material is balanced at a high level, and MILLET's unique fabric that combines lightness and toughness is used. Equipped with a back system that is breathable, comfortable, and lightweight, and a removable high-waist belt that does not interfere with climbing harnesses. I have.
Capacity: 30+10ℓ
Weight: 1000g
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 53 / 30 / 18.5cm
Color: SAPPHIRE (1 color)
¥22,000
Click here for the official website
"Equipped with all the functions for mountain skiing in spite of its minimal design" Yuuki Ito
A rucksack for alpine with no extra stuff. simple and good
Reviewer
Vertical Land
Yuki Ito
[Main guide area] Around Hakuba Village, Nagano
Prefecture
,
Northern
Alps
Mystery Ranch｜GallantinPeak40
It has excellent storage capacity and quick access, and is packed with functions that mountain experts will appreciate, such as guides and patrols.
Access the main compartment from either the top or the back. The material is 320D phantom ripstop fabric with high-strength wax coating, and the main frame is also robust. The large pocket on the front provides ample storage for avalanche gear, the helmet can be carried on the bottom, two pockets on the top lid, and a buckle that can be easily operated while wearing gloves.
Capacity: 42ℓ
Weight: 1700g
Size (height x width x depth): 69c/29/29cm
Color: Black (1 color)
¥33,000
Click here
for the official website
"Even if you carry a certain amount of weight, it fits well on your back and does not pull your center of gravity backwards." Akiko Nakae
It seems that there are no manufacturers who can make backpacks that fit my 153cm body, so I had given up trying to find a good fit.
It goes without saying that the necessary gear for BC gliding fits in and the avalanche gear is easy to take out. As expected, this is just the inheritance of the Dana design, and the fitting system fits perfectly on my back.
In the first place, if the equipment is small, it will be light and it will not be a problem, but the full equipment of the guide can exceed 10 kg, so I would like to be particular about not affecting the skiing. The size is large enough to accommodate a helmet and a bulky insulation jacket, and the equipment for staying in a snow tunnel during the coldest winter can be securely attached to the helmet. In addition, even with diagonal skis, there is no difference in the load on the shoulders, and the shoulders do not stiffen. Of course, the A-frame is also very stable. Is it a little heavy as a matter of concern?
Reviewer
Epic Japan
Akiko NAKAE
]
Togakushi
, Tateyama / Others: Hokkaido: Asahikawa, Furano area, Eastern Hokkaido, Niseko Completion
OSPREY | Solden 32
A feeling of fitting is outstanding while getting enough capacity. She is a popular model who receives high evaluations from users who place particular importance on sliding. She's very well-balanced and the weight is evenly distributed so you don't feel the weight when you carry it on your back. Two-chamber construction with rear access and rain lid. There is also a small storage space on the waist belt, which is convenient for storing active foods and small items.
Capacity: 32ℓ
Weight: 1,150g
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 54/ 31/28cm
Color: Dust moss green/black
¥26,400
Click here
for the official website
"Designed to reach the itchy spot and the capacity is just right" Chikara Nakajima
A goggle pocket to prevent scratches on the back access that cannot be compromised, a zipper pocket and gear loop on the hip belt, a dual-position helmet carry, etc. It is designed to reach itchy places and has just the right amount of capacity.
Reviewer
RIKI JAPOW GUIDERiki
NakajimaRiki Nakajima
[Main guide area] Around Tomamu, Around Furano, Around Asahikawa / Others: Niseko, Rusutsu, Nozawa Onsen
[Qualifications]
JMGA Climbing Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Operator Level 1
Patagonia ｜Descensionist Pack 32L
A minimal design that pursues light movement in the mountains. With two main compartments and an adjustable roll-top opening, it offers a full-sized storage capacity, but still feels like a small pack. Dedicated compartment for instant access to avalanche gear, ventilated harness for long approaches, lightweight and durable 420-denier recycled nylon shell, diagonal and A-frame ski carry, and more. For high performance touring.
Capacity: 32ℓ
Weight: 1166g
Size (Height x Width x Depth):
55/32/20cm (S/M)
59/32/20cm (L/XL)
Color: Crater bule (Black/2 colors)
¥24,200
Click here
for the official website
"Slim and doesn't hinder arm movement. Easy to attach skis to the side." Kazuya Furuse
I like the durable construction. Because it is a roll top, it is easy to handle even if luggage increases, such as staying in a hut. I like that it's slim overall, that makes it easy to attach the skis to the side, and that it doesn't interfere with arm movement.
Reviewer
LOCUS GUIDE SERVICE
Kazuya Furuse
[Main guide area] Hakuba area
[Qualifications]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
JAN Avalanche Operator Level 2
PLUS ONE WORKS｜NEW SHUMARI 35
Newly designed from the structure, the back system is renewed. The back panel adopts an independent three-sided pad. The side is fixed around the spine for excellent stability. Convenient roll-top gear rack, rear access and 2 goggle pockets. The shoulder straps and frame are designed for the Japanese body shape to reduce the weight of the luggage and hinder movement during gliding. .
Capacity: 35ℓ
Weight: 1,890g
Size (back length): 50cm
Color: BLUE GRAY (OLIVE, NAVY/3 colors)
¥28,600
Click here for the official website
"Everything about NEW SHUMARI 35 is good!" Satoshi Tsukahara
In fact, I was involved in the development of this backpack, so I had a lot of ideas and thoughts about "I wish it was like this." "NEW SHUMARI 35", everything is good. It has features specifically designed for snowboarders.
Satoshi Tsukahara ReviewerHokkaido
Backcountry Guys
[Main guide area] Kiroro, Niseko, around Akaigawa / Others: All of Hokkaido
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
PLUS ONE WORKS | SHUMARI 35
Convenient roll-top gear rack, safety gear stored in dedicated compartment. Rear access, pocket for 2 goggles. The shoulder straps and frame are designed for the Japanese body shape to reduce the weight of the luggage and hinder movement during gliding. .
Capacity: 35ℓ
Weight: 1700g
Size (back length): 50cm
Color: Glass Hopper (Navy, Silver, Coke Red, 4 colors)
¥25,300
Click here for the official website
"Rigidity reduces the burden on the body, allowing you to spend a comfortable day" Tomohiro Shakawa
The rigid feeling of the rucksack reduces the burden on the body from carrying it on the back for a long time, and it has a good effect on slipping.
A backpack that doesn't shake and a sense of stability that doesn't tire the body, raises the perfection of the backpack. In addition, the simple structure is divided into a room for storing snow-covered gear, including climbing skins, such as shovels and probes, and a room for belongings that you don't want snow in. A special pocket for storing the equipment necessary for backcountry, and a roll-type access opening are useful for storing things such as helmets, crampons, and when the load increases.
The design is quite good, such as the back access and the length of the back. The thin structure of the backpack itself is also a good match for skiing, where the center of gravity is closer to the body. Even if you have to change from climbing skins to crampons, the backpack will hold the skis firmly in place, so you won't even feel the added weight of carrying them.
I also love SHUMARI 50 (50ℓ).
Reviewer
COLOR SPORT CLUB
Tomohiro Tonegawa
guide
area] Hakuba VALLEY (Hakuba, Otari, Omachi) / Others: Tateyama, Senjojiki,
Myoko
, Mt.
