If you’re as passionate about snowboarding as we are, you’re aware of the importance of having the right equipment. Boots, helmets, jackets, gloves – they’re all very important when it comes to winter sports. However, what most people forget about is the importance of a good backpack.
Depending on where and how much you plan to ride, a good snowboard backpack can either be a nice accessory to your new equipment or a necessity.
One of the most important factors in choosing a snowboard backpack is the material. It has to be waterproof and made of something that’s designed to withstand the worst conditions.
Best Snowboard Backpacks
Good snowboard equipment usually lasts for years and the same goes with backpacks, so you shouldn’t rush into buying the first one that catches your eye.
To make your decision a bit easier, we’ve put together a list of the best 14 snowboard backpacks on the market right now.
Black Diamond Saga 40
The JetForce Avalanche Airbag Pack from Black Diamond comes in a fire red color and with a rechargeable airbag system.
The backpack offers plenty of features such as a diagonal ski carry, goggle pocket and a built-in helmet carrier. It has a back panel entry for ease of use and a full 28 liters of usable space. The airbag system is powered by an 8 cell lithium-ion battery which works well in the cold.
Arcteryx VoLtair 20L Backpack
Another high-quality backpack is the Arcteryx Voltair. This model comes with an avalanche protection airbag system that is easily inflated. Unlike other airbags that use compressed air or compressed gas to fire up the bag, this uses a lithium-ion polymer battery. This means that it can be deployed multiple times.
The trigger is always accessible, you don’t have to unzip it out of anything. The safety strap is one-handed, which is another really nice detail.
Mammut Rocker Protection Airbag 3.0
Mammut has succeeded to develop a reliable airbag system so small and light that you will barely notice it on long snowboarding tours. The airbag is detachable, meaning that you can use the backpack for other purposes as well.
The backpack is made of 300D polyester and has a capacity of only 15 liters, which is just enough to cover the basic needs.
Backcountry Access Float 22 Avalanche Airbag
This backpack is designed for shorter trips into the backcountry. It’s available in two colors, the tan and black.
The bag has some really nice features, such as a helmet carry and a vertical snowboard carry with fully adjustable snowboard straps. The backpack has a deployable airbag of 150 liters that will protect your head from trauma in an avalanche, and will also keep you closer to the surface.
Salomon Quest 30 Backpack
A refined and high quality product from Salomon, this backpack offers a wide variety of storage space and a capacity of 30 liters. If you ever tried opening a regular backpack with your gloves on, you know how annoying it can be.
Salomon thought of this and they made all the zippers with large pulls and big buckles, for easy handling even with gloves on.
You can carry both skis and a snowboard, it features soft contour shoulder straps, an adjustable belt and a bladder compartment with hanging system.
Deuter Freerider Pro 30
The Freerider pro is the perfect pack for demanding tours. The Alpine back system, with its flexible frame and anatomically formed shoulder straps ensures a comfortable carry and secure fit in any riding situation.
The backpack is fully loaded with features. The front safety compartment has dedicated stow space for your probe, shovel and handle. It features a full back opening access to the main compartment, meaning you can access all the content without getting the back section wet in the snow.
Osprey Packs Men’s Kamber 42 Pack
Osprey makes quality backpacks and this particular model is no exception.
It features glove friendly zipper pulls and buckles which allow for quick and easy use in adverse conditions, various pockets, horizontal back panel snowboard carry and back panel access.
The shoulder straps are thin (yet still resistant), allowing you to move freely while snowboarding or skiing at high speeds.
Thule Upslope Snow Sports Backpack
With a capacity of 20 liters and various pockets, the Thule Upslope backpack might be exactly what you need.
It features versatile carry options, including diagonal ski carry and horizontal or vertical snowboard carry and three ways to access your gear while pack is on your back.
Burton AK Incline 20L Backpack
Built from quality materials, this backpack is both practical and durable.
You can carry your board vertically or your skis in an A frame, and it includes plenty of pockets for accessories and survival tools. It also includes a helmet carry, a pocket for your goggles, a storage space for snow tools and a sleeve for the hydration bladder.
Thanks to its useful features and sleek design, you can also use it during the summertime for hikes or other outdoor activities.
Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 25 Backpack
This backpack comes with a slim design, a storage space of 25 liters, multiple colors and sizes as well as some cool extra features. It features diagonal snowboard carrying mechanism, A-frame carry, ice tool PickPockets, a helmet holder and a dedicated tool organizer pocket.
It can be equipped with the Black Diamond’s AvaLung Element (which is a safety tool for avalanches that you can buy separately).
Osprey Kamber 32
Built for backcountry skiers and snowboarders, The Osprey Kamber 32 can hold plenty of gear and has all the features necessary for elevated cold-weather performance. The main compartment and hydration area can be accessed with a dual zipper, and the hydration sleeve is well insulated to prevent freezing.
You can attach various ice tools and also easily carry your helmet on those long ascents. The hip belt includes easily accessible pockets for essential tools or a quick snack.
Burton Women Snowboard Backpack
While not a large and very spacious backpack, this model is designed to be light, slim and it’s a perfect fit for women. It has a weight of just 2.3 lbs (1 kg) and a capacity of 20 liters, allowing you to carry the basics.
You can carry the snowboard both horizontally and vertically, and inside you can place various snow tools, goggles, pole loops and other accessories. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.
Dakine Heli Pro Backpack
This awesome backpack is made of 600D polyester and it includes a vertical snowboard carry, allowing for easy transportation.
But this is not all, because if you like skiing as well, this backpack also includes some diagonal straps for skis. The material is thick and durable, handling lots of bumpy rides and bad weather.
Burton Day Hiker Pro Backpack
If you don’t snowboard that often and you don’t want to invest into a backpack that you will only use 3 times per year, then this one is perfect for you. This pack can be used for various day to day activities, road trips, festivals as well as for snowboarding.
It has a capacity of 28 liters and a wide variety of pockets and storages spaces, including two for water, a laptop sleeve and a tablet sleeve. The construction is durable and it even has a lifetime warranty, making it a great long-term investment.
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