Skiers who like to carry extra clothing and snacks on long treks face a dilemma. They can either over stuff their pockets, which cause broken zippers, or carry a ski backpack. Backcountry skiers, who require shovels, avalanche beacons and other safety gear, do not have pocket space to spare. Ski gear manufacturers design ski backpacks for storage of incidentals needed on backcountry ski adventures.
Travel Packs
If the airline loses your skis, you can rent a pair, but lost ski boots could ruin your ski vacation. Since rental boots are rarely comfortable, most skiers place their boots in their carry-on luggage. "Ski" magazine recommends the Transpack Sidekick Pro Pack, which attaches your boots to the outside of the pack. The pack also features a mesh ski helmet pocket, a hydration pouch and a padded laptop sleeve.
On the Slopes
Skiers often take photos on the slopes, but worry about water damage to their cameras. Professional skier and artist Eric Pollard helped Dakine design the Team Heli Pro DLX, which comes with a waterproof and fleece-lined camera storage pocket and a hydration system. The backpack received a high rating from "Skiing" magazine for features such as a padded waist strap and a retractable ski carrying strap.
Ski Patrol
Columbia Sportswear produces a specialized backpack for the National Ski Patrol. The Columbia Rescue series received high marks from "Snowboarder" magazine for patented water repellent technology, which protects the pack from water damage and stains. The reflective backpacks feature attachments for skis, a hydration system, a fleece-lined goggle pocket and a drainage system for melted snow.
Backcountry Packs
Since chairlifts do not access the backcountry, off-piste skiers must hike the slopes. The Deuter Freeride Pro 30, recommended by Skinet.com, features a ski attachment, a shovel compartment with a sleeve for a probe or shovel, and a removable sitting pad to keep you warm and dry, should you take a rest on the snow.
Avalanche Safety Packs
During an avalanche, staying above the snow surface is crucial to survival. The Airbag Backpack system comes with a canister of compressed gas, which expands and fills two inflatable, airtight bags, located on each side of the pack. "Skiing" magazine recommended the Backcountry Access BCA Float 30 Pack, calling it a potentially life-saving device. "Backcountry" magazine praised the pack designed by ABS System, as one of the only devices that keeps a skier on the surface of an avalanche.
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