The Best Ski Backpacks for Every Budget

A ski backpack is a must-have for any skier. It makes it much easier to carry all of your gear around and keeps everything organized.

Best Ski Backpack

Are you looking for a new backpack to take on your ski trips this year?

Skiing can be a lot of fun, but it can also be pretty taxing on your gear. That's why it's important to have a quality backpack that can withstand the elements. We'll talk about some of the best features to look for in a ski backpack, and we'll recommend a few models that are perfect for any budget. So whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, we've got you covered!

You can't go wrong with any of the backpacks we recommend here.  They are high quality and very affordable.

Keep reading to find the top picks we made for you!

How We Found the Best Skiing Backpacks for You

Choosing the best ski packs for your needs can be tough. There are so many different brands and models to choose from, and each one seems to have its own set of pros and cons.

It's hard to know which features you should be looking for in a skiing backpack, and even harder to figure out which one will actually work best for you. Do you need something with ski and snowboard carry options, a roll top closure, or more space for your hut trip?

We read through thousands of reviews to find the best backpacks for skiing, so you don't have to. We've compiled a list of the top backpacks based on our findings, as well as a buyer's guide to help you make the right decision for your needs.


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Unigear Ski Backpack, 22L

Best 22L

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How it Made the Pick

If you love skiing, mountaineering, or hiking, you need a good backpack that can carry all your gear. This ski backpack is perfect for your next adventure. With 22L of space, it's big enough to hold everything you need for a day on the slopes or a hike up the mountain.

The hip belt and waist strap are adjustable to make sure the backpack fits snugly and comfortably, even when you're carrying a lot of weight.

And the sternum strap helps distribute the weight evenly, so you don't get fatigued while you're walking. Plus, there's plenty of space to store all your backcountry essentials like a shovel, ice axes, gloves, and extra clothes.

So if you're looking for a great backpack for your next outdoor adventure, this is the perfect one for you.

What Makes it Worthy

Love the slopes but hate lugging all your gear around? The Unigear Ski Backpack is here to make your life easier. This tough and durable pack is made from 600D polyester with a PU coating, meaning it can take a beating whether you're hitting the slopes or the backcountry.

The bottom of the pack is wrapped in scratch-resistant 500DPVC, making it water repellent and perfect for snowy or cold conditions. And with multiple compartments and a velvet-lined goggle pocket, you can have all your gear organized and within reach without having to worry about anything getting damaged.

So hit the slopes with confidence knowing that your gear is safe and sound with the Unigear Ski Backpack.


Dakine Poacher 32L Backpack

Best 32L

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How it Made the Pick

Looking for an eco-friendly way to transport your skis or split board? Look no further than this backpack from Dakine. Made from 100% recycled high density nylon materials, this backpack is durable and built to last.

The comfortable straps make it easy to carry, and the roomy interior can accommodate lots of gear. The easy to use and adjustable straps on the exterior make carrying your skis or a split board a breeze.

Whether you're hitting the slopes or exploring the backcountry, this backpack is a great choice for sustainable winter fun and its a great minimalist pack.

What Makes it Worthy

The Dakine Poacher 32L Backpack is the perfect way to carry your backcountry skiing gear. With a panel-zippered main access, this backpack provides plenty of space to store all of your essentials.

Additionally, the Deployable helmet carry, and Split board poles and ice axe carry loops make it easy to keep everything organized and within reach. made from 100% recycled 420D HD Nylon ripstop, this backpack is built to withstand the rigors of backcountry adventures.

Whether you're hitting the slopes for resort skiing, a day of powder skiing or embarking on a multi-day expedition, the Dakine Poacher 32L Backpack has everything you need to make your trip a success.


Unigear Ski Hydration Backpack, 30L

Best 30L

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How it Made the Pick

This ski backpack is just what you need for your next adventure. It has an insulated hydration sleeve for a 3L bladder, so you can stay hydrated on the go.

The S-shaped elastic shoulder belts don't get in the way of your arms moving freely so you can move easily while wearing it. There is also a nifty hip belt pocket on the waist belt and ski carry straps making this an great lightweight pack full of useful features.

This pack is also really comfortable to wear, so you can enjoy your day without worrying about being uncomfortable.

What Makes it Worthy

Bring your gear with you wherever you go with the Unigear Ski Hydration Backpack. This backpack is perfect for skiers and snowboarders who want to hit the slopes with all their gear.

The main shell is made from 900D polyester, so it's built to last. There are also several options for attaching a snowboard or skis to the bag, so you can carry your gear with ease.

Plus, the backpack includes a hydration bladder, so you can stay hydrated on the slopes. So, whether you're hitting the slopes for a day or a week, the Unigear Ski Hydration Backpack has everything you need to make your trip a success.


Hikenture Ski Boot Bag Backpack, 50L

Best ski boot bag

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How it Made the Pick

Anyone who's ever gone skiing or snowboarding, knows that it can be a pain lugging all of your gear around.

That's where this 50L ski boot backpack comes in handy. It's designed to carry all of your ski or snowboard gear, including boots and helmet, so you can hit the slopes without having to worry about how you are going to lug everything with you.

And when you're done for the day, it's easy to pack everything up into the storage bag so you're all set for next time. So if you're looking for a convenient way to carry your gear, this backpack is definitely worth checking out. It even has a convenient ski carry system to hold your skis when hiking.

What Makes it Worthy

The Hikenture Ski Boot Bag Backpack is the perfect storage solution for all your skiing gear. With 50L of storage space, this bag has enough room to store everything you need for a day on the slopes.

The bag features a water-resistant and wear-resistant surface, making it ideal for protecting your gear from the elements.

Additionally, the ski helmet compartment ensures that your helmet stays safe and secure while you're on the go. And when you're done skiing for the day, the backpack turns into a standing mat, keeping your feet dry and comfortable when changing boots.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Hikenture Ski Boot Bag Backpack is a must-have for anyone who loves to hit the slopes.

A ski boot bag is always a great option to have!

Safety Tips for Skiing

Skiing is a great way to enjoy the winter months, but it's important to stay safe on the slopes. Here are five safety tips to keep in mind when hitting the slopes:

1. Wear the proper clothing and equipment. Make sure you have the right boots, bindings, skis, and poles for your size and skill level. Also, dress in layers so you can adjust to changes in temperature. Consider protective gear like knee pads, wrist guards, and helmets!

2. Warm up before you ski. A good warm-up will help prevent injuries.

3. Don't ski alone. It's always safest to ski with a friend or group. If you do venture out alone, make sure someone knows where you're going and when you'll be back.

4. Be aware of your surroundings. Watch out for other skiers, trees, rocks, and other obstacles. Stay on marked trails and obey all signs and signals.

5. Know your limits. Don't try to ski beyond your abilities. If you're tired, take a break. And always ski within your comfort zone.

6. If you are touring, find the best ski touring packs that hold all the gear you need for a safe adventure!

By following these simple safety tips, you can help ensure a fun and safe day on the slopes!


Most Commonly Asked Questions Around Skiing Backpacks

Skiing can be a lot of fun, but it's also pretty complicated. There are a lot of things to think about - like what kind of backpack to bring.

It can feel overwhelming when you're trying to get ready for your first ski trip. There are so many different pieces of gear that you need to buy, and it's hard to know which ones are the most important.

We've answered all the most commonly asked questions around skiing backpacks. In this guide, we'll help you figure out what type of backpack is right for you, how to pack it correctly, and some tips for staying safe on the slopes.

What should I take when going skiing?

It depends on the type of skiing you're doing. For downhill skiing, you'll need skis, boots, poles, and a helmet. For cross-country skiing, you'll need skis, poles, and a helmet.

When going skiing, you should also take sunscreen, water, a hat, and ChapStick. Sunscreen will protect your skin from the sun's UV rays. Water will help keep you hydrated; a hat will protect you from the sun's heat and cold; and ChapStick will keep your lips moisturized.

Should you wear a backpack when skiing?

There is no definitive answer, as different skiers prefer different setups. Some people feel more comfortable wearing a backpack while skiing, as it gives them a sense of security and stability. Others find that ski packs interfere with their balance and make skiing more difficult. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.

Some things to consider when deciding whether or not to wear a backpack while skiing include the weight of the pack, its placement on your body, and the type of terrain you'll be skiing on. If you're carrying a heavy load, it might be more comfortable to wear a backpack. If you're skiing on rough terrain, having something to stabilize you can be helpful.

What size backpack do I need for skiing?

It depends on the type of skiing you will be doing. If you will mostly be skiing at resorts and only taking day trips, a smaller backpack is probably sufficient. However, if you plan to ski in the backcountry or go on longer trips, you will need a larger backpack that can carry more gear such as a ski touring backpack or a back country ski backpack.

Some things to consider when choosing the best ski backpacks are the size and weight of the pack, the type of suspension system, and whether or not it has a waterproof cover. You also want to make sure that the pack is comfortable to wear and has enough room to store all your gear.

Does a backpack throw off your balance when skiing?

Yes, backpacks can throw your balance off when skiing. The extra weight on your back causes you to lean slightly forward, which can throw you off balance and make it difficult to stay in control.

For this reason, it's a good idea to remove your backpack before skiing. A ski mountaineering pack is designed to carry essential gear while still being light and compact.

Should you carry avalanche gear with your ski gear?

It really depends on where you're skiing and what the conditions are like. If you're skiing in an area with known avalanche danger, then it's definitely a good idea to have avalanche gear with you. Things to consider include whether you're skiing in a backcountry area or a resort, and what type of terrain you'll be skiing on.

If you're not sure whether or not you need avalanche gear, it's always better to be safe than sorry. In some cases, it might be worth renting or borrowing gear instead of buying your own, especially if you don't plan on using it very often.

Ultimately, the best way to stay safe in an avalanche is to know the terrain and make smart decisions. If you are going deep in the back country an airbag pack may be a good option.

Can you carry skis or snowboard on your ski pack?

The best ski backpacks allow you to carry not only your avalanche safety gear, but you can also use the compression straps to secure your skis to the pack.

Most ski packs allow you to either carry your skis vertically one on each side of the pack or you can do a diagonal ski carry on the back. The most ideal way for a snowboard is a vertical snowboard carry.

Ski touring backpacks are very versatile and allow you many options to carry your gear including the A frame ski carry which is our favorite for carrying skis. You attach your skis with ski straps that create an A shape for easier carrying.

What is diagonal ski carry?

Diagonal ski carry is a way to carry your skis on your back while hiking or backpacking. It's more comfortable and efficient than carrying them vertically, and it prevents them from getting tangled together.

To do the diagonal ski carry, you'll need a ski pack with two sets of straps — one for each ski.

First, put your skis together so the tips are at the same height, then clip the tips of the skis to the loops on the front of your ski pack.

Next, wrap the ski packs shoulder straps around your chest and hips so that they're evenly distribute weight across your body. Finally, tighten all of the straps until the skis feel secure.

What is an airbag pack?

An avalanche airbag pack for skiing is a backpack that contains an airbag system which is activated in the event of an avalanche. The system inflates a bag around the wearer's head and upper body, helping to keep them on the surface of the snow and preventing them from being buried.

Airbag ski packs are becoming increasingly popular among skiers and snowboarders, as they offer a much higher chance of survival than traditional ski packs in the event of an avalanche.

It is important to note, however, that no airbag pack can guarantee 100% safety in an avalanche - it is always best to take all necessary precautions when travelling in areas with known risk of avalanches. The best ski backpacks with the airbag technology do come with a steep price point though.

The main downside for a backcountry skier is the limited space in the main compartment. You end up with limited space for your avalanche safety equipment.

The Right Ski Backpack for Your Needs

Skiing can be a lot of fun, but it’s also pretty tiring. That’s why having the right backcountry ski backpack to carry your gear is so important. We hope our list of the best ski backpacks will help you choose the perfect one for your needs. Do you have a favorite ski backpack that we didn’t mention? Let us know!

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