``I want to buy a new backpack this season'' ``Last season I rented one for my first guided tour, so this year I want my own.'' For skiers and snowboarders, BC professional guides confidently recommend these excellent and easy-to-use backpacks for 1-day tours. And why did you choose it?
*Click on the guide club name for detailed information on the guide club.
ARC'TERYX｜Microcomputer 32
A backpack optimized for portability, weather protection, and organization for backcountry tours. Made with tough alpine conditions in mind, it's made from strong N210r HT nylon and N400r-AC² ripstop for durability and weather resistance, with WaterTight™ zippers.
I'm looking forward to new colors being added throughout the season.
Capacity: 32ℓ
Weight: 970g
Size: REG
Color: Euphoria (Black, 2 colors)
¥37,400
◆Official website / https://arcteryx.jp/
“Not only is it comfortable to carry on your back, but the center of gravity does not shift to the back” | TERUI DAICHI Daichi Terui
Arc'teryx's "Microcontroller 32". Not only is it comfortable to carry, but the shape of the pack is designed to keep the center of gravity from shifting to the back. Like the Micom 42, a helmet holder and ice ax can also be attached. It's simple, but the ease of access to each compartment is great.
Reviewer
Daichi Terui
While attending university, he aspired to become a mountain guide and studied under international mountain guide Hirofumi Ishizaka. Upon graduating from university, he became a certified guide by the Japan Mountain Guide Association. Since his early 20s, he has experienced heli-ski guide training in Northern Europe, mountain climbing in the European Alps, and ski touring.
“Recommended for women and small people” | JUNRINA mountain service Jun Nagai
There are regular and short back length sizes, and it is also recommended for women and petite people. It holds a lot of stuff considering it's 32L. It can be used for 1-day tours as well as overnight stays at mountain huts in the backcountry of Tateyama. It's also nice that you can customize it with a silicone band.
Reviewer
JUNRINA mountain service ｜ Jun Nagai
After quitting his job and working at Tateyama Raichoso, he underwent guide training and started activities as JUNRINA mountain service in 2010. Experienced in many overseas backcountry trips. In the summer and fall, he works as a mountain climbing guide mainly in the Alps and Joshinetsu, and in the winter and spring he works as a backcountry ski guide.
BCA｜STASH PRO 22
The newly released backcountry pack is based on the features of the Float E2 pack. Lightweight and designed to fit your body, making it comfortable even for long periods of use. Made of highly durable nylon fabric, it has convenient side stash pockets and plenty of storage space. The ski attachment can be 2-way: A-frame or diagonal. Available in 2 sizes.
Capacity: 22ℓ
Weight: S/M: 2.39 lb / 1084 g M/L: 2.45 lb / 1111 g
Size: S/M,M/L
Color: Black
¥36,300
◆Official website/ https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/
“The curved back fits your back so you don’t get tired” | Kagura Powder Station Kazuya Igarashi
Equipped with a side stash pocket, wet stickers, coutos, bottles, etc. can be stored separately and easily taken out. The curved back fits your back and prevents shaking and fatigue. Light and durable.
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.
BLACK DIAMOND | Dawn Patrol 32
Equipped with a wealth of functions, the 32ℓ is suitable for one-day tours. The front avalanche tool pocket can store items such as a hydration system, soft flask, and small radio. The back panel can be fully opened with a zipper, allowing for easy loading and unloading of luggage. Made from 100% recycled fabric.
Capacity: S/M=30ℓ, M/L=32ℓ
Size (height x width x depth): S/M (back length = 41-48cm), M/L (back length = 47-55cm) cm
Weight: 1200g
Color: Storm blue (black, 2 colors)
¥31,130
◆ Official HP / https://www.lostarrow.co.jp/store/c/c10/
“A design specific to the backcountry is good”｜KinTouN Backcountry Guide Kenichi Minegishi
The capacity is just right. Designed specifically for the backcountry. The waist belt pocket is large and very convenient to use.
reviewer
KinTouN Backcountry Guide (KinTouN)
Backcountry guide since 2003. Hosts a members-only club and camp in an old folk house called Kaze no Tani in Yamakita Town in western Kanagawa Prefecture. Together with members connected through the backcountry, they are building campsites and playgrounds in the mountains using DIY methods.
Deuter｜FREERIDER PRO 32+ SL
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: 32+10ℓ
Size (height x width x depth): 58 / 35 / 18cm
Weight: 1280g
Color: Glove x Mineral (black, 2 colors in total)
¥33,000
◆Official website/ https://www.iwatani-primus.co.jp/products/deuter/index.html
“Especially recommended for short people and women”｜WARP Arima Arata
I have been using Deuter backpacks for 25 years since I started guiding. Starting with "FREERIDER PRO30", I have used three generations up to the current model, and the current model uses green and black. The reason I use two is that I use them for about 100 days a season, so by using them alternately, I can use them for a long time.
For short people and women, we recommend the FREERIDER PRO 32+ SL. This should be enough for about 2 nights. (If staying at a mountain hut, etc.)
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.
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/
“A short hike and a riding-based tour” | Rhythm Works Tatsuta Asahi
I use it on tours where hiking is short and mostly riding. I like the hip belt, which looks like a goggle strap, and the simple design, which makes it easy to move around, and how compact it 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. The fully open back is convenient when setting up the Solit board in a backpack. The side compression allows you to freely select the height to match the board or snowshoe when you are skiing, wearing snowshoes, or hiking up an A-frame.
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
Klättermusen ｜Ull Backpack 30L
A lightweight ski touring backpack designed for half-day or full-day missions. Ergonomically designed. The original 210 denier ripstop fabric is water resistant to 10,000mm. It has a simple structure that opens and closes with a drawcord, and a closure system that can be opened and closed with one hand, making it easy to load items from the top. Compression is also possible with a one-roll top. The loop webbing on the outside allows you to attach all kinds of equipment such as poles and ice axes.
Capacity: 30ℓ
Size (height x width x depth): 58 x 29 x 16cm
Weight: 843g
Color: Snow Burnt Russet (6 colors in total)
¥57,200
◆Official website/ https://klattermusen.jp/
“The roll top can be compressed according to the amount of luggage, which is convenient” | CIRCLE GAME guide service Shohei Sasaki
This is a smaller capacity model of Klättermusen's ``Trud 44ℓ''. Since there is no rain cover and it is a roll top, you can compress it according to the amount of luggage. Recommended for its lightweight and comfortable carrying.
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.
MAMUUT｜Nirvana 30
Equipped with full access from the back, jacket carrying system, safety gear storage front pocket, hydration system compatible, removable padded hip belt, integrated helmet carrier, etc. Excellent fit. It also features the use of recycled materials. The attachment of the ski can be 2way of A frame diagonal.
Capacity: 30ℓ
Weight: 1,350g
Size (height x width x depth): 52.5 / 28 / 15.5cm
Color: sapphire-black (black, hot red-black, 3 colors in total)
¥30,800
◆ Official HP / https://www.mammut.jp/
“I wanted one myself, so I can recommend it to my customers as well.” | Spur Akita Mountain Guide Service Mariko Sato
It's highly functional and seems easy to use. It fit my body well and looked clean, so I wanted it myself, so I thought I might be able to recommend it to my customers.
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.
OSPREY | Solden 32
The fit is excellent while providing sufficient capacity. She is a popular model that receives high praise from users who place particular emphasis on slippage. She has very good balance, and by dispersing the load, you won't feel the weight when carrying it on your back. Two-chamber structure with rear access and rain cover. There is also a small storage space on the waist belt, which is convenient for storing food and small items. The 2023/24 model uses 100% Bluesign® certified recycled fabric and PFAS-free DWR processing.
Capacity: 32ℓ
Weight: 1,150g
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 54/ 31/28cm
Color: Black (Artisan Yellow, 2 colors in total)
¥26,400
◆Official HP ／https://www.lostarrow.co.jp/store/c/c20/
“Design that is easy to carry and pays close attention to detail” | Makoto Kuroda, Kuroda Mountain Guide Office
I think this is a standard product for products in the world. It's easy to carry, and I think it's designed with great attention to detail.
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.
Patagonia | Descensionist Snow Pack 37L
The gear room and rain cover are integrated, and the entire structure can be compressed, so your body won't be shaken, and the design features a design that allows you to move quickly while storing a large amount of luggage. The sturdy surface material has sufficient resistance to bad weather and friction, and while maintaining the quality of the run, it is also lightweight and comfortable for climbing.
Capacity: 37ℓ
Weight: 1460g
Size: S, M, L
Color: Dulse Mauve (Forge Gray, 2 colors)
¥39,600
“Simple construction, lightweight, and easy access from the side zip” | RIKI JAPOW GUIDE Riki Nakajima
It has a simple construction and is extremely lightweight, but the padding on the back and shoulders are sturdy. The fabric is crisp and durable, so it's easy to use and doesn't get "henya". Up until now, I had only chosen backpacks with a back opening for backcountry use, and I thought that access from the side zips was insufficient, but when I actually used them, I found that even just access from the sides was especially important. I didn't feel any inconvenience.
Reviewer
RIKI JAPOW GUIDE | Riki Nakajima
Obtained CSIA instructor qualification in Canada and the first Japanese CFSA freeski instructor qualification. He has expanded his activities from free ski competitions to backcountry areas, and currently provides guidance and lessons based at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Ski Resort.
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 has a better effect on 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 snow-covered gear such as shovels and probes, including climbing skins, and a separate room for 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.
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.
Rab｜Khroma 30
British-born brand Rab. The top tensioner stabilizes the load and the bottom compression tightens the entire pack, giving it a sense of stability both when running and climbing. With back panel access, diagonal and A-frame carry compatibility, gear loops and equipment organization functions, it's easy to use.
Capacity: 30ℓ
Weight: 1,220g
Size (back length): 54 x 30 x 25cm
Color: Coyote (Black, 2 colors)
¥39,600
◆Official website/ https://www.landr.life/rabtop
“Storage and rear access are sufficient, making it easy to move quickly.”｜Masaaki Sato
The equipment fits well and the rear access is smooth, so I think it will be easier to take quick action or take action when needed without any hassle.
Reviewer
Masaaki Sato
Became familiar with skiing from an early age and gained experience in competitive and basic skiing, moved to Hakuba Village at the age of 20, and began to focus on backcountry skiing at the age of 24. After gaining experience at Port Snow Hakuba and Power Zone Hakuba, he became independent.
SALOMON｜MTN30
Developed based on Salomon's trail running pack, it offers great freedom of movement, stability and comfort. Full zip for easy access from the back, highly waterproof fabric, and hydration system.
Capacity: 30ℓ
Weight: 911g
Size (height x width x depth): 56 x 26 x 22cm
Color: Fiery Red/Fiery Red (Black/White, 2 colors)
¥22,000
◆ Official HP / https://salomon.jp/
“Light and convenient storage, perfect for one-day tours” | 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. In addition to these reasons, we recommend it because it has a capacity of 30 liters, which is just the right size for a 1-day BC tour. It's also nice that the main cargo area is separated from wet items such as shovels and probes.
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.