It’s rare to see a professional skier making it through an entire day without stopping to grab some water or snacks. Moreover, when it comes to beginners, they must stop once in a while to refuel so they can get back on the snow feeling re-energized.
Case in point, it’s imperative to get the best backpack for skiing, which makes it easier for you to store your gear, including beverages, some snacks, and emergency equipment. However, if you think all backpacks are the same, you’ll be in for a rude surprise when opting for a regular bag on your next skiing trip.
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
A good ski backpack must be equipped with sport-specific features that make your day on the snow easier. For example, straps that hold onto your shoulder while you make the curviest of turns on the mountain and waterproof padded pockets to store your goggles and other necessities are must necessities to ensure you wouldn’t encounter any issues while you ski.
The 5 Best Backpacks for Skiing
In this guidepost, we’ll share our top five recommendations with you, based on high-starred ratings and fantastic reviews, while concluding with the ultimate factors to consider when choosing the ideal ski backpack!
1. High Sierra Pathway Internal Frame Hiking Backpack
The High Sierra Pathway is our first recommendation for skiers, as it’s one of the best backpacks designed for alpine adventures. The pack is made of weather and scuff-resistant exterior, making it especially ideal for beginners who’re bound to fall down a handful of times before getting the hang of it.
Moreover, you’ll find padded air mesh adjustable shoulder and hip straps on the bag that guarantee the perfect fit despite the heavy activity. Not to forget, the backpack has a main compartment that comes with a U-shaped opening that can easily hold two pairs of skis and a side mesh pocket for storing your water bottle.
Pros
- Durable rip-stop fabric
- Rain and snow-resistant exterior
- Multiple pockets
- Built-in hydration port
- Interior organizer with padding to keep the contents from shifting
- Dedicated pockets for ski poles
Cons
- No external rain cover
2. Thule AllTrail Men’s Backpack
The Thule AllTrail Men’s Backpack has a classic layout, with a VersaClick pole holder, breathable back panel, and a hydration port. Plus, it’s a versatile, all-around pack that can withstand any seasonal damage while remaining dry from the inside out with the help of a removable rain cover.
There’s also a quick-access front shove-it pocket that comes in very handy when you’re skiing and want something to remain within easy reach at all times. Moreover, the integrated attachment loops easily secure your skiing poles while the compatible hip belt and shoulder straps fit your body like a second skin.
Pros
- Perfect torso adjustability
- Breathable shoulder straps
- Removable rain cover
- Ski pole holder
- Weather-resistant
- Hydration compatible
- Easy-access pockets
Cons
- A somewhat large backpack for small-build skiers
- No outside pockets beside the hip belt pocket
3. Teton Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Pack for Backpacking
The Teton Sports Oasis is another terrific companion for your all-day snow mountain adventures, especially when you want to make it easier on yourself to keep hydrated. This lightweight, comfortable design comes integrated with a hydration bladder that packs two-liter of water and allows you a hands-free experience with the help of a built-in sip tube.
Furthermore, there’s a sewn-in rain cover in the backpack that keeps your gear from getting wet from the snow. Additionally, the multiple compression straps tighten to your body for a greater fit while you’re skiing.
Pros
- Lightweight material
- Multiple straps for the perfect fit
- Plenty of compartments for organizing your gear
- Convenient hydration bladder
- Sewn-in rain cover
- Easy to clean
Cons
- No dedicated pockets for ski poles
4. Vibrelli Hydration Pack
This Vibrelli Bag is the best backpack for skiing if you’re looking for a small-size essential that comes equipped with a kinks-free two-liter hydration pack. The high-flow bite valve makes it more convenient to keep hydrated while you ski non-stop without worrying about dripping water anywhere.
Moreover, the pack is designed with a front chest closure that keeps your gear in place, and the whistle that comes attached with it is integrated to get passerby’s attention when you need help. Lastly, the breathable shoulder straps are made of sweat-free and robust material.
Pros
- Easy-to-use hydration bladder
- Multiple adjustment straps
- Several outside pockets
- Emergency whistle on the chest strap
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Doesn’t come with rain cover
- No dedicated pockets for ski poles
- Only adequate for carrying limited gear
5. Thule AllTrail X Backpack
The Thule AllTrail X Backpack is another high-starred Amazon product with raving comments. With an adjustable sternum strap, breathable back panel, tuckaway hip belt, and convenient belt pocket for carrying your small gear, this product easily falls into our top five suggestions list.
Moreover, this water-resistant ski backpack is constructed with a hydration port and an integrated attachment loop to carry on to your ski poles for further convenience.
Pros
- Weather-resistant
- Breathable pack panel
- Hydration compartment
- Quick-access pockets
- Integrated attached loops
- Hip belt for extra fit
Cons
- Might not be a good fit for small-build skiers
Features to Consider When Buying a Backpack for Skiing
According to NSAA, the injury rate for skiers comes close to 45 individuals per year. The common cause behind this is fatigue and lack of emergency equipment present on them. While keeping in mind the products mentioned above, here are a few factors you must consider before opting for a backpack that keeps your mountain adventure stress and injury-free:
- The ski bag should be water-resistant. If it’s not, you must get a rain cover to protect the essentials packed inside.
- Integrated attached loops are always a winning feature to keep your ski poles safe when you’re on a break.
- Getting a bag with multiple straps is a wise decision for acquiring the perfect fit.
- Ski backpacks that come equipped with a hydration port or bladder come in handy when you don’t want to unpack just for a few sips of water.
- There must be enough space for storing emergency alpine equipment and snacks as well.
- Lastly, it’s best to invest in a backpack that’s made of a rip-stop fabric from the inside out.
Our Final Thoughts
If you don’t mind the ‘no rain cover’ limitation, our ultimate pick for you would be the High Sierra Pathway backpack. However, if that isn’t the case, we would suggest going for the Thule AllTrail Men’s Backpack, considering that it comes with similar, if not more, pronounced features.
Nevertheless, no matter which one you find to be the best backpack for skiing, we recommend cleaning them after each use to prolong their longevity!
