A skiing backpack is one of those key pieces of gear for the slopes, especially if you are skiing at a large resort or going out into the backcountry. Whether you’re tackling the backcountry or hitting a day out on the mountain with a packed lunch in the pack, having the right pack helps you stay organized, hydrated, as well as safe. Some of the best backpacks for skiing today are lightweight yet durable. They are made slim to fit on the lift, hydration systems, and extra layers, all while fitting comfortably while skiing or boarding.
When choosing the best skiing backpack, it’s worth considering what kind of skier you are. If you are skiing at resorts, you might prefer a compact, low-profile option that fits neatly on the lift. Backcountry explorers need something with more room for skins, shovels, and snacks. There’s also an increasing focus on women-specific fits. With designs that contour naturally to the body for comfort and balance, and fit comfortably when skiing. Whether you’re eyeing an Osprey skiing backpack, a Dakine skiing backpack, or a minimalist women’s skiing backpack, finding the right model means you’ll be ready for any snowy adventure.
And if you’re someone who loves to blend sports and travel, your ski pack might even double as an all-season hiking daypack. We have found most of the models we have selected are great for hiking, biking, or quick winter getaways. Whatever your style, the right skiing backpack will keep your essentials close, your gear dry, and your stoke levels high. Let’s get into it.
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The Best Skiing Backpacks at a Glance
- Best Overall Skiing Backpack: Osprey Glade Ski and Snowboard Hydration Backpack.
- The best for Backcountry Touring: Ortovox Haute Route 30L S Backcountry Ski Backpack.
- Best for Lifts: CamelBak Powderhound 12 Snow Hydration Pack.
- The Best Compact Design: Dakine Heli Pro 20L Ski and Snowboard Backpack.
- Best for Shorter Torsos: Deuter Freescape Lite 26 Ski Touring Backpack.
- The Best for Multi-Day Tours: Deuter Freerider 30 Ski Tour Backpack.
- Best Women’s Fit: Deuter Freerider 28 SL Women’s Ski Touring Backpack.
- The Best for Vest Style: Osprey Firn 28L Ski and Snowboard Backpack.
- Best Avalanche Safety Airbag: Mammut Tour 30 Removable Airbag 3.0 Backpack.
Best Skiing Backpacks
We love the Osprey Glade. It’s the ultimate pack for skiers who like to stay hydrated and are looking for a slim fit to fit on the lifts. Designed for comfort and cold-weather reliability, it comes with a 2.5L Hydraulics water reservoir and an insulated harness sleeve that prevents freezing, keeping you hydrated throughout your ski sessions. The durable NanoTough fabric resists abrasion and moisture, while the streamlined fit ensures it won’t feel bulky on the chairlift or during fast downhill runs.
The Glade’s clever design features make it versatile for all winter adventures. With diagonal ski and vertical snowboard carry options, glove-friendly zips, and dedicated pockets for goggles, gloves, and tools, it strikes the perfect balance between practicality and comfort.
Key specs
Material durable NanoTough water-resistant nylon
Hydration 2.5L Osprey Hydraulics reservoir with insulated hose
Carry options diagonal ski, vertical snowboard, or snowshoe
Fit stable harness with balanced load design
Storage internal organisation for tools, phone, and snacks
Built for serious ski touring and mountaineering, the Ortovox Haute Route 30L S is designed with comfort and durability in mind. The ergonomic O-Flex-2 back system ensures a stable fit that evenly distributes weight across hips and shoulders, even on long days in the backcountry. Its tough, water-resistant fabric stands up to snow, ice, and abrasion while keeping your gear dry.
What makes this pack stand out is its organization and accessibility. Dual main compartments and multiple gear loops allow you to reach essentials without unpacking, while attachments for ice axes, crampons, and skis make it ideal for technical terrain. With a separate avalanche safety compartment, helmet net, and hydration compatibility, it’s a smart, safety-conscious choice for adventurers heading off-piste.
Key specs
Material durable, water-resistant outer fabric
Back system O-Flex-2 ergonomic frame for weight distribution
Carry options diagonal or side ski, snowboard, and rope attachments
Safety compartment avalanche gear section with rapid access
Storage multiple gear loops, helmet net, and map pocket
If you are nervous on lifts with a big pack, you will love the CamelBak Powderhound 12. It keeps things simple, streamlined, and ready for the slopes. Its SnowShield fabric repels snow and moisture, while the 2L Crux hydration reservoir delivers easy water access without freezing, thanks to the insulated Therminator harness sleeve. Designed for both skiers and snowboarders, it includes A-frame or diagonal ski carry options and secure snowboard straps.
With a lift-access quick release harness, you can swing the pack around mid-ride for easy access to essentials. The Powderhound’s compact 12L capacity makes it perfect for resort days or short backcountry laps where you only need hydration, snacks, and a few layers. It’s a solid pick for ski days.
Key specs
Material SnowShield water-repellent fabric
Hydration 2L Crux reservoir with insulated hose sleeve
Carry options A-frame or diagonal ski, snowboard compatible
Harness lift-access quick release design
Fit adjustable sternum strap with removable waist belt
Compact yet capable, the Dakine Heli Pro 20L is a true all-rounder for on and off-piste adventures. With just enough space for your layers, snacks, and avalanche gear, this backpack delivers versatile performance in a sleek design. Featuring fleece-lined pockets for goggles and purpose-built snow tool sleeves.
Perfect for backcountry missions or lift-accessed terrain, the Heli Pro provides vertical snowboard and diagonal ski carry options. Its quick-dry mesh back panel keeps you comfortable during high-energy runs, while a hydration sleeve doubles as laptop storage off the slopes. If you’re looking for a Dakine skiing backpack that’s stylish, practical, and compact, this one ticks all the boxes.
Key specs
Capacity 20L
Carry options vertical snowboard or diagonal ski
Fit padded mesh back panel with sternum whistle strap
Storage fleece-lined goggle pocket, hydration sleeve, and tool sleeves
Reviews say that this pack is a comfortable fit for shorter torsos with an exceptionally functional and durable design. Deuter Freescape Lite 26 is a favourite among ski tourers who value efficient design. It features a dedicated avalanche rescue compartment, helmet holder, and ice axe loops, ensuring everything is exactly where you need it. Snow-resistant fabric on the back panel keeps snow from sticking while keeping the pack dry and comfortable.
This backpack is hydration compatible and features an adjustable sternum strap with whistle for added safety. With clever gear storage and quick-access zippers, the Freescape Lite 26 is designed to move seamlessly between ascents and descents. Its comfortable fit and minimal weight make it one of the best skiing backpacks for alpine touring days.
Key specs
Material snow-resistant nylon fabric
Capacity 26L
Safety avalanche tool compartment and whistle strap
Carry options diagonal ski, snowboard, or crampon straps
Extras helmet holder and hydration compatibility
The Deuter Freerider 30 offers space, structure, and safety for longer ski touring missions. It features a hard-wearing, snow-resistant outer, plus a dedicated avalanche gear section for quick access. Multiple gear straps allow skis or snowboards to be carried diagonally or A-frame, with options for crampons, helmets, and poles.
The back panel unzips for fast entry into the main compartment, even with your skis still attached. Thoughtful touches like fleece-lined goggle pockets, a valuables section, and a glasses loop make it a well-rounded winter pack for both adventure and comfort.
Key specs
Material snow-resistant, breathable nylon
Capacity 30L
Access back panel zip entry
Safety avalanche gear pocket
Storage micro-fleece goggle pocket, gear straps, valuables section
Tailored specifically for women, the Deuter Freerider 28 SL combines ergonomic design with technical features for alpine adventures. The SL carrying system includes shorter shoulder straps and conically shaped hip fins that move naturally with the body, offering a secure and comfortable fit.
Like the larger Freerider 30, it features weather-resistant fabric, easy-access avalanche storage, and multiple ski and snowboard carry options. Its thoughtful design ensures balance and comfort on both steep ascents and long descents, making it one of the best women’s skiing backpacks available.
Key specs
Material snow-resistant, breathable nylon
Capacity 28L
Fit women’s SL system with shorter back length
Carry options diagonal ski, snowboard, and snowshoe straps
Safety dedicated avalanche gear compartment
The Osprey Firn 28L Ski and Snowboard Backpack blends alpine precision with backcountry performance. Designed with a vest-style harness, it fits close to your body, ensuring excellent balance when skiing steep lines or navigating technical ascents. The snow-shedding back panel and adjustable suspension system keep the pack comfortable even during long tours, while the lightweight yet durable construction withstands harsh alpine weather.
Practical alpine features include a ski lasso carry system, detachable helmet net, and dedicated avalanche tool pocket.
Key specs
Capacity 28 litres
Fit vest-style harness with body-hugging stability
Material 100% recycled 210D nylon with PFAS-free DWR
Design ski lasso carry system and detachable helmet net
Features avalanche tool pocket and snow-shedding backpanel
The Mammut Tour 30 combines premium design with safety-first innovation. It features the Removable Airbag System 3.0, offering reliable avalanche protection compatible with other Mammut and partner-brand packs. With its 30L capacity, it’s ideal for both day tours and extended mountain trips.
A sturdy internal frame and well-padded back system make carrying heavy gear comfortable, while rear zip access and multiple storage options keep everything organised. It’s the go-to pack for serious alpine explorers who prioritise safety without compromising comfort.
Key specs
Material durable carbonate-coated nylon
Capacity 30L
System Removable Airbag 3.0 (canister sold separately)
Frame internal aluminium support
Access full rear zip for easy gear retrieval
Choosing the Right Skiing Backpack for You
The right skiing backpack depends on where and how you ski. If you mainly stay within resort boundaries, a smaller 12–20L pack. We like the Dakine Heli Pro or Osprey Glade, it will be more than enough for hydration, snacks, and a few essentials. These lightweight packs are streamlined to avoid catching on chairlifts and allow freedom of movement while carving down the slopes.
For backcountry or alpine touring, you’ll need a 25–35L pack that can hold avalanche gear, a helmet, skins, and extra clothing layers. Look for packs with dedicated safety compartments, ski and snowboard carry systems, and hydration compatibility.
How to Pick a Skiing Backpack
Fit is everything when it comes to all-day comfort on the slopes. A well-fitted backpack prevents strain on your shoulders and back, allowing your core to stay engaged and balanced. Women-specific designs, like the Women’s Deuter Freerider, have narrower shoulder straps, shorter torso lengths, and conical hip fins to move naturally with your body. These subtle adjustments make a noticeable difference in weight distribution and comfort, especially on long tours.
A good skiing backpack should also feature padded straps, a supportive hip belt, and a stable back panel that contours to your spine. Snow-shedding materials are essential for comfort and durability. This keeps moisture at bay while preventing the pack from becoming heavy with ice.
Benefits of Hydration Systems in Winter Packs
Hydration is easy to overlook in freezing temperatures. Staying hydrated keeps your muscles functioning efficiently and helps maintain energy throughout the day. The tubing runs through a Therminator Harness or insulated hose to ensure you can sip easily without icy blockages.
Hydration-compatible packs also save time and hassle. Instead of stopping to unpack bottles, you can drink on the move, which is crucial in high-altitude or backcountry conditions. For more tips on cold-weather hydration systems, visit Osprey’s winter hydration guide.
FAQs About Skiing Backpacks
What size skiing backpack do I need?
The ideal size depends on how you ski. For resort skiing, a compact 12–20L pack is perfect for carrying water, snacks, and an extra layer. Backcountry or touring skiers typically need a 25–35L pack to fit avalanche gear, spare clothing, and hydration systems. Multi-day expeditions may call for even larger packs, though those are better suited for specific alpine adventures rather than lift-access terrain.
What’s the best skiing backpack for women?
The Deuter Freerider 28 SL Women’s Ski Touring Backpack is one of the best women’s skiing backpacks thanks to its shorter back length, ergonomic straps, and narrow fit. It provides the perfect balance between comfort and technical functionality for women who spend long days on the slopes. Women’s-specific designs also reduce shoulder pressure and ensure that weight is evenly distributed for natural, unrestricted movement.
Are hydration packs worth it for skiing?
Yes, hydration systems are invaluable in cold weather, helping skiers stay hydrated without frequent stops. Insulated tubing prevents freezing, and integrated bladders make it easy to drink water on the move. Models like the Osprey Glade and CamelBak Powderhound offer specialized winter insulation that keeps your water flowing, no matter how low the temperature drops. Staying hydrated supports endurance and recovery, especially on long backcountry tours.
What’s the difference between a regular and a backcountry skiing backpack?
Regular skiing backpacks are compact and streamlined for resort use, while backcountry packs are designed for off-piste conditions with compartments for avalanche gear, ropes, and crampons. They often include ski/snowboard carry straps and ice axe attachments.
Can a skiing backpack be used for hiking or travel?
Absolutely. Many ski packs are versatile enough for all-season use. Their lightweight, weather-resistant designs make them great for day hikes, biking, or even commuting. Just remember to remove or tuck away ski-specific straps when using them off the slopes.
