Backcountry (BC) specialists, BC guides are on the snow most days of the snow season. For them, backpacks are extremely important items, as they not only ensure the safety of their guests and themselves, but also lead to energy and time wastage during tours due to inadequate storage. What kind of backpacks do professional guides fall in love with and use every day? I learned about its excellent points. I hope you find this helpful when choosing your next backpack.
*All prices shown include consumption tax.
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: 30-35ℓ
Weight: 2,792 g (S/M with E2 system), 1,651 g (without E2 system)
Size: S/M, M/L
Color: Tan (Black, Moss Green, 3 colors in total)
¥231,000
◆Official website/ https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/
“The float system is extremely reliable” | Kagura Powder Station Kazuya Igarashi
Excellent functionality and lightweight. It has a good fit and balance when you carry it on your back, and you won't get tired.
The side stash pocket allows you to store wet stickers and other items separately, making them easy to take out. The float system is reliable and extremely reliable. It has the functions required by BC.
Reviewer
Kagura Powder Station | Kazuya Igarashi
After winning the All Japan Moguls Champion, he participated in the W-CUP and served as the national team coach, training Satoya, Miura, Tsukuda, Hara, and others. Engaged to Yuichiro Miura and active in snow dolphin. Climbed Everest with Mr. Miura in 2008. Currently supporting Kagura Powder Station as a BC ski/climbing guide.
Deuter｜FREERIDER PRO 34+
It has a 10 liter expansion function on the top and has perfect storage capacity. While pursuing lightness, the shoulder straps are slightly thicker to create a fit that enhances the sense of unity when riding. Back access function allows you to approach the luggage compartment from the rear side even with gear attached. The ski attachment can be 2-way: A-frame or diagonal.
Capacity: 34 + 10ℓ
Size (height x width x depth): 58 / 35 / 18cm
Weight: 1280g
Color: Black (Light Blue x Neptune, Cactus x Sprout, 3 colors in total)
¥33,000
◆Official website/ https://www.iwatani-primus.co.jp/products/deuter/index.html
“The strongest BC backpack in existence” | WARP Arima Arata
I have been using Deuter backpacks for 25 years since I started guiding. I have used three machines starting with the Freerider Pro 30 and ending with the current model, and the current model uses green and black. The reason I use two is because I use them for about 100 days a season, so by using them alternately, I can use them for a long time.
The current model is extremely light compared to its liter capacity, has separate air chambers for different purposes, has a seal pocket on the outside, and incorporates many ideas necessary for backcountry travel. It is no exaggeration to say that it is the strongest backpack for BC! I don't receive any support, and the fact that I'm buying it myself is proof of its quality.
reviewer
WARP ｜ Arima New Arata Arima
In the 2002-03 season, he and his friends founded WARP, the first guide club in the water area. Active mainly in Tanigawa, Takeru, and Kagura areas. As a freeriding-based ski guide club, we continue to focus on developing the local area without focusing on peak hunting.
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 / 24cm
Weight: 1500g
Color: Ink x marine (teal x corn, 2 colors in total)
¥36,300
◆Official website/ https://www.iwatani-primus.co.jp/products/deuter/index.html
“Easy to pack and comfortable to carry on your back” | Makoto Kuroda, Kuroda Mountain Guide Office
Sufficient capacity and commensurate carrying comfort. It can be used in many situations, including staying in a hut. It's easy to carry on your back and feels comfortable, so you won't feel tired even if you carry it all day long. I'm also happy that it's easy to pack and that there aren't many other people using it. When I'm working as a guide, I use the more all-rounder Freescape Pro 40, and when I'm on a private mountain trip where I can share communal equipment, I use the Deuter FREERIDER 30.
Reviewer
Kuroda Mountain Guide Office | Makoto Kuroda
With a small group of private guides, we will support you on a mountain trip full of originality that suits each level. We provide services that value not only skiing but also the spirit of travel.
GREGORY | Verte 24
Freeride's hipbelt moves with your body, giving you freedom of movement and support with just the right amount of tension. Gregory's signature hydration sleeve, back panel with snow removal function, vintage zipper with side gussets, durable padded front pocket for storing avalanche gear, and zipper pulls and buckles that are easy to open and close even with gloves on make it extremely easy to use. .
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/
“Used on tours with short hikes and mainly riding” | Rhythm Works Tatsuta Asahi
Used on tours with short hikes and mostly riding. I like the hipbelt, which looks like a goggle strap, and the simple design, making it easy to move around in. It's compact and can store not only avalanche gear, but also emergency equipment.
Reviewer
Rhythm Works | Ryuta Asahi
Climb the mountain throughout the four seasons in accordance with the rhythm of nature. A multi-purpose mountain guide who conveys the appeal of a wide range of mountains, from general traverses to variation routes, mountain climbing to backcountry riding.
Haglöfs ｜ROC Nordic 30
Featuring a separate compartment for safety gear and a main compartment with an innovative opening for wide, easy access.
Capacity: 30ℓ
Size (height x width x depth): 55 x 27 x 22cm
Weight: 1,297g
Color: True Black
¥48,400
◆ Official HP / https://haglofs.jp/
“Various conveniences!”｜GRANIX mountain guide Satoshi Arakawa
Separate compartment for storing snow safety equipment and wide main compartment for easy access. Furthermore, the fully open back is convenient. There is also a side compression that allows you to freely select the height.
Reviewer
GRANIX mountain guide | Satoshi Arakawa
Hoping they mainly operate in the mountainous areas of Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture. In the summer, he works as a mountain climbing guide and shows around mountain areas in Japan. Guide experience: 13 years
GREGORY ｜TARGHEE45
Back access to main compartment. Made of highly abrasion-resistant and snow-resistant material, flexible outer frame, all-round compression, front avalanche safety pocket, and stowable/adjustable helmet carry. The ski carry is compatible with diagonal and A-frames. There is also a shoulder harness that allows you to pass the hydration tube through.
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: Alaska Blue
￥37,400
◆Official website/ https://www.gregory.jp/
"It's comfortable to carry on your back and fits well, so you won't get swayed by your luggage while skiing." | Infield Toyokazu Nakano
As a backcountry backpack, it fits shovels and probes very well. The guide has enough capacity to store the necessary gear, and the back is fully open, making it easy to put in and take out gear. Of course, it's comfortable to carry and fits well, so you won't get swayed by your luggage while skiing.
Reviewer
Infield ｜ Toyokazu NAKANO
After 10 years of experience after moving to Myoko Kogen, he started "Infield" in 2006. Currently, he works as a backcountry tour guide and telemark ski instructor in the winter, and as a mountain climbing/trekking guide and sea kayak guide in the summer.
Klattermusen ｜Trud 44L
Light and sturdy, perfect
The original 210 denier ripstop
fabric is water resistant to 10,000 mm and is extremely durable. Side zipper allows easy access to the main compartment. Compression is also possible with a one-roll top. Ski attachment and hydration system adopted. A lightweight load transfer system, 4-Ssystem, with quick-release buckle and latest chest strap function provides high adjustability and control.
Capacity: 44ℓ
Size (height x width x depth): 69 x 29 x 27cm
Weight: 980g
Color: Raven (Burnt Russet 2 colors)
¥63,800
◆Official website/ https://klattermusen.jp/
“It stands out with its cool and cool design and colors!”｜CIRCLE GAME guide service Shohei Sasaki
A lightweight and large capacity alpine backpack. Even though it weighs less than 1 kg, my shoulders don't hurt even when I carry more than 10 kg of luggage on my back, which is very helpful. There's plenty of room to store your avalanche gear, and the main compartment can be accessed in two ways: from the top, which opens and closes with a single action, and from the side zipper. Above all, the cool and cool design and color are sure to make you stand out! !
Reviewer
CIRCLE GAME guide service | Shohei Sasaki
Born in Nanae Town, Hokkaido, and based in Sapporo, he works as a backcountry ski guide in the winter and guides a wide range of Hokkaido's nature in the summer. I like to combine climbing and skiing.
PLUS ONE WORKS｜IRWAK 38
*Deployment back access until 2023-24
, rain cover that can hold 2 goggles is removable. The 3DS shoulder strap and 3DET frame, which are designed to suit the Japanese body shape, reduce the weight of luggage and hinder movement when gliding, while the CS waist harness has a fit that wraps around the pelvis to prevent the luggage from swaying, making it easier to slide. Quality can be maintained. Ideal for 1-day tours.
Capacity: 38ℓ
Weight: 1800g
Size (back length): 50cm
Color: Navy (Olive, Coke Red, 3 colors)
¥26,400
◆ Official HP / https://www.full-marks.com/plusoneworks
“No unnecessary shaking and no stress from sliding” | Spur Akita Mountain Guide Service Mariko Sato
You can feel a sense of unity with your body, there is no unnecessary shaking when sliding, and there is no stress during sliding. I like the usability of the storage and rear access, as well as the design and color, so I use it.
Reviewer
Spur Akita Mountain Guide Service | Mariko Sato
I competed in alpine competitions until high school, and then moved on to basic skiing. Has participated in the All Japan Ski Technical Championship. For some reason, I became fascinated with mountain skiing, and with the aim of becoming a guide, I studied at the International Natural Environment Outdoor College (i-nac) and became a professional guide.
PLUS ONE WORKS｜SHUMARI 35 EVO
"EVO", which will be released in the 2024-25 season, uses 100% recycled polyester material ECOPAK fabric to reduce weight. Convenient roll-top gear rack stores safety gear in its own compartment. Back access, pocket for 2 goggles. The shoulder straps and frame are designed to fit the Japanese body shape, reducing the weight of the luggage and hindering movement when sliding, and the waist harness hugs the pelvis to prevent the luggage from swaying.
Capacity: 35ℓ
Weight: 1700g
Size (back length): 50cm
Color: Coyote (Black, 2 colors)
¥36,300
◆ Official HP / https://www.full-marks.com/plusoneworks
“Rigidity reduces the burden on the body and allows you to spend a comfortable day” | COLOR SPORT CLUB Tomohiro Sagawa
The rigidity of the backpack reduces the strain on the body from carrying it on the back for long periods of time, and improves slipping.
The advantage of not shaking and the sense of stability that prevents your body from tiring make it a perfect backpack. The simple structure also makes it convenient to have a separate room for storing gear that gets snowy, such as shovels and probes, including climbing skins, and a room for storing belongings that you don't want snow to get into. There is a dedicated pocket for storing the equipment you need for the backcountry, and the roll-type access port is useful for storing everything from helmets to crampons and when you have more luggage.
It has a very good design, with rear access and a long back. The slim structure of the backpack itself makes it ideal for skating, where the center of gravity is closer to the body. Even if you are forced to change from climbing skins to crampons, the backpack will hold and hold your skis securely, so you won't feel the added weight of carrying them on your back.
I also use SHUMARI 50 (50ℓ).
Reviewer
COLOR SPORT CLUB | Tomohiro Tonegawa
A trailblazer who built the backcountry scene that continues to this day. Since the early 1990s, he has turned his attention to off-piste areas and pioneered the mountain ski scene in the harsh winter months. Even after achieving field development throughout Hakuba, which has become synonymous with the company, pioneer work continues.
SALOMON｜MTN45
Developed based on a trail running pack, it allows for quick hydration, and is characterized by ease of movement and excellent stability. Designed with a focus on storage, from the integrated compartment to the large stash pocket and adjustable ski carrier and gear loops.
Capacity: 30ℓ
Weight: 1311g
Size: 58 x 28 x 25cm
Color: Glass Hoper (4 colors: Navy, Silver, Coke Red)
¥26,400
◆ Official HP / https://salomon.jp/
“It’s multi-functional and very helpful!” | Mountain Guide Coyote Ryuta Furuichi
The luggage compartment can be opened directly from the back, making it easy to take out items stored under the backpack. There are pockets on both shoulders, which are useful for storing radios and small items. It is very useful because it is lightweight.
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 in order to live in the majestic island of Hokkaido. In order to feel closer to nature and practice a lifestyle that does not impact the environment, he founded Mountain Guide Coyote. I love skiing down snowy mountains on telemark skis.