Many snowboarders like having a backpack to carry drinks, snacks, extra clothes, tools, and sometimes even beers so they don’t have to stop at the lodge or car.
Choosing a backpack usually comes down to picking something comfortable, the right size, and that doesn’t get in the way when you’re snowboarding or getting on the lift.
When picking a backpack for the resort, you want something that’s water-resistant, not too big, and possibly lets you strap your board on so you can walk hands-free from your car to the lifts.
That said, attaching your board to your backpack sometimes feel like more trouble than it’s worth if you don’t really need both hands free.
Note that not everyone thinks you need a backpack for riding at the resort. Some say it’s better not to wear one unless you’re going into the backcountry or have to carry avalanche gear. I’ve discussed the topic at length in this other post.
A backpack can affect your balance somewhat. The impact on balance is greater the heavier the pack and the further it hangs from your back.
Small hydration packs are popular because they don’t mess with your balance or riding. Snowboarders sometimes wear their backpacks under their jackets for keeping hydrated and carrying essentials without affecting their balance too much.
Some riders stay away from backpacks with just one strap because they make your board hang too low, which is annoying if you’re walking or hiking.
A 20L backpack is usually just right for a day on the slopes, but some prefer a 28L for extra space. Others choose a small 12L pack for carrying a few essentials.
Many riders like Dakine backpacks (see below) for snowboarding because they’re designed well for carrying your board, water, and other stuff you need on the slopes. Jones backpacks also work great for both backcountry and resort snowboarding.
Let’s take a look at the most popular backpacks for snowboarding – and what riders think about them.
1. DaKine Heli Pro 20L
The Dakine Heli Pro 20L backpack is widely praised for its durability and functionality, a popular pack for both light and heavy packers. Riders often report it’s sturdy enough to last a decade.
This medium-sized pack is versatile, suitable for cold weather and off-mountain activities, and is praised for its comfort on ski lifts due to its optimal width.
Featuring sturdy straps, the Heli Pro 20L is designed to carry a snowboard vertically, suiting the needs of both resort riders and urban users. While it has great vertical carry capability, there’s uncertainty about its ability to carry a snowboard horizontally, which might be a consideration for some riders.
The backpack’s design and capacity are ideal for carrying a mid-layer or spare base, avalanche gear, snacks, and spare goggles. It’s noted for being light and durable and offers better board carrying functionality than single strap designs.
The 20L volume is considered just right by many riders – the 12L and 24L versions are sometimes considered awkwardly sized.
The board straps are convenient if you need to walk longer distances from the parking lot to the lifts. You may need to remove the pack in crowded areas.
Overall, a solid, functional backpack that offers a balance between size, durability, and carrying capability.
2. DaKine Heli Pro 12L
The Dakine Heli Pro 12L backpack is designed for light packers who need a compact bag for carrying snowboarding essentials.
It’s well-suited for resort riding, offering just enough space for a mid-layer, spare lens or toque, a 2L water bladder, snacks, and a multitool.
Its low profile design means it doesn’t get in the way during physical activity, making it a popular choice for both resort trails (particularly highlighted by riders who have taken it to Whistler) and off-season hiking.
Riders appreciate the Heli Pro 12L for its ability to fit necessary gear without being bulky. It can hold water, snacks, tools, a shovel, and a probe, so it works great for backcountry as well. It has features that securely hold skis, boards, or poles.
The backpack is praised for its functionality and efficiency. Riders often describe it as the perfect mountain bag. However, its size might be too small if you need to carry more gear or for use in colder weather.
While the Dakine Heli Pro 12L is an excellent choice for minimalists and efficient packers, if you need more space you might consider the 20L model, especially for colder days that command additional layers.
3. DaKine Poacher 14L or 18L
The Dakine Poacher backpacks, the 18L and 14L, are great for different outdoor activities.
The 18L is really good for days when you’re snowboarding off the trails thanks to its straps that hold your snowboard tight. It keeps your board attached to you securely, which makes it a good choice for hiking and snowboarding in the backcountry, .
The 14L version is smaller and might not be the best if you want to carry your snowboard on it. But it’s good for days spent at the ski resort, fitting things like a water pack, snacks, extra goggles, and even a few drinks comfortably.
It fits close to your body, so it doesn’t get in your way or make you feel off-balance.
Both Poacher backpacks have their own benefits, depending on what you need them for. The 18L is better for carrying your snowboard, while the 14L is good for holding your stuff without feeling bulky.
4. DaKine Mission Pro
The Dakine Mission Pro is a versatile backpack that’s not just for snowboarding, it’s good for a bunch of different outdoor activities – people also use it for mountain biking and dirt biking.
Even though some riders find attaching a snowboard a bit tricky, most still think the backpack is really practical.
This backpack is designed to be super useful, no matter what you’re doing. The Mission Pro 25 model, for example, is great for pretty much everything. You can fit a water bladder in it, and it’s got a special spot for the tube to go through the shoulder strap so you can drink easily while you’re on the move.
If you’re heading out for some off-piste (side country) snowboarding, it has straps to attach your board. There are two main pockets where you can keep all sorts of stuff, from your avalanche safety gear to snacks. There’s even a separate pocket for your goggles.
So if you’re someone who likes doing a lot of outdoor activities and needs a backpack that can keep up with all of them, the Dakine Mission Pro, especially the 25-liter version, can be a good fit.
5. Jones DSCNT
The Jones DSCNT backpacks, especially the 19L and 25L models, are really talked up for how well they work for snowboarding. Riders say they’re top-notch – even though they’re a bit pricey.
Riders love the Jones DSCNT 19L for both hitting the resort and going off into the backcountry. The 25L also gets a lot of love for how tough it is. Even after using it for two seasons, it still looks like new.
The 25L is also seen as a great pack for every day you’re out snowboarding, not just for those deep powder backcountry days. It’s designed really well and makes it easy to carry your board and helmet.
It has a spot for your helmet and a special compartment for your goggles, which people find super handy.
People who’ve used it say it feels like it was made by someone who really knows snowboarding. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into making these backpacks fit for snowboarders.
Even though the DSCNT 25L is mostly marketed for backcountry adventures, it’s just as good for regular days at the resort because of all the storage options it offers.
6. Osprey Glade 12
The Osprey Glade 12 backpack is a popular choice for outdoor freaks. It is designed to be versatile and functional, suitable for various activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking.
The 12-liter capacit offers enough space to carry essential gear and supplies for a day out in the backcountry.
Users appreciate the slim profile of the Glade 12 which allows for safe and comfortable riding on ski lifts. The stable carry design provides a secure and balanced fit during descents.
The backpack is also equipped with a 2.5-liter hydration reservoir which gives you convenient access to water during outdoor adventures.
The Glade 12 backpack is praised for its multi-seasonal usability. Many riders find it suitable for year-round activities, including skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.
The backpack has comfortable fit and thoughtful features,e.g. the cap for the mouthpiece to keep it clean.
7. Burton AK
The AK series is designed with backcountry snowboarding in mind. These backpacks come with handy features like storage for your snow tools, compatibility with hydration systems to keep you watered on the go.
Some of these packs include specialized compartments for avalanche safety equipment and snowboard or ski carry systems.
The AK Dispatcher 25L, in particular, is praised for its incredible durability. It has been dubbed the “GOAT” by users who’ve relied on it for as long as 15 years without any damage.
Besides snowboarding, riders also use it as a skate bag. This backpack is tough and adaptable, great for carrying your boards (snow or skate) and pads.
The Burton AK packs have a style that stands out – riders dig their sweet looks.
8. Union Expedition 24L
The Union Rover Expedition Backpack 24L is a solid pick if you’re looking for a backpack that lets you carry your snowboard either vertically or horizontally. You can choose how you want to carry your board based on what’s more comfortable for you.
If you do a lot of boot packing, being able to carry the board horizontally is a big plus as you don’t have to worry about the board hitting you as you walk.
This is a versatile pack, from hiking up a mountain to just walking from the parking lot to the lifts. It’s a good option if you often switch up the way you carry your board, or if you’re tired of it knocking into you when you’re trying to hike.