Often on your snowboarding trips, you notice people riding with backpacks, and you wonder, “why?” Doesn’t it make it difficult for them to snowboard with a bag? Moreover, is it really necessary or even safe for them? The answer to these questions is quite straightforward. Riding with a backpack doesn’t make your fun time challenging or unsafe. On the contrary, getting the best backpack for snowboarding helps you carry your gear along with you without getting in your way. This, in turn, allows you free movement of arms and legs so that traversing remains your only focus.
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
Moreover, no matter the experience level you’ve on the snow, you need to stop time and again to hydrate and have some snacks so that you can get back on track feeling rejuvenated. Considering these many reasons, it’s imperative to get a backpack that makes it easier for you to store your gear and emergency equipment.
The 5 Best Backpacks for Snowboarding
However, if you’re wondering which backpack to get for safe alpine adventures, we’ve got you covered with the following five recommendations of snowboard backpacks that are picked based on excellent reviews and ratings.
1. Teton Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Pack
The Teton Sports Oasis is our first recommendation for snowboarders who’re planning to pack limited gear with them and keep hydrated on their mountain adventures. This lightweight sports bag comes equipped with a hydration pack that can store two-liter of water. Moreover, since the hydration bladder has a built-in sip tube, you can have easy access to water without reaching for a bottle repeatedly. Plus, there’s a sewn-in rain cover in the backpack, which effectively keeps your gear from getting wet.
Pros
- Lightweight material
- Anti-rip fabric
- Plenty of pocket compartments
- Multiple straps for the perfect fit
- 2-liter hydration pack
- Sewn-in rain cover
Cons
- A limited storage space
2. Amazon Basics Ultralight Portable Packable Day Pack
The Amazon Basics Ultralight backpack is one of the best choices you can lean toward if you want an inexpensive accessory to carry around your snow gear. This water-resistant bag comes with multiple pockets, a spot dedicated for storing your water bottle, and padded shoulder straps.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Durable
- Multiple pockets
- A dedicated spot for storing water bottles
- Easy to clean
Cons
- No space for carrying a snowboard
3. Roamm Highline 30 Backpack
The Roamm Highline is another best backpack for snowboarding since it comes equipped with several convenient features. For example, the Airwave suspension takes the load off your shoulder while attaching your heavy snow gear with the multi-purpose external utility loops. Other features include a compatible hydration pack, an emergency whistle, waterproof high-visibility rain cover, zippered pockets, a hip belt, and reinforced mesh pockets. All in all, the bag has plenty of space to fit your large and small snow gear capably.
Pros
- High storage capacity
- Waterproof rain cover
- Durable material
- Dedicated space for storing snow gear
- Hydration compatible
Cons
- Might not be a good fit for small-build snowboarders
4. Mammut Lithium Speed, Unisex Adult’s Backpack
The Mammut Lithium Speed is an excellent backpack for snowboarding, considering that it works amazingly well to shed the snow and keep everything dry inside. It’s one of the most comfortable body-fit bags since the chest clips are not sewn on the bag but clipped, making it easier for snowboarders to move around and adjust it by their preference. Moreover, the breathable EVA shoulder pads and the forward-pull hip belt are specifically designed to add comfort to your experience.
Pros
- Lightweight material
- Water-resistant
- Rip-free fabric
- Multiple straps for the perfect fit
- Side clasps for holding water bottles
- Breathable shoulder straps
Cons
- Chest clip may come off under too much strain
5. High Sierra Pathway Internal Frame Backpack
The High Sierra Pathway is one of our best recommendations for snowboarders, as it’s designed to last a long time under rough weather conditions. This backpack is specifically manufactured of water and impact-resistant material, making it an ideal accessory for beginners who would likely fall plenty of times before getting back on their feet for good. Moreover, the padded adjustable shoulder and hip straps guarantee the perfect body fit, while the opening on the back can hold your snowboard for further convenience.
Pros
- Rip-stop exterior
- Water-resistant fabric
- Built-in hydration port
- Multiple straps for the perfect fit
- Padded interior pockets
- Dedicated storage space for snowboards
Cons
- No external rain cover
Rules to Follow When Riding with a Backpack
While it is handy to carry a backpack with you on your snowboarding adventures, it’s just as important to follow some rules, especially when you’re on a lift. There are several reports showing chairlift incidents due to backpacks when they’re not being used as advised.
To simplify things for you, we’ve put together a list of rules that must be followed when you’re riding with a backpack on:
- Ensure that there isn’t anything hanging off your backpack that could snag on a tree branch or something else.
- Shift your backpack to the side when on a lift, so your back leans still on the chair.
- Make sure no part of your bag is stuck with the chairlift when you’re getting off.
- It’s best not to overload your bag, as it may make it difficult for you to ride on a lift or even snowboard.
- Adjust and tighten your backpack to your body such that it’s adequately secured to your back, chest, and hip when you’re snowboarding.
Our Final Thoughts
After reviewing several products on Amazon, our ultimate pick for the best backpack for snowboarding remains the Roamm Highline due to its versatile features and high durability. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with similar features, we would suggest leaning toward Teton Sports Oasis.
Having said that, it’s still essential to match your preferences before making any final decision. Moreover, it’s crucial to wash your bag after a couple of uses so that the backpacks continue to serve their purpose for a long time to come.
