Recommended BC (Backcountry) Backpack | 2023-24 Season Attention! 12 Backpacks with 'Highly Rated' Reviews in the Pro Shop

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. The pro shop is close and reliable. Let's take a look at the 2023-2024 season's "recommended backpack", which was highly rated by the pro shop staff, who have a wealth of expertise and backcountry experience.

INDEX

'23-24 season recommended backpack

ABS|A.LIGHT E SET 25-30L

The long-awaited electric airbag from ABS, the big favorite in the airbag world, is finally here!

A.LIGHT E SET 25-30L

Capacity: 25-30ℓ
Weight: 2530g
Color: DARK SLATE

*Price varies depending on size
A.LIGHT E SET 10l ¥170,300 /2290g
A.LIGHT E SET 18l ¥173,100 /2390g
A.LIGHT E SET 25-30l ¥178,800 / 2530g
A.LIGHT E SET 35-40l ¥183,000 /2600g

◆ Official website: https://abs-airbag.jp/

ABS is a specialized manufacturer that can be said to be a big favorite in the airbag world with a history of being founded in 1985.

The long-awaited electric airbag from ABS is finally here for the 2023-24 season! Equipped with the industry's latest Alpride E2, it is easy to activate with USB charging and backup with AA batteries. Power is supplied from AA batteries even if the charge runs out. AA batteries are available at convenience stores along the way. Equipped with 10L ZipOn, he weighs 2,290g, which is an overwhelming advantage in BC. There are 4 sizes of ZipOn, 10L/18L/25-30L/35-40L, and you can choose according to your purpose. In particular, it has a large capacity of 35 to 40L ZipOn, which can sufficiently store BC equipment, which is known as the maximum hike-up, compared to other companies' airbags. Even with a 35-40L ZipOn, it weighs only 2600g and has a clean and stylish design.

Reviewer
UPLND Sapporo
Staff / Manager Daiki Mikami


THE NORTH FACE|CHUGUCH35

Highly versatile model for those who are hesitant about backpacks

CHUGUCH35

Capacity: S/M: 34.5ℓ, L: 38ℓ
Size (Height x Width x Depth): S/M: 57 x 30 x 14cm, L: 62 x 30 x 14cm
Weight: S: Approx. 1,625g, M: Approx. 1,625g, L: approx. 1,705g
Color: TNF white (black, cave blue, 3 colors)
¥36,300

◆ Official website: https://www.goldwin.co.jp/tnf/

Although it is 35L, it is compact, easy to access the storage space for avalanche gear, and has sizes from S to L, so it can be used by both men and women.
It is highly versatile and can be used for everything from side country tours to day trips to the back country, so if you are unsure about which backpack to choose, I would definitely recommend it.

Reviewer
Alpen Outdoors FLAGSHIP STORE Sapporo Hassamu Store
Staff / Ski Expert Advisor Mr. Hiroyuki Ito


POC|DIMENSION VPD BACKPACK

An excellent backpack with all the functions to jump out into the snowy mountains

DIMENSION VPD BACKPACK

Capacity: 22ℓ
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 63 x 28 x 32cm
Weight: 920g
Color: Aragonite Brown (2 colors in Uramiun Black)
¥26,400

◆ Official website: https://www.full-marks.com/poc/

Stylish design and excellent protection performance.

The waterproof material uses 210 denier nylon fabric that has high abrasion resistance. Furthermore, it is said that it is finished in the strongest material on the market by reinforcing it in an X shape. A steam frame is built into the interior, so it feels stable even when carrying skis or snowboards, and it is an excellent backpack with all the functions to jump out into the snowy mountains in the backcountry or sidecountry . It is also nice that the helmet carry that is provided is also available in neon orange. Representing the concept of the safety first brand, it helps you take on the challenges of thrilling and risky scenes★

Reviewer
NATURAL
Staff / Hoshiko Tsuji


Db|Fjäll 34L backpack

Although it is equipped with full-scale BC, the modern design is active in every scene.

Capacity: 34ℓ
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 59 x 44 x 16 cm
Weight: 1780g
Color: Black
¥41,800

◆ Official website: https://www.lpdb.uplnd.com/

The design can be equipped with ropes and axes, and although it is a full-fledged BC equipment, the clean and modern design is useful in various scenes such as urban areas. In addition to the ample capacity of 34 liters, the roll-top design offers a high degree of freedom, allowing back access and good access to the luggage compartment.

Reviewer Shugakuso
Hokudai Store
Staff / Climbing and Ski Manager - Mr. Minoru Kojiguchi


PLUS ONE WORKS|NEW IRWAK 38

It is designed from the new structure, and the back system is also renewed, so expectations are high!

NEW IRWAK 38

Capacity: 38ℓ
Weight: 2200g
Color: BLUE GRAY (NAVY, OLIVE All
¥29,700

◆ Official website: https://www.full-marks.com/plusoneworks

In the 2023-24 season, the “IRWAK 38”, which is synonymous with Plus One Works, which has been developing backpacks tailored to the Japanese skeleton, has been renewed!

It was designed from the structure newly, and the back system was also renewed. The back panel adopts an independent three-sided pad. The back pad, which was originally planned and developed, has a structure that stabilizes and stabilizes the sides around the spine. By suppressing it, the fit to the back is maintained. The lid-type IRWAK is equipped with a goggle pocket on the top of the lid.

Avalanche gear such as shovels and probes can be stored in a dedicated compartment for easy access. Access to the luggage compartment is located on the back, making it easy to access even in bad weather. The large goggle pocket is large enough to fit two goggles. The 3DS shoulder straps and 3DET frame, which are designed to fit the Japanese body type, reduce the weight of the luggage and hinder movement during gliding, while the CS waist harness provides a fit that wraps around the pelvis to prevent the luggage from swaying. do.

Reviewer
COMPASS HOUSE
Advisor / Yoshihiro Murai


NORRONA|lofoten 30L Pack

An undisputed gem that is packed with design, functionality, and comfort

lofoten 30L Pack

Capacity: 30ℓ
Size (Height x Width x Depth): cm
Weight: 1,412g
Color: Arednalin (Olive Night, 2 colors)
¥36,300

◆ Official website: https://www.full-marks.com/norrona/

A backpack full of functions that assume use in the backcountry that cannot be described in a single word. It is an undisputed recommended product that is packed with design, functionality, and comfort.

Reviewer
Xraeb sports
Staff / Taketo Yamada

The coolness of the appearance is the best in refined functionality, too!

One-piece, lightweight aluminum frame and thermoformed rear pad for excellent balance while riding.
Front snow safety gear pocket and snowboard carry, side compression doubles as A-frame ski carry. The rear entry specification makes it easy to access the main luggage compartment with skis and boards attached.

The bottom has a separate compartment for ropes and crampons, which can be quickly accessed via a side zipper. The top has a goggle pocket that can hold two goggles, and the left and right sides of the hip belt have gear loops and zipper pockets. Internal hydration pocket and mesh pocket. Not only is it sophisticated functionality like this, but it also looks cool! Total number one!

Reviewer
FULLMARKS Harajuku
Staff/Shiro Kondo


MAMMUT|Nirvana 35

A masterpiece of MAMMUT with a sophisticated design that is easy to use!

Nirvana 35

Capacity: 35ℓ
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 52.5 x 31.0 x 17.0cm
Weight: 1,540g
Color: Black (2 colors in sapphire-black)
¥36,300

◆ Official website: https://www.mammut.jp/

Mammut masterpiece, Nirvana 35.
It can be accessed from the back as well as the top, and the top has a goggle pocket protected by a hard material.

The ease of use in the direction of tightening the waist belt and the ease of opening and closing the avalanche pocket are also good. My favorite point is the pocket on the outside of the rucksack. I use it to put stickers, but it's a high point because it doesn't get other luggage wet. The design is also sophisticated, and it is recommended without being unfashionable. Choose 35 for a one-day tour.

Reviewer
PADDLE CLUB
Staff / Koji Kato


ARC'TERYX|RUSH SK32

Excellent design that does not hinder movement during gliding and lightness of less than 1 kg is attractive.

RUSH SK32

Capacity: 32ℓ
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 63 x 28 x 32cm
Weight: 900g
Color: Black (2 Fluidity colors)
¥36,300

◆ Official website: https://arcteryx.jp/

A pack characterized by its lightness of less than 1 kg and its excellent design that does not hinder the movement of the body when gliding.
Compared to others, it is about 500g lighter, which reduces the consumption of physical strength during hikes, and does not hinder body movement when sliding, so people who climb back up and slide many times, and those who are worried about their physical strength. It is highly recommended for people who often go on long routes.

Reviewer
Xraeb sports
Staff / Taketo Yamada


PLUS ONE WORKS | Shumari 35 EVO

Shumari 35 EVO

Capacity: 35ℓ
Size: Back length 50㎝
Weight: 1,700g
Color: COYOTE (BLACK, 2 colors)
¥36,300

*Please note that the product specifications may change as this is a prototype.

◆ Official website: https://www.full-marks.com/plusoneworks

Now even more comfortable to carry

The fabric has changed to ECOPAK, which is strong yet lightweight. It is a simple design and easy to use rucksack. It's even more comfortable to carry.

Reviewer Shugakuso
Hokudai Store
Staff / Climbing and Ski Manager - Mr. Minoru Kojiguchi

Ease of use is improved with a full model change!

With a full model change, the fabric and structure have been changed, making it lighter and easier to use!

Reviewer
FULLMARKS Hakuba Store
Staff / Keisuke Eguchi

Inevitably surpassing the current model, I can't wait for the arrival☆

Shumari 35 is new this season! I'm using the current model and it will surpass it in many ways! I can't wait for the arrival ☆

Reviewer
NATURAL
Staff / Hoshiko Tsuji


OSPREY|Solden 32

Good balance between lightness and ease of use

Solden 32

Capacity: 32ℓ
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 54 x 31 x 28cm
Weight: 1,150g
Color: Dust moss green (black, 2 colors)
¥26,400

Official website
https://www.lostarrow.co.jp/ store/c/c20/

◆ Official website: https://www.lostarrow.co.jp/store/c/c20/

A lightweight model with all the features you need. A good balance between lightness and ease of use.

Reviewer
Alpen Outdoors FLAGSHIP STORE Kashiwa Store
Staff / Masaki Asano


BCA|STASH 30

If you have this, one day backcountry is no problem!

STASH 30

Capacity: 30ℓ
Weight: 1,490g
Color: Tan (3 colors, Moss, Black)
¥30,800

◆ Official website: http://www.k2japan.com/brand/bca.html

Zippered back panel access, option to load ice ax, skis, snowboard, fleece goggle pocket, dehumidification holes and most importantly an anti-freeze stash hydration sleeve and a BC link sleeve on the other side .
It's just the right size, and if you have it, one day backcountry is no problem.

Reviewer
TRUNKBASE
Owner / Mikiya Tanno


GREGORY |TARGHEE45 

The weight can be distributed over the shoulders, making it very comfortable to carry.

TARGHEE45 

Capacity: M: 45ℓ, L: 48ℓ
Size (Height x Width x Depth):
M : 77.5 x 29.2 x 29.2cm
L : 82.6 x 29.2 x 29.2cm
Weight: M: 1660g, L: 1740g
Color: Atlantis Blue (Alaska) 2 blue colors)
¥37,400

◆ Official website: https://www.gregory.jp/

The flexible perimeter frame and firm waist padding allow the weight to be distributed over the shoulders, making it extremely comfortable to carry on your back. It has high abrasion resistance and can be used safely.

Reviewer
Alpen Outdoors FLAGSHIP STORE Kashiwa Store
Staff / Masaki Asano

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INDEX