As a snowboarder, you’ve likely noticed many riders with backpacks on the slopes, especially at resorts. You might wonder why they do this. After all, snowboarding is all about freedom and movement. Carrying a backpack might seem like it could change the way you ride.
Could it make you lose balance, or does it somehow help you stay steady? If you’ve been riding for years, like many of us you might have never thought about strapping a bag to your back. So, what’s inside these backpacks, and how do they really affect snowboarding?
See also: 8 super popular backpacks for snowboarding
What’s in the snowboarders’ backpacks?
Snowboarders pack their backpacks with a variety of items to suit their needs on the slopes. These backpacks act as mini supply stores, handy for the long days on the mountain.
Common items include food and water, important for maintaining energy and hydration. Snacks like beef jerky, almonds, and energy bars are popular choices.
They also often carry a hydration pack for staying hydrated without frequent stops. Note that on a cold day, riders need to store the hose inside the backpack because it will freeze up.
Safety and comfort gear also find a place in these backpacks. This includes extra gloves or mittens, ski poles, helmet and boot liners, a general-purpose snowboard tool.
Snowboarders often pack additional layers of clothing to adapt to changing weather conditions.
For those exploring challenging terrains like the backcountry, the backpack might contain more advanced gear and mountaineering equipment, first aid kits, radios, and extra batteries for safety and communication.
Parents who snowboard find backpacks especially useful. They pack items their children may need such as snacks, drinks, warm gloves, or balaclava masks. This helps the kids stay comfortable and happy and increases the chance of uninterrupted day on the slopes.
Some riders stash their phone, keys, energy bars. The pack allows them to shed some layers if they need to. Others might include a multitool, a GoPro and camera gear, and basic emergency supplies like a whistle or a small first aid kit.
Photographers or videographers in the group might carry specialized equipment like DSLRs, lenses, flashes, and tripods. Despite the additional weight, these packs are designed to hold the gear securely and comfortably.
Pros of snowboarding with a backpack
Riding with a backpack has many advantages. Carrying water with you means no more trips inside just for a drink. You can also pack your lunch, snacks, and essentials like a face mask.
A backpack is great for storing gear for changing temperatures, thus avoiding the hassle of going down to the car or dealing with lockers.
For day trips, it’s great for carrying water, lunch, and maybe even dinner if you’re planning to snowboard into the night.
If you like to venture away from the crowds but still stay within resort boundaries, a backpack will come in very handy. Many riders forget it’s even there. It’s also handy for strapping your board to your back if you end up hiking.
If you like filming things, a backpack is essential for holding your GoPro and accessories, extra batteries, mounts, cases etc. It’s much better than having things flailing around in your pockets. It lets you feel more flexible and streamlined.
When you’ve invested in a pricey lift ticket, you want to make the most of your time on the slopes. With a backpack, you don’t have to stop for lunch or water. You can simply eat and drink while you’re on the lift, saving time and keeping you out on the snow.
If the temperature suddenly drops, you don’t have to head all the way back to your car for an extra layer and waste precious time. You have your extra gear right with you so you can keep riding.
If you’re concerned about balance, a backpack may feel different at first, but you get used to it quickly. You’ll find a way to wear it that suits you e.g. under your jacket.
Another benefit is back protection, as your backpack can cushion the impact if you fall hard. It can really save you from pain.
For all-day riding, a backpack is practical for minimizing stops. You can carry extras for yourself and friends without feeling weighed down to much.
Backpacks are a must in the backcountry. They’re also useful on deep snow days in-bounds when you should have safety gear like a shovel and probe.
Cons of snowboarding with a backpack
Snowboarding with a backpack has its downsides. One major issue is that it can throw off your balance, especially if the items inside shift around. If you’re carving or making quick turns and your water bottle suddenly moves, it can really mess up your stability.
Carrying a backpack can inhibit your ability to progress in your snowboarding, especially if you’re into more aggressive styles like jumps and spins. It’s bulky and can get in the way, and make it harder to perform tricks.
Some riders feel that backpacks make lifts uncomfortable. If you have to take it off every time you get on a lift, it becomes a hassle.
Plus, there’s always the risk of it snagging on trees or annoying other people on the lift. Some resorts even ask you to remove your backpack before getting on, which adds to the inconvenience.
The need for a backpack is sometimes debated. Jackets often have enough pockets for essentials like energy bars or small snacks. And at most resorts, you’ll find water fountains and tools at lift shacks. So, for in-bounds resort riding, you might not need all that extra storage.
Some riders find creative solutions like stashing food or drinks near their favorite runs or lifts. That creates a quick pit stop without having to carry everything on their back.
Others simply wear a Camelbak under their jacket, so they don’t have to stop and unstrap their board just to get a drink.
The bottom line is, while a backpack can be handy for backcountry trips or when you need to carry a lot of gear, it’s not always necessary for regular resort riding. It’s a personal preference, and it depends on the kind of snowboarding you’re doing.
If you’re just cruising on groomers, a backpack might not bother you much. But if you’re riding park or riding aggressively, a backpack could be more of a nuisance than a help.
Some backpacks seasoned riders often recommend
When choosing a backpack for snowboarding, make sure it’s waterproof and designed specifically for snowboarding. Brands like Thule and Dakine are popular choices among snowboarders.
Look for a backpack with insulated hydration bladders. These are incredibly useful for staying hydrated without the need to stop. If you’re concerned about the hydration bladder popping, you should fill it only halfway.
Having straps for your board or snowshoes can be very useful if you’re hiking or in the backcountry. A bright-colored backpack is also recommended for visibility. Avoid white and black which blend into the snowy landscape.
Many riders rave about the snug fit and security of Dakine packs. The Dakine Helipack 12L (the smallest) is a great compact choice. It’s small enough not to be cumbersome but has sufficient space for water, snacks, tools, a shovel, and a probe.
Dakine’s 14L backpack, slightly bigger, is also praised for being snug and close to your body. It’s suitable for carrying a Camelback, snacks, a few drinks, etc, without you hardly noticing it.
Dakine also makes vests which distribute weight evenly and have a small pouch for layers or avalanche gear.
Another good option is the 686 Hydrastash jacket which incorporates water storage into the jacket itself. The jacket feels weightless.
The Osprey Daylite and McKinley backpacks are popular for their capacity to carry essentials like an extra layer, GoPro, water, lunch, beer etc. They also include a sleeve for a hydration pouch.
The Jones DSCNT 19L is also highly praised for both resort and backcountry riding.
The Switchbak 14 by New Path Outdoors has a water bladder spot, ample room for essentials, and a quick-release stability strap for ease of access and comfort on the chairlift.
The key is to keep your backpack snug and consider one with a waist belt to prevent it from rotating. A size around 20 liters or under is generally sufficient for lift-assisted, cat, heli, or short hiking trips.
For day trips or mountaineering, around 35-40 liters is recommended, while multi-day trips might require 65-80 liters.
For resort riding, the 16L ORTOVOX Powder Rider is great, with enough space for a spare layer, lunch, snacks, a 2L water bladder, and essential items like keys and a phone. It’s low-profile, which is great for lifts.
For women, many recommend the Dakine Team Heli Pro 24L backpack. Its shape is designed specifically for a woman’s body. The padded straps and waist belt allow for an ergonomic fit and distribute weight across your back and hips.