What’s Inside a Snowboarder’s Backpack?
Snowboarders utilize backpacks to carry a diverse array of essential items tailored to their specific needs during a day on the mountain. These backpacks serve as portable supply stations, ensuring riders are well-prepared for varying conditions. Typical contents include hydration systems such as water bottles or hydration bladders, which allow for easy access to fluids without frequent stops. To prevent freezing in cold weather, hydration hoses are stored inside the pack when not in use.
Safety gear and comfort items are also common inclusions. Riders often pack extra gloves, Mittens, and thermal layers to adapt swiftly to changing weather. Mountain safety equipment like avalanche shovels, probes, and first aid kits are crucial for backcountry adventurers, along with radios and spare batteries for effective communication.
Parents riding with children find backpacks invaluable for storing snacks, drinks, warm accessories such as balaclavas, and extra clothing to keep their kids comfortable and happy. Additionally, many riders carry smartphones, keys, energy bars, and small tools like multitools or screwdrivers. Photographers or videographers often pack specialized gear including cameras, lenses, mounts, and tripods, ensuring they can capture moments without inconvenience.
Advantages of Riding with a Backpack
Equipping yourself with a backpack offers numerous benefits. It allows you to stay hydrated without frequent trips down to the base or resort facilities. Packing lunch, snacks, and essential gear means you’re ready for extended hours on the slopes, especially during long days. A backpack helps you carry clothing layers to adjust to fluctuating temperatures, preventing unnecessary descents to the car or locker rooms.
For those who prefer exploring less crowded areas or venturing into off-piste terrain, a backpack becomes a reliable companion. It also facilitates hiking or skinning with your snowboard strapped securely on your back. Filmmakers and content creators benefit from the storage space for GoPro cameras and accessories, offering greater flexibility and freedom of movement.
When you’ve invested in a lift ticket, maximizing your time on the snow is essential. A backpack lets you eat and hydrate on the lift, avoiding time-consuming stops. In cold weather, you can keep extra layers within reach, ensuring continuous riding without backtracking to your vehicle. While initial adjustment might take some getting used to, many find that a properly fitted backpack enhances their riding experience.
Backpacks also offer safety benefits. They can cushion impacts during falls, potentially reducing injury. For all-day adventures, carrying additional gear becomes more manageable, minimizing the need for frequent stops. Backcountry riders or those tackling deep snow often rely on backpacks to carry essential safety equipment such as shovels and probes.
Potential Drawbacks of Using a Backpack
Despite their advantages, backpacks can present certain challenges. One significant concern is balance disruption; shifting contents can affect stability, especially during rapid turns or carving. The added bulk may hinder aggressive riding styles, such as performing jumps or tricks, as it can get in the way or feel cumbersome.
Some riders find that carrying a backpack complicates lift rides. Removing it before boarding and managing it during the ascent can be inconvenient, and there’s always a risk of snagging or hitting other passengers or objects like trees. Certain resorts even require riders to remove backpacks before boarding lifts, which can be an extra hassle.
For in-bounds resort riding, many argue that jacket pockets are sufficient for storing small essentials like energy bars or small snacks. Water fountains and lift-side facilities often provide quick access to hydration and tools, reducing the need for a backpack. Some riders adopt creative solutions such as stashing supplies at their favorite spots or using a lightweight Camelbak under their jacket for hydration without the bulk.
Ultimately, the decision to use a backpack depends on personal preferences and riding style. While backcountry enthusiasts or riders carrying extensive gear rely heavily on backpacks, casual resort riders might find them unnecessary. For groomer cruising or park riding, a backpack could feel more like an obstacle than an aid, so understanding your specific needs is key.
Recommended Backpacks for Snowboarders: Expert Picks
Choosing the right backpack involves considering durability, fit, and functionality. Waterproof models designed specifically for snowboarding are highly recommended. Brands such as Thule and Dakine are favored among enthusiasts. Look for models featuring insulated hydration bladders to stay refreshed, especially during long sessions.
Features like adjustable straps, board or snowshoe attachment points, and bright colors for visibility are important. To avoid damage, fill hydration bladders only halfway, preventing rupture in cold conditions. A snug fit with a waist belt minimizes shifting and enhances comfort.
Popular options include Dakine Helipack 12L, which offers a compact and secure fit with enough space for water, snacks, and tools. The slightly larger Dakine 14L is also highly praised for its close-to-the-body design. For backcountry adventures, vests that distribute weight evenly and include avalanche gear compartments—like 686 Hydrastash—are excellent choices.
Backpacks such as Osprey Daylite and McKinley are known for their capacity to carry essentials like extra layers, cameras, and hydration packs. The Jones DSCNT 19L and Switchbak 14 from New Path Outdoors are versatile, combining storage with ease of access. For resort riding, the ORTOVOX Powder Rider 16L is a low-profile, spacious option suitable for carrying a spare layer, lunch, snacks, and hydration.
Women-specific models like the Dakine Team Heli Pro 24L offer ergonomic design features such as padded straps and waist belts, ensuring comfort and proper weight distribution. The key is selecting a size—usually around 20 liters for short trips and 35-40 liters for longer adventures—that fits your riding style and gear requirements.
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