13 Best Snowboarding Backpacks [Personal Experience!] 2023 -

Hey fellow snowboarder! If you’re looking for the best snowboarding backpacks, you’re exactly at the right place.

I often get dehydrated when I snowboard and sometimes at the top, I want to have my lunch, chomp on chocolate and admire the view!

The type of backpack you need will depend on your use.

But generally, the best snowboarding backpacks should have a lightweight frame to avoid unnecessary weight on your body. A good backpack should also be durable and waterproof to protect you from snow and rain.

If it sounds like too much information to process, well, it kind of is. But not to worry, I’ve done the hard part for you!

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Top 3 Best Snowboarding Backpacks

In case you’re in a hurry and just want the best of the best, check out my top picks :

Best Snowboarding Backpacks On A Budget: Burton Day Hiker 25L Backpack

The Burton Day Hiker 25L Backpack is at a great price point, and versatile enough to be used daily.

It’s a real value for money with its multiple storage features and standard snowboard amenities like a goggle pocket, vertical board carry, and an avalanche gear pocket.

Best Snowboarding Backpacks To Splurge On: Deuter Freescape Pro 40+ Ski Tour Backpack

If you’re going to go all out and get something that will be worthy and lasts you for years, the Deuter Freescape Pro 40+ Ski Tour Backpack is the way to go.

With more than 40L capacity, you can store tons of things and use this bag for days.

It comes with an all-round zipper, multiple storage compartments, and a dedicated avalanche rescue compartment.

Best Snowboarding Backpacks Overall: Dakine Team Poacher 32L

If the fact that professional skiers Chris Benchetler and Sammy Carlson use this backpack is not reason enough, you’ll be sold with its large 32L capacity and multiple storage compartments.

The bag also allows you to carry your snowboard in multiple ways and has a dedicated radio handset storage for easy access.

13 Best Snowboarding Backpacks

1. Dakine Team Poacher 32L

The Dakine Team Poacher 32L has the performance and functionality to match its fashionable design and is the go-to pack for professional skiers Chris Benchetler and Sammy Carlson.

With a 32L capacity, you’ll have more than enough room for additional clothing, food, and equipment.

You can carry your skis or snowboard in a variety of ways, and there are loops for your ice axe or split board poles.

This Dakine snowboard backpack also has a pocket for your radio handset so you can easily stay communicated and store them away when you don’t need them.

What’s Great

Comes with multiple compartments to stash your items safely
Side & hip belt pockets for easy storage of small stuff
Oversized fleece-lined goggle pocket, so your goggles don’t get scratched
Snow tool/shovel pocket
Large capacity at 32L, allowing you to take more items with you

What’s Not

Might be a little heavy for some

2. Dakine Mission Pro 18 Liter

The Dakine Mission Pro 18 Liter has a convenient size for the track and advanced features for quick side-country excursions, such as snowboard carrying straps, an avalanche toolbox, a hydration sleeve, and an insulated shoulder strap that keeps the tube from freezing.

This is the best backpack if you’re seeking the best little ski backpack that is light and comfy enough that you won’t notice as you tear through inbounds laps but can carry all you need for quick tours at a moment’s notice.

If you want more protection when hitting a jump, it’s also compatible with Dakine’s spine protector.

What’s Great

Compact and great for day use
Fleece-lined goggle pocket keeps your goggles scratch-free
Avalanche airbags in case of an emergency (this helps keep you above the snow)

What’s Not

Not suitable for longer days

3. Burton Day Hiker 25L Backpack

The Burton Day Hiker 25L Backpack is at a great price point and versatile enough to be used daily. It’s one of the best backcountry snowboard backpack.

Skateboards may be attached to the snowboard straps of this Burton snowboard backpack, much like snowboards, and the pack contains a cushioned area for a laptop or hydration bladder.

Additionally, it has a tablet pocket, a water bottle pocket, and standard snowboard amenities like a goggle pocket, vertical board carry, and an avalanche gear pocket. It is practical and adaptable, allowing you to carry all your goods while saving money.

What’s Great

Versatile
Internal zippered mesh – always underrated but is always really great for you to store things you want to find quickly
Side water bottle pocket for easy access to rehydrate
Fleece-lined goggle pocket to keep your goggles safe

What’s Not

Not waterproof

4. Osprey Kamber 20 Ski Backpack

The Osprey Kamber 20 Ski Backpack is the perfect minimalist snowpack when you’re looking for the best snowboarding backpack that balances a combination of mobility and carrying capacity.

Convenient features:

Quick-access avy pocket
Wet/dry gear storage in the main compartment
Insulated hydration sleeve
Snowshed back panel
Glove-friendly buckles and zipper pulls
Scratch-free goggle pocket
Helmet carry for steamy ascents

It also provides choices for carrying both skis and snowboards.

The cushioned hipbelt and curved shoulder straps offer a comfortable carry when forging a path toward distant summits and provide a sturdy fit for vigorous descents even when fully laden.

Also, I absolutely love that this backpack is made from sustainable materials!

What’s Great

Snow-shedding materials, so your bag stays dry
Vertical front panel and horizontal snowboard carry for you to take your snowboard whichever way you like
A full-on avalanche safety kit to keep you safe – airbags, shovel handle, and probe sleeves included

What’s Not

A little small – not suitable if you’re a heavy packer

5. Deuter Freescape Pro 40+ Ski Tour Backpack

This is an absolute dream of a backpack for snowboarding, especially for overnight trips.

The Deuter Freescape Pro has more than 40L of room. You can carry all your necessary things with room for extras.

There are two large back pockets with a cover that closes firmly over them, as well as two little additional side pockets for your phone, or anything small.

The back is designed to handle a helmet, two ice axes, and crampons. And the soft stripe shoulder padding helps this bag float pleasantly on your back.

This bag’s main fabric is 100% recycled and bluesign-certified.

What’s Great

Super large capacity at 40L enabling you to carry more things and use them for longer periods of time
Back zipper goes around, so you don’t have to unzip the entire bag to access it
Made of recycled nylon material, which is not only great for the environment but also waterproof
Detachable helmet holder for you to fix your helmet on without having to lug it around in your hands
Fleece-lined goggles pocket to keep your goggles scratch-free
A dedicated avalanche rescue compartment and a slot for you to store an ice clipper in case the unthinkable happens

What’s Not

Not suitable for everyday usage (due to the size)

6. Dakine Heli Pro 20L Backpack

The Dakine Heli Pro 20L Backpack is constructed of a solid, durable 600D polyester material that’s also quick-drying and stretchy. It’s a great choice when you’re looking for snowboard backpack waterproof features.

The backpack offers enough pockets and room to hold various supplies, such as snowboarding equipment. And the design incorporates both a vertical snowboard carry and a diagonal ski carry system, allowing you to trek up and into challenging terrain while wearing your gear.

The Dakine Heli Pro 20L Backpack has a sternum strap, cushioned waist belt, and hydration compatibility to keep you secure and discrete while aggressively shredding.

For security, there is a rescue whistle on the sternum strap.

The Dakine Heli Pro 20L Backpack also comes in 18+ fun colors and patterns to choose from!

What’s Great

Compact pack with many features
Comes with a rescue whistle in case you get lost and need to signal your friends
Has both vertical and horizontal snowboard carry so you can carry them any way you like
The back is padded for comfort and is also quick dry so you don’t feel wet snow on your back

What’s Not

You need to take it off when riding the lift

7. Ortovox Free Rider 22

The Ortovox Free Rider 22 is a small but punchy backpack with all the requirements of the best snowboarding backpack checked off.

A helmet net, ice axe attachments, carrying choices for skis and snowboards, and a designated safety compartment for your avalanche gear are all standard equipment.

The hydration bladder in this backpack will make for a far more convenient alternative to a water bottle.

The lighter-colored fabric used inside is a distinctive characteristic not usually seen in backpacks. It makes finding your equipment much more manageable.

What’s Great

Light colors inside help make your things more visible and easier to find
Comes with an integrated helmet net for you to store your helmet
A map compartment so you can keep your map within reach and not get lost
Additional loops for you to place ice axe and hiking poles

What’s Not

Slightly higher price point

8. Oakley Voyager Backpack

The Oakley Voyager Backpack is durable and stylish with a sleek look.

It is made of recycled, water-resistant Nylon, which helps keep your bag dry even in the snow.

A rear mesh panel, side pockets, a top-loading design with webbing and buckle closure, and an eyewear compartment to safeguard your eyewear are all included in this bag.

The adjustable shoulder straps on this bag make it more comfortable to carry heavy loads.

What’s Great

Water repellent features
It’s got a dedicated eyewear pocket so you can keep them safe
Convenient side pockets with stopper for easy access to your things

What’s Not

Can feel a little bulky

9. Oakley Enduro 3.0 Big Backpack

Oakley Enduro 3.0 Big Backpack is a high-quality backpack with a great price point. The all-purpose backpack functions well for snowboarding days and days off the mountain, making it a top choice in backcountry snowboarding backpacks.

The bag is made from water-repellent materials, so you can rest assured your stuff won’t get wet when you’re in slushy weather. Padded shoulder straps and a back panel have been added by Oakley’s for increased comfort.

These are both padded laptop sleeves and padded eyewear compartments to keep your equipment and eyewear safe.

What’s Great

Water repellent features
Padded laptop and eyewear compartment to keep your equipment and eyewear safe

What’s Not

Doesn’t hold much stuff

10. CamelBak M.U.L.E. Hydration Backpack

The CamelBak M.U.L.E. Hydration Backpack main feature is the hydration bag compartment. The compartment and the tube are thermally insulated to keep the water from freezing on the coldest winter days.

This bag is ideal for short days or when you’re at a resort and just need to carry around a few small items while keeping yourself hydrated.

What’s Great

3L Hydration bag included so you don’t need to pack a separate water bottle
Dedicated space for helmet

What’s Not

Small capacity

11. The North Face Recon Backpack

You’ll own and shred in this low-profile, water-resistant, large-capacity best snowboard pack for years to come.

The North Face Recon Backpack has a lot of room for organization between the front zipped pocket and the large internal pocket. The 31 liters of space should be more than adequate for most snowboarders.

Custom injection-molded shoulder straps and a well-designed, padded back panel are used in the FlexVent suspension system. Even the back panel has a built-in spine channel for additional support!

Finally, a padded, 15-inch laptop sleeve inside the main pocket will protect your precious devices.

What’s Great

Great organization potential with multiple compartments
Padded back panel with built-in spinal support to keep your back happy
Water bottle pockets which also double as multi-use pockets
Fleece-lined goggle pocket, so your goggles are safe
Large 31L space allows you to store tons of stuff
Padded laptop sleeves to protect your equipment

What’s Not

Some people find the backpack a little rigid

12. CamelBak Powderhound

The CamelBak Powderhound has great snow-specific technology, including an insulated sleeve that keeps the drinking tube from freezing, a back panel that sloughs snow off, and external straps for carrying your skis.

The bag comes with specific interior organizers for avalanche safety equipment.

For shorter hikes where comfort is still a top priority, the bag’s structured and strong back cushioning helps it maintain its shape even when empty.

CamelBak Powderhound combines all of these qualities in a way that makes it one of the best splitboard backpack, perfect for skiing and practically any other day-trip adventure.

What’s Great

Insulated drinking tube keeps your drink from freezing over
External straps so you can carry skis diagonally outside of the bag
Dedicated storage compartments for you to store avalanche shovel and probe to prepare for emergency

What’s Not

No exterior pocket

13. NEEKFOX Packable Lightweight Backpack

NEEKFOX Packable Lightweight Backpack is a great lightweight bag for daily use in the mountains. It takes up very little room and weighs almost nothing in the main pack.

The bag features multiple compartments that make it easy to keep things organized. S-shaped ventilated shoulder strap helps distribute the bearing stress.

They are also made of water and abrasion-resistant material, so you don’t have to worry about your things getting wet.

What’s Great

Packable so you don’t have to lug a big bag around with you when you don’t need it just yet
Internal zippered pockets for you to keep small items and find them easily
Mesh side pockets for water bottles or other quick access items

What’s Not

No hip strap

How To Choose A Snowboard Backpack?

There are so many features to consider when choosing the best backpack to carry snowboard. But what are the highlights and must-have features that you must look out for? Let’s check them out:

Size – Depending on how long your trip is for, basically the longer the trip, the bigger capacity you’ll need.
Length – Ideally you want the backpack to be the length of your torso so that the weight is distributed evenly.
Material – First of all you definitely want waterproof material, unless you’re ready to fork out a little extra for backpack covers and deal with the cumbersomeness.

Gear Carry – Backpacks with multiple attachment points help you pack and organize your gear accordingly. Also, ensure that all your gear can fit into the bag that you choose.

How Should A Snowboard Backpack Fit?

Let’s look at how to measure yourself to make sure your snowboard backpack is fit right for you:

Measure Your Torso Length

1. At the junction of your shoulders and the base of your neck, locate the biggest vertebra. If you tuck your chin to your chest, you can easily locate the C7 vertebrae. Straighten your neck after locating the C7 to achieve an accurate measurement.

2. Slide your hands down your ribcage to the top of your hip bones on either side of your body (aka the iliac crest). Draw an imaginary line between your thumbs with your index fingers pointing forward and your thumbs pointing backward. The length of your torso is measured at this point on your lumbar spine.

3. Lay a string flat and measure. You can then follow the below-sizing guide:

Extra Small: 14 & 15 inches
Small: 16 & 17 inches
Medium: 18 & 19 inches
Large: 20 & 22 inches

Find Your Hip Size

1. Take your handy measuring tool and place it around your hips where you can feel your iliac crest to determine your hip size. Your iliac crest should be at the center of the hip belt’s fit, with equal amounts above and below. The standard belt sizes are small, medium, and large.

Small: 22 – 28 inches
Medium: 28 – 34 inches
Large: 34 – 40 inches

FAQs On Best Snowboarding Backpacks

Why Do Snowboarders Wear Backpacks?

Well, snowboarders wear backpacks because they have a lot of equipment with them and they have to bring all the equipment. It’s their survival gear. Plus they might want to eat and drink on a snowboarding run!

What Size Snowboarding Backpack Do I Need?

When checking what size of snowboarding backpacking do I need, I know that anything up to 32 liters will suffice for even the more severe single-day trips, but consider going closer to 40 liters for an overnighter. For quick boot packs or heli excursions, splitboarding will also demand additional storage space for skins, crampons, and other items.

What’s In A Snowboarders Backpack?

What’s in a snowboarders backpacks are emergency supplies of food, water, and first aid on hand.

Other than that, professional snowboarders may carry backpacks to store their gear and money.

Super excited about your next snowboarding trip yet?

I can almost feel the exhilaration and adrenaline rush from flying down a snow-covered slope on a snowboard!

I appreciate you reading through to the end of the list; I hope there’s a backpack on this guide for the best snowboarding backpacks that work for you.

If you have any further questions about snowboarding backpacks or would like to add your own recommendations, feel free to hit me up in the comment section.

And if you know anyone who needs to look for the best snowboarding backpacks, remember to share this with them!

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13 Best Snowboarding Backpacks [Personal Experience!] 2023

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