Best Snowboarding Backpacks

‍How to Choose the Best Snowboard Backpack

As mentioned above, there are many advanced features available nowadays, but what are the must-have features for the best snowboard backpack? Let’s find out.

Size

The size of your backpack matters on how long of a ski trip you are going on. For example, a snowboard backpack with a capacity of 10-20L is perfect for snowboarding in a resort and 20-30L for backcountry riders that have a lot of gear. In contrast, 40-50L is for professional snowboarders going for trips longer than a day and staying at camps or outdoors.

Length

The length of the backpack matters as well. Ideally, a backpack the length of your torso is recommended. Any longer than that will be difficult to carry, and the weight would not be distributed comfortably. Many snowboard backpacks are compact and come in only one-size-fits-all. In contrast, some brands have different size options available (S, M, and L) with adjustable straps.

Material

The best snowboard backpack is made of 3 types of material, varying in price and durability. Polyester is a common material for sports equipment; it is durable and perfect for winter activities as it has insulating properties and dries out quickly. It can also withstand long hours under the sun without any degradation.

Next is nylon. It is the best choice for snowboard backpacks. It is strong, durable, sturdy, and can withstand the rough terrain longer than other materials. It is also stretchy and more expensive than other materials available.

Polypropylene is also used as a backpack material. It is cheaper and water-resistant. Although, it isn’t UV resistant and thus not durable.

Avalanche Airbags

Another beneficial feature of the best snowboard backpack is an avalanche airbag. The avalanche airbag protects you in case of an avalanche. It protects your head from 3 sides and makes sure not to suffer from head or chest trauma. It also keeps you near the surface of the avalanche so you can easily dig around and help others that are stuck. A backpack with this feature costs more than $1000, but it’s worth the investment if you frequently go for backcountry riding.

Water Resistance

Another must-have feature for snowboard backpacks is water resistance. Since you will be constantly exposed to water and snow, you need a backpack that doesn’t absorb water and dries out quickly to protect your gear and snacks.

Avalung

An avalung is another safety feature in snowboard backpacks. It is a shoulder contraption with a mouthpiece in the front, which helps you breathe under the snow if you get buried because of an avalanche. The snorkel or mouthpiece extends your air supply by pushing the used air from an opening at the bottom of the backpack. It gives you more time to get found. This feature is only useful for professional backcountry snowboarders.

Gear Carry System

The basic purpose of any snowboard backpack is the ability to carry your gear and other essential accessories that you might need during your trip. This includes your snowboard, helmet, goggles, gloves, avalanche gear, and much more. Ideally, your backpack should be able to fit all that. The backpack should also have multiple attachment points so you can easily pack your gear and reach for it immediately.

Now that you know all the must-have features for the snowboarding backpack, let’s look at some of the best snowboarding backpacks:

Best Snowboard Backpacks

BCA Stash 30 backpack

The BCA Stash 30 snowboard backpack is an all-in-one essential for your skiing and snowboarding trips. The backpack is made from strong and durable nylon material and thus is perfect for backcountry and out-of-board trips. The backpack consists of multiple compartments to store your gear comfortably, and with compression straps and load lifters, the gear is secure.

The backpack also has fleece-lined goggles and hip belt pockets available. Moreover, it has a wire support frame. It also has pockets available for avalanche gear, such as a shovel and probe.

Features

It has a height-adjustable weight belt.
Perfect for all-day ski tours.
Has room for storing all necessary equipment, tools, and snacks.

Black Diamond JetForce Pro Split

The Black Diamond JetForce Pro Split is the best snowboard backpack available. It is equipped with the JetForce innovative technology and features an avalanche airbag with PIEPS technology. The PIEPS technology makes the bag lighter and compact and adds Bluetooth capabilities. The bag is rechargeable and consists of water storage compartments.

The software can be downloaded on your smartphone, and you can personalize the settings. The backpack also has extra layers, an avy-tool pocket, a tuck-away ski attachment system, and much more. You can also purchase a 10, 25, or 35-liter booster pack and attach it to the JetForce system.

Features

Rechargeable and travel-friendly.
Pockets for the hip belt, helmet, and other accessories.
You can adjust the height according to your preference.
The Bluetooth connectivity enables you to update the software system with your phone quickly.

Osprey Kamber 30

The Osprey Kamber 30 is the best snowboard backpack and is perfect for backcountry skiing and out-of-board snowboarding. It is a lightweight and durable backpack made from nylon material. The backpack is divided into multiple compartments where you can attach your helmet, avy-tools, and snowboard. It also has a built-in hip belt, goggles, and hydration pockets for easy access.

The Osprey Kamber 30 has a lightweight peripheral frame with an HDPE frame sheet. It also provides easy back panel access with dual zippers for dry and hydration storage. The extra load can be stabilized with lower and upper side compression straps.

Features

The contoured EVA harness has built-in GPS attachment points, sternum strap, and hydration sleeve.
Accessible avy-gear pocket
Reduced ice and snow build-up due to snow shedding material.

Gonex Ski Boot Bag 50L

The Gonex Ski Book Bag is perfect for both skiing and snowboarding purposes. The bag is designed to easily store your gear without any space and weight issues. The bag is made of a strong and durable 1200D PVC material that is also water-resistant and doesn’t get soaked. The backpack has compartments for goggles, gloves, ski gear, helmets, and much more.

The back support helps distribute the weight equally and keeps the backpack stable. It also has a boot pad that keeps your feet dry when changing boots in the snow. It also has a quick-access side pocket for a hat, gloves, and mat.

Features

It has an individual snow helmet compartment.
Strong top grip and ergonomic handle.
Water-resistant and dirt-resistant material.
EVA padded mesh back panel for comfort.

Jones DSCNT 32L

The Jones DSCNT is the best snowboard backpack and is designed to provide ease on your skiing and snowboarding trips. The backpack has multiple compartments for carrying multiple boards, helmets, and dual ice axe loops. The bag also has many pockets for dual hip belts, goggles, avy tools, back panel cargo access, a hydro pocket, and an internal zipper.

The Jones DSCNT backpack is also compatible with the MAMMUT removable 3.0 airbag system, and thus you can simply attach it if you are going for backcountry riding.

Features

Reflective strap accents so that you are visible in the dark.
It has multiple fleece-lined pockets for storing helmets, gloves, goggles, and more.
It has an integrated safety whistle.
It is made from nylon.

Evoc Black Line - 28 Litre

The Evoc Black Line snowboard backpack is perfect for freeriding and mountain activities. The backpack is perfect for technical use and offers enough space for you to easily store essential items and gear. It also has a quick-access avalanche compartment within reach for emergencies. The bag is of 28 litre capacity and is wide enough to fully cover your upper body. It is available in multiple colors and can accommodate up to a 3L hydration system.

Features

It has a helmet holder strap.
Webbing loops and hip belt pocket.
It also has attachment systems for snowboard, snowshoes, skis, etc.
Extra-wide technical backpack.
Quick-access avalanche compartment.

GregoryTarghee 26L Backpack

The GregoryTarghee 26L backpack is perfect for winter enthusiasts that love to go on skiing and snowboarding trips. It is equipped with a VertFlex suspension system that ensures that the backpack is stable even at vertical feet. The best snowboard backpack is made with sturdy and durable material that is snow-shedding and water-resistant.

It has high-density foam at the back panel and waist belt for added comfort. It also has pockets for avy gear like probe and shovel. You can also keep your snowboards and skis diagonally or in an A-frame. It also supports a hydration sleeve with an insulated hose that makes the backpack suitable for cold weather.

Features

2 pockets; 1 with zippered top and 1 zippered front avalanche safety.
Small and compact backpack design that has ample storage space.
The top pocket is ideal for storing snacks, goggles, gloves, etc.
Sturdy frame sheet and wire-reinforced stability.

Deuter Freerider Pro 30

If you are looking for a sturdy and durable backpack for technical use and freeriding, then the Deuter Freerider Pro 30 is the perfect backpack for you. The backpack is made up of snow-shedding fabric; thus, it’s easy to clean. Since it can carry medium to heavy load, the Alpine Back System keeps the weight distributed, even in the rough terrain, and provides comfort.

It has ergonomically designed s-shaped shoulder straps that are comfortable, and the soft stripe pads on the back adapt to the wearer’s posture.

Features

Multiple pockets, compartments, and gear attachments.
Easy access full-zip back opening.
Removable hip belt.
Helmet holder.

Dakine Heli Pro 20L

The Dakine Heli Pro might not be your best choice for backcountry riding, but it’s perfect for snowboarding and skiing trips at resorts. It is made from a sturdy and durable 600D polyester material, which is quick-drying and stretchable. The backpack also has ample space and compartments to store snowboarding gear and other accessories.

It can carry your snowboard vertically and also has fleece-lined pockets for goggles and gloves. It also has a built-in rescue whistle attached to the sternum strap.

Features

Compatible with a hydration sleeve.
It also has a non-padded laptop sleeve.
Carries the skiboard diagonally.
Fleece-lined pockets and multiple storage compartments.

Burton Sidehill 18L Backpack

The Burton Sidehill is another low-profile snow backpack but is among the best snowboard backpacks available. It has ample space to hold basic accessories like a helmet, goggles, gloves, avalanche safety tools, and much more. It is an eco-friendly snowboard backpack and is made from bluesign certified materials that use only safe chemicals in manufacturing.

It also has an ergonomic back panel with adjustable straps and a sternum strap with a built-in rescue whistle, providing added comfort and accessibility. The backpack is also equipped with side compression straps that help in distributing the weight and keeping it stable during snowboarding.

Features

Compatible with a hydration sleeve.
Fleece-lined pockets for storing goggles and other accessories.
It has built-in attachment loops for a helmet.
Can carry snowboard in A-frame and vertical frame.

Now that you know all about the best snowboard backpacks, you can make a well-informed decision before going on one of your outdoor excursions. You can find snowboarding backpacks in multiple price ranges and varieties; the main difference among them is the quality of the backpack and the features provided.

Suppose you are a professional snowboarder who frequently goes on backcountry laps for more than a day. In that case, you need a backpack with all the safety features like an avalanche system, multiple compartments, durable material, etc.

For others, basic features and smaller-size backpacks are recommended. A sturdy backpack can make your snowboarding trip 10x times more comfortable and convenient. We hope this article helped!