What backpack volume do you need for skiing?
At the foot of the first skin track, everything needs to fit in your pack: shovel, probe, warm layer, water and helmet. Choose the volume to suit the length of your trip. At 15 L and 695 g, the FREECLINE is sized for a day out without excess weight. From 18 to 26 L, the FIRN 18, SOPRIS 20, FREERIDER 22 SL and 24, UPDAYS 24 SL and 26, and SOELDEN 25 carry your safety kit and day essentials.
For extra gear, step up to the SOELDEN 32. The FIRN 28 is built for demanding days in the mountains. Weights range from 680 g for the UPDAYS 24 SL to 1,190 g for the FIRN 28.
Ski touring backpack: the shovel and probe compartment
In an avalanche, searching through your pack costs time. The SOELDEN models and UPDAYS 24 SL have a safety compartment separate from the rest of the contents; the UPDAYS 26 and SOPRIS 20 provide quick access to safety equipment. The FIRN 18 stores it in a front avalanche pocket; the FREERIDER 24 has separate compartments for the shovel, probe and goggles.
For off-piste skiing and ski touring, choose a pack with a separate safety compartment. Your avalanche transceiver stays switched on and on your person; the pack holds the shovel and probe. On the UPDAYS 24 SL, a separate lower opening gives you access without emptying the pack.
Carrying skis on your pack: diagonal, A-frame or side lasso
When a section is too steep for skins, carry your skis on your pack. Compare these key details:
- Diagonal carry: UPDAYS, FREECLINE (for skis or snowboarding equipment), FREERIDER 24 (also supports vertical carry, including snowshoes).
- A-frame or diagonal ski carry: SOELDEN, with horizontal or vertical carry for snowboarding equipment.
- Side lasso carry: FIRN 18, with one ski on each side, without taking the pack off.
- Quick grip without taking the pack off: FIRN 28.
If you often carry your skis, choose a system you can operate without taking your pack off. On the UPDAYS 24 SL, the diagonal ski attachment tightens in seconds, even with gloves on.
Back-panel access, helmet and goggles: compare the details
Set down in the snow, a pack opened from the shoulder-strap side leaves the straps wet. The SOELDEN opens from the back panel, keeping the straps dry; the FIRN 28’s back-panel access lets you reach the bottom without emptying it. On the FREERIDER models, it lets you access the contents without removing attached skis. The FREECLINE opens at the front with a full-length zip.
The helmet attaches to the outside: a stowable helmet holder on the SOELDEN, an external attachment on the FIRN 28 and a mesh holder on the UPDAYS models. To keep your goggles scratch-free, choose a lined pocket, like those on the FIRN 28 and FREERIDER 24. The FIRN 28 has a hydration bladder outlet; the UPDAYS 26 fits a 3 L water bottle.
Women’s ski backpacks and brands in the selection
Three models are designed for women: the UPDAYS 24 SL (680 g), FREERIDER 22 SL and SOPRIS 20. On the latter two, the back panels and shoulder straps are shaped for a female fit; the SOPRIS 20’s straps do not compress the chest. Adjust the hip belt first, then the shoulder straps and chest strap.
Both brands in the selection have their own pages: Deuter and Osprey. For clothing, see our ski touring clothing and our ski goggles and sunglasses. The guide Ski touring: the essential kit list completes your preparation.
