Ski backpack for on the go: five models in a compact comparison

holidays in the mountains
Backpacks for winter sports enthusiasts: A comparison of five ski backpacks

A little late, but now it’s here – winter 2023. Ski and snowboard fans, but also tourers are in the starting blocks. And this time they will travel with plenty of luggage and storm the slopes. A compact comparison of five ski backpacks for young and old winter sports enthusiasts.

For many skiers, a backpack on the slopes is primarily a nuisance. And usually you don’t need this additional luggage. At least if you let yourself be pulled up to the summit by the chairlift or drag lift and then wed back down to the valley. There is food and drink in the huts. Smartphone, money and sunscreen fit in the jacket pocket.

A rucksack is a must for anyone who walks across snow-covered snowfields through the mountains and climbs to untouched peaks. They usually take care of themselves and expose themselves to dangers away from secured slopes, from which one should protect oneself. But there is more than the classic daypacks and backpacks with a probe and snow shovel. A ski backpack is not just a ski backpack. We present five backpacks with different purposes.

The classic

A day on the ski slopes can be as long as six hours, depending on how early you get up on your well-deserved holiday. If you want to do without the (often not quite cheap) stop-off from time to time, you can take provisions in this Evoc ski backpack stow away If it is not clear whether the day on the mountain will bring ski or sunglass weather, the glasses end up in a separate and easily accessible compartment in the upper part of the backpack. There is also space in the 30-litre backpack for a pair of spare gloves, a warm hat, the smartphone and a drinking bladder.

And freeriders who conjure up tracks in the snow away from the secured pistes should also get along well with this classic ski backpack. Instead of tucking the snowboard or skis under your arm, the sports equipment can be strapped to the ski backpack when going up. This leaves your hands free. A must, especially on steep terrain. For the free spirits and adventurers among winter sports enthusiasts, Evoc has also given this backpack an easily accessible avalanche compartment with an emergency plan for the eventuality that ideally never occurs.

The Shoe Garage

This ski backpack is designed less for the slopes than for transporting bulky ski boots. The Baden-Württemberg ski pole specialist Leki promises space for a pair of alpine ski boots and other equipment such as gloves or ski goggles. The boots are parked in the main compartment of the backpack, which according to the manufacturer has a packing volume of 60 liters when travelling. Small items can be stowed in the side compartments with zips and the lid compartment. Real packing experts even encircle the helmet or winter shoes inside. Practical: The Leki ski backpack “Skiboot Bag” works as a backpack and tote bag. The angular format also makes the Leki ski backpack a grateful piece of luggage for the trunk.

The slope airbag

What looks like a sombrero in the picture can save lives in an emergency. the Wezde avalanche ski backpack (distributed by Decathlon) costs almost 400 euros. In the event of an avalanche, it transforms into a 150-litre airbag within three seconds of manual activation, which is intended to prevent you from being buried under the slab of snow. The one needed for this CO2 cartridge must be purchased separately. This airbag system for backpacks was developed by the Swiss company Alpride. The ski backpack, which is reinforced on the outside with neoprene, has a capacity of 30 liters and is completely tailored to ski tours in open terrain. This also includes an avalanche compartment with space for a shovel and a probe. The helmet, ski goggles and sunglasses as well as provisions and dry clothing can be stowed in the four other compartments. Snowboards, skis and sticks have to stay outside. There are also practical seat belt aids for the trio.

The little one with the leash

Similar to cycling or swimming, children must learn to ski and master it safely before they can be let off the leash. When skiing, even in the literal sense. In addition to the obligatory ski course, more and more parents are taking charge themselves during their winter holiday and are trying to support their offspring on the lift and when skiing downhill. A useful helper can be a so-called ski or snowboard harness like the folconroad ski backpack being. This is a backpack designed for children’s backs and equipped with two elastic straps. The idea: the little skiers slide ahead, while mum or dad follow a few meters away with the tow ropes in hand. Helmet and skis can be attached to the small backpack on the way to the chairlift or during breaks. On the piste itself, it also serves as a protective cushion when the mini piste robbers land on their butts.

The sustainable one

When it comes to sustainability, winter sports are known to be at the bottom of the table. If there is no natural snow (which is likely to become the rule rather than the exception in ski areas below 1000 meters in the coming years), hundreds of snow cannons in German ski areas eat up millions of liters of water and use up a lot of valuable energy in the process. Because the artificially created snow cover thaws more slowly, the meadows also suffer. It is all the more important that skiers, snowboarders, tobogganists, tourers and snowshoe hikers face the issue of sustainability. For example with their equipment. The comes from the traditional outdoor brand Vaude Ski backpack “Green Core”. According to the company, the shoulder straps and waist straps are made from certified Terracare leather and QMilk felt. The back plate of the 22 liter daypack is made from recycled plastic. A secret pocket and some fastening straps on the outside make this medium-sized ski backpack particularly interesting for day trips in the mountains.

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