11 Best Backpacks for Snowboarding

1. 1. The North Face Recon Backpack

   Price: $99.00

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Padded, fleece-lined laptop sleeve
   • Awesome strapping and support system - very low profile pack that’s comfortable to ride in despite its larger size
   • Great organization potential - take everything you need for a day on the slopes without making a mess of your bag
   • Front stash pocket with stretch side panels

   Cons:

   • A bit on the expensive end, but you get what you pay for with this one
   • This backpack is described as pretty rigid by some users
   • Frustrating to stand upright

   Here’s a top-notch winter sports backpack by The North Face. The Recon is a highly reviewed, 31 liter backpack with an additional stretch front stash pocket.

   There are also two stretch water bottle pockets on either side of the pack for tucking away your hydration. Between the main interior pocket and the front zippered pocket, there’s some great organization potential here. 31 liters of space should be more than enough for most snowboarders – it’s a great, high capacity backpack that is just compact enough to remain low profile while riding.

   The FlexVent suspension system employs custom injection-molded shoulder straps and a well designed, padded back panel. The back panel even has a spine channel built in for some added support – something a lot of other snowboarding backpacks often lack.

   This pack will really hug your frame and allow you to ride without destabilizing your center of gravity. If you’re carrying sensitive electronics, there’s a padded, 15-inch laptop sleeve within the main compartment that should offer some decent protection.

   Between the 23 different color options, there’s no doubt a color scheme that will suit your style. This low profile, water resistant, high capacity backpack is one you’ll own and shred in for years.

   Find more The North Face Recon Backpack information and reviews here.

2. 2. Mammut Nirvana 25 Backpack

   Price: $149.95

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Designed for backcountry applications
   • 25 liter construction can fit quite a bit of gear
   • Jacket carrying system, attachment points for poles and ice-axes and ski and snowboard carries make this the ultimate backcountry pack
   • Easy access front pocket keeps your avalanche safety gear organized and right on hand
   • 300D recycled polyester is built rugged knowing it's goign to take a beating
   • Hydration compatible
   • Rear-access panel helps you to avoid rooting through your whole pack to find what you need
   • Sharp color options

   Cons:

   • Expensive option
   • Some might find the 25 liter size to be a bit more than they need, fortunately there's an 18 liter model available (as well as a 35 liter option)
   • While there are several external attachment points, some riders might prefer more lash-points or D-rings for clipping smaller items and accessories - this pack is low profile

   The Mammut Nirvana 25 Backpack is a brilliant backcountry companion that’s equipped with an array of mindful features to add safety to and streamline your more intense outings!

   This bag has been designed with rugged climbs, and rowdy lines in mind, so it’s beautifully form-fitting and generous with the range of motion it provides. Mammut recently sent me out the 18-liter version of this pack, and I’ve been very much impressed with how streamlined the Nirvana is while still achieving an awesome array of pockets and external attachments points.

   An easy-access front pocket keeps your avalanche safety gear organized and right on hand, while a jacket carrying system, attachment points for poles and ice-axes and ski and snowboard carries make this the ultimate backcountry ripper. Mammut has included everything you need, and nothing you don’t with this one, leaving you with a high-speed/low-drag pack that won’t cramp your style.

   There’s furthermore a rear-access panel giving you another (BIG) entry point to the main compartment that helps you to avoid rooting through your whole pack to find the item you need. The Nirvana is even hydration compatible – talk about convenience.

   Oh yea, did we mention this bad boy has a totally cool aesthetic and some righteous color schemes to choose from? All things considered, this is one radical pack that will last you many years of riding with the proper care and treatment that’s well worth the cost!

   Find more Mammut Nirvana 25 Backpack information and reviews here.

3. 3. Burton Prospect Pack

   Price: $54.95

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Tons of different color options!
   • Really slim, low profile fit for uninterrupted shreddage
   • Exterior water bottle holders function well for storing a variety of gear
   • Very reasonably priced

   Cons:

   • No chest or waist straps
   • Not a ton of organization potential, but it’s still impressive for its size
   • Not as water resistant as it could be

   This is an awesome, smaller sized pack for those who don’t require a ton of gear storage. A real slim and low profile bag, the Burton Prospect will allow you to shred without realizing it’s even there.

   For the high energy, action-packed rider this could be the perfect bag to serve as some added storage on the slopes without killing your vibe.

   There are no waist or sternum straps, but you won’t be able to pack it with enough weight to really need the added strapping. The design of the pack itself coupled with the nicer quality shoulder straps ensures it stays snug.

   Although this is a smaller bag, it’s been thoughtfully designed to handle a good bit of gear. The external water bottle pockets on either side of the pack are great for stashing a variety of items. The main compartment includes a padded laptop sleeve and the additional front, zippered pocket gives you easy access to your essential items.

   There are some righteous color options available with this one, so you can find the color scheme that suits you best. For the price, this is an awesome little bag that you’ll be stoked to own for the slopes!

   Find more Burton Prospect Pack information and reviews here.

4. 4. The North Face Women’s Jester Backpack

   Price: $69.00

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Provides a great fit specific for the female build
   • External elastic strapping as well as mesh water bottle holders give the exterior of this pack some solid organization
   • Reflective accents are a nice added safety feature
   • 24 different color options

   Cons:

   • There’s no waist strap on this model so particularly heavy loads may become cumbersome when actively riding.
   • Fairly expensive
   • Internal schematic might be a bit cluttered for some

   The Jester by The North Face is a killer backpack designed specifically for a woman’s build. This pack has been crafted to generate an ergonomic fit for a woman’s frame by employing North Face’s women-specific FlexVent suspension system.

   Compression molded shoulder straps, a padded mesh back panel and a spine channel all add up to some righteous support when riding. Most women will definitely appreciate the shoulder strapping that’s contoured to effectively fit the female torso.

   The internal compartments are both spacious and mindfully designed for organization. There’s not a ton of space to pack heavy loads with this one (26 liters), but as a day pack for the slopes it’s certainly adequate. The external elastic strapping coupled with the mesh water bottle holders gives this pack some solid external storage as well.

   The 600D polyester construction ensures this bag can withstand some rugged use and won’t quit on you after just a season or two of riding. Reflective accents all around this pack are also a nice added safety feature if you end up out and about in the dark.

   There’s a wide array of different color options so you can customize your look with this one. For a pack in this price range, the fit, construction, and capacity of the Jester is no doubt a solid option for all you female rippers out there.

   Find more The North Face Women’s Jester Backpack information and reviews here.

5. 5. Dakine Heli Pro Backpack

   Price: $104.95

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Great pack for hiking up and shredding down — both a ski and a snowboard carry system employed in the design
   • 600D polyester construction is both rugged and lightweight
   • Rescue whistle on the sternum strap is a nice added safety feature
   • At 20 liters this is an awesome, low profile sized pack that can still carry up your board or skis
   • Wide color selection

   Cons:

   • This is a pretty narrow pack (to be low profile) so there’s not a ton of internal storage capacity
   • Fairly expensive
   • Lacks external gear attchment points for a backcountry pack

   Here’s a slightly smaller pack from Dakine that’s ideal for backcountry touring. There’s both a vertical snowboard and a diagonal ski carry system employed into the design so you hike up and into some gnarly terrain with your gear strapped up.

   The Dakine Heli Pro Backpack is hydration compatible and employs a padded waist belt as well a sternum strap for keeping snug and low profile while actively shredding. A rescue whistle on the sternum strap is a nice added touch when you’re going out into more remote wilderness in search of powder.

   A fleece lined goggle pocket gives you a safe space to stash your eyewear where it won’t get knocked around. The pack is crafted from 600D polyester so it’s built exceptionally tough.

   Dakine also offers a women’s version of this pack – check it out here. For a low profile, backcountry equipped backpack, this unit by Dakine is both highly effective and affordable.

   Find moreDakine Heli Pro Backpack information and reviews here.

6. 6. Under Armour Storm Contender Backpack

   Price: $79.99

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Very water repellent and weather resistant backpack
   • Awesome shoulder strapping
   • Great internal and external pocket schematic
   • Bottom panel is abrasion resistant adding to this pack’s estimated lifespan

   Cons:

   • Although there’s great quality strapping on this pack, there’s no waist strap
   • Might be a bit cumbersome for riders with a smaller build
   • Fairly expensive

   Here’s a high capacity polyester backpack by Under Armour that’s designed to effectively repel the winter elements. The Storm is an awesome pack for those riders who require a larger bag on the slopes.

   The streamlined design coupled with the sternum strap allows this pack to feel low profile and tight to your frame despite its high capacity. There’s an awesome array of external and internal pockets with this one, so there’s high organization potential as well.

   Some added external D-rings even give you a few extra attachment points for the gear you want on hand. The bottom panel has thoughtfully been crafted to be abrasion resistant so the bottom of the pack won’t wear out.

   The front pocket is also water-repellent, so your valuables are safe wherever you stash them in this pack. The adjustable and padded shoulder strapping is comfortable to wear and provides a snug fit when cinched down.

   All in all, Under Armour offers a high performing backpack at a great cost here that will be awesome for the slopes.

   Find more Under Armour Storm Contender Backpack information and reviews here.

7. 7. Dakine Mission Backpack

   Price: $86.99

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Wide color selection
   • Board strap allows you to hike with your board secured to you and is great for stashing a jacket or extra layer
   • Great array of pockets and compartments for a high degree of organization
   • Fleece lined goggle pocket

   Cons:

   • The sternum and waist strapping is not the best quality - if your using the strapping over lighter layers rather than a winter jacket it may become uncomfortable
   • Fleece lined pockets are not of the best quality
   • Narrow main compartment

   As a fast-paced snowboarder myself, I really dig this pack by Dakine. The Mission is both a highly packable and low profile polyester backpack that allows you to shred with all your gear without sacrificing range of motion.

   It’s very water-resistant so your gear will stay dry through almost all conditions. The pocket schematic is well thought out for packing a large amount of gear in an organized manner. The board strap is also great for stashing a jacket or extra layer when you finish hiking up and get your board under your feet.

   There’s both waist and sternum straps for support assistance with heavier loads. The added strapping definitely is necessary when hiking up with your board or when your range of motion can’t afford to be sacrificed in the slightest.

   Find more Dakine Mission Backpack information and reviews here.

8. 8. Burton Kilo Backpack

   Price: $64.95

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Great size (27 liters) for packing a good amount of gear
   • Wide array of zippered pockets for top notch organization
   • Skateboard strapping is perfect for stowing a jacket when you want to shed a layer
   • Various color options

   Cons:

   • This is a water resistant pack — but certainly not waterproof on particularly sloshy days
   • Lack of a waist strap might make this bag a bit cumbersome when carrying heavy loads
   • Fairly large pack not ideal for packing just a few items

   Here’s another bag by Burton that could make a great pack for the slopes. The Kilo provides 27 liters of space making it a pretty high capacity backpack.

   There are several external zippered pockets as well as some good organization potential within the main compartment. The Kilo is definitely a solid pack for those days riding where you need to have a full bag.

   This is a fairly water resistant pack and totally suitable for use in the snow, but on really sloppy and slushy days this unit is going to get wetter than a lot of other competitors.

   The exterior skateboard strap is also perfect for stowing your jacket for when you heat up and want to shed a layer.

   A sternum strap helps with load support, but there’s no waist strap on this pack. Depending on the weight of your gear, this could be a good or a bad thing for actively riding.

   For the price, this is no doubt an excellent valued bag. you get more than you pay for with this one, and you’ll likely want to use this pack for a variety of purposes outside of snowboarding.

   Find more Burton Kilo Backpack information and reviews here.

9. 9. Teton Sports Oasis 1100 2 Liter Hydration Backpack

   Price: $44.99

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Great array of pockets and external strapping for stowing gear and gadgets
   • Includes rain cover and two Liter hydration bladder (with hose and bite valve)
   • Pretty light weight at just 2 pounds unfilled
   • A few different color options available
   • Very affordable option!

   Cons:

   • Some customer complaints about the quality of the zippers
   • Not as water resistant as some other options
   • Bungee system has a questionable lifespan

   Here’s a slightly different approach to a snowboarding pack by Teton Sports. This is an excellent bag for the avid rider who wants a highly efficient, hydration compatible daypack that could last for years.

   This bag is loaded with features; it includes a rain cover, a bungee cord system for stowing gear, a butterfly opening ideal for accessing clothing and of course, a hydration bladder! Customer reviews insist that the two-liter bladder, sip tube and cushioned bite valve included with this pack are of good quality.

   This backpack is designed to have a low profile athletic cut and is adjustable for all frames including men women and children. This one will stay out of your way while ripping it up while still providing you with the gear storage you need.

   If you’re looking for a reliable, quality riding pack then definitely check this one out. Considering the quality of the materials used and the included hydration bladder and rain cover, this 18 Liter bag is a sweet value for the cost.

   Find more Teton Sports Oasis 1100 2 Liter Hydration Backpack information and reviews here.

10. 10. The Friendly Swede 33L Dry Bag Backpack

    Price: $39.99

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Main compartment is a true dry bag
    • Has both chest and waist straps for added support while actively riding
    • Includes survival features like a whistle and reflective accents
    • Side pockets and front pocket are great for keeping things organized

    Cons:

    • The chest and waist straps are not padded - but that shouldn’t create much of an issue considering they will usually be secured over your jacket
    • Material is fairly rigid
    • Lacks organization potential

    Here’s a full-on dry bag style backpack for when things are really wet out there. This bag by The Friendly Swede is a 33 Liter dry-pack that could be perfect for sloppy spring skiing or for the rider who wants to ensure their gear stays bone dry.

    If you ride with a camera or any kind of recording equipment you might consider the protection of a dry-pack like this. Reflective details, as well as an easy access survival whistle, make this pack a good companion for wilderness treks where you want to maximize safety.

    Two mesh side pockets can fit a thermos or water bottle effectively and a front velcro pocket (not totally waterproof) also adds to this packs storage abilities.

    There’s a padded laptop sleeve on the interior of the bag too, so it’s a highly functional backpack for most purposes. Chest and waist straps, as well as adjustable shoulder straps, aim to maximize the comfort and support of this pack.

    The roll top closure of this pack is what keeps your gear dry in sleet, snow or splash, so just make sure its properly clipped shut and drop in with confidence!

     

    Find more The Friendly Swede 33L Dry Bag Backpack information and reviews here.

11. 11. Dakine Explorer Backpack

    Price: $59.95

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Great quality budget option
    • At 25 liters, there’s some ample storage space here
    • 13 different color options
    • Between the interior and exterior pockets coupled with the skateboard carry strap there’s some sweet organization potential here
    • Material sheds wetness quite well — this pack is more waterproof than many competitors

    Cons:

    • There’s no waist strap on this pack so if you really load it up with some weight it may become a bit cumbersome while actively riding
    • Not terribly low profile compared to some other packs
    • Not as built to last as a lot of the competition

    Here’s a simple and straight forward backpack by Dakine that makes for a pretty killer budget option. This tough little polyester pack has 25 liters of storage space, so despite the Explorer’s small build and price tag it can still fit a good bit of gear.

    There’s three interior slip pockets as well as five exterior pockets for a pretty high degree of organization. This pack, unfortunately, does not have any waist straps, so when riding with a lot of weight it might become a little cumbersome.

    A fleece lined sunglasses pocket is great for stashing your goggles and the skateboard carry straps can be employed to carry a wide range of gear.

    All in all, this is a great choice of budget pack that will perform awesome on the slopes regardless of your riding style.

    Find more Dakine Explorer Backpack information and reviews here.

See Also:

• Best Small Hiking Backpacks: The Ultimate List
• Unique Backpacks: Your Ultimate List
• Best Snowshoes for Sale: Compare, Buy & Save
• Cool Backpacks for Men Who Want to Stand Out