Best Ski Backpacks of 2025

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Ski backpacks are essential for anyone who loves to hit the slopes. These backpacks are designed to carry all the necessary gear for skiing or snowboarding, including helmets, gloves, goggles, and extra layers. They are also equipped with special features such as straps to carry skis or snowboards, insulated pockets for water bottles, and compartments for avalanche safety equipment. A good ski backpack will not only help you organise your gear but also stabilise your load while skiing. If you're planning a ski trip, we highly advise investing in a reliable ski backpack to make your experience comfortable and hassle-free.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Ski Backpacks
TerraWest Core 22 Ski Backpack with Recco
The TerraWest Core 22 Backpack is a versatile and lightweight ski backpack featuring a Recco Reflector for enhanced safety. This reflector aids Search and Rescue teams in locating you during emergencies, providing peace of mind while you ski. Additionally, the removable SAS-TEC back protector offers superior impact protection, ensuring you stay safe while enjoying your winter sports. With 22 litres of storage and multiple compartments, you can easily organise your skiing gear and essentials, making it a convenient choice for outdoor adventures.
Deuter Freescape Lite 26 Ski Touring Backpack with Safety Features
The Deuter Freescape Lite 26 Backpack is designed with skiers and snowboarders in mind. It features a separate compartment for emergency equipment, ensuring you have quick access to essential tools in case of an avalanche. The front compartment includes a built-in, detachable mesh helmet holder, making it easy to carry your helmet and maps securely. Additionally, the backpack has a lateral ski holder and allows for two different ways to secure your skis or snowboard, providing versatility in carrying your gear. This thoughtful design enhances your outdoor experience and safety.
EVOC LINE 20 Touring Backpack with Avalanche Compartment
The EVOC LINE 20 Backpack is designed for comfort and safety during your outdoor adventures. With its intelligent shoulder and hip belt straps, it ensures perfect load distribution, allowing you to carry heavy gear and hydration without discomfort. The integrated avalanche compartment provides peace of mind when exploring off-piste areas, enhancing your safety. Additionally, the sophisticated mounting system makes it easy to attach and remove skis or snowboards as needed. With ample storage space and large pockets, you can keep all your ski gear organised and accessible.
Deuter Updays 20 Lightweight Ski Touring Backpack
The Deuter Updays 20 Backpack is designed for ski touring enthusiasts. It features a dedicated inside compartment for storing avalanche safety equipment, ensuring you have the necessary gear close at hand. The removable helmet net allows for easy transport of your helmet when not in use, adding convenience during your adventures. Additionally, the removable insulated bottle cage is perfect for keeping your drinks at the right temperature, while the hydration system compatibility allows you to stay hydrated without hassle. This backpack is truly practical for anyone hitting the slopes.
Otaro 20L Ultralight Ski Backpack
The Otaro Ski Backpack offers exceptional comfort and functionality for both men and women. Its padded back ensures a perfect fit, allowing you to move freely while skiing or hiking. With a generous 20 litres of storage space, you can easily carry all your day equipment without feeling bulky. The fast-lock waist belt allows for quick adjustments, even with gloves on, making it convenient during winter sports. Additionally, the integrated helmet net provides a safe place to secure your helmet or other items, enhancing your experience on the slopes.
TerraWest Core Avalanche Ski Backpack Kit
The TerraWest Avalanche Backpack is a versatile 22-litre ski backpack designed for safety and convenience. It features a built-in Recco Reflector, which helps rescuers locate you in case of an avalanche, providing peace of mind during your adventures. The removable SAS-TEC back protector ensures superior impact protection, allowing you to ski or snowboard confidently. Additionally, the 2-litre removable hydration bladder keeps you hydrated while you explore the backcountry, making it an essential companion for your outdoor activities.
TerraWest Core Avalanche Ski Backpack Kit
The TerraWest Avalanche Kit is a lightweight 22-litre ski backpack designed for safety and convenience. It features a Recco reflector that aids search and rescue teams in locating you during an avalanche. The removable SAS-TEC foam back protector ensures superior impact protection while skiing or snowboarding. Additionally, it includes a 2-litre hydration bladder, keeping you hydrated during your outdoor adventures. This combination of features provides peace of mind and enhances your backcountry experience.
Deuter Updays 24 SL Women's Ski Backpack
The Deuter Updays 24 SL is an excellent choice for women who enjoy ski touring. It features an interior compartment specifically designed for avalanche safety equipment, ensuring you have essential gear readily accessible. The removable helmet net provides a convenient way to carry your helmet when not in use, while the insulated detachable bottle cage keeps your drinks warm or cold during your adventures. Additionally, it is compatible with hydration systems, allowing you to stay hydrated on the go without the hassle of carrying extra bottles.
Deuter Freerider 34+ Ski Touring Backpack
The Deuter Freerider Backpack offers essential features for ski touring enthusiasts. Its roll-top design allows you to expand the volume easily, helping you fix and compress your luggage securely. The back opening ensures quick access to your gear without the hassle of unbuckling, which is especially useful when you need something in a hurry. Additionally, a separate compartment is dedicated for emergency equipment, providing peace of mind while you explore. You can also securely attach skis or snowboards using the packable fastening straps, making your journey more convenient.
AUMTISC 25L Lightweight Ski Backpack
The AUMTISC Ski Backpack offers a durable and soft design, crafted from premium nylon to protect your gear from the elements. Its spacious compartments allow you to easily access essentials like jackets and glasses, while multiple internal pockets keep smaller items organised. You’ll appreciate the ergonomic fit with padded shoulder straps and a cushioned back panel, ensuring comfort during long days on the slopes. Plus, the backpack is hydration system compatible, allowing you to stay refreshed without interrupting your adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do you need a rucksack for skiing?
Unless it is very small it is worth getting one with a waist strap, so it cannot bounce around. Or you could get a bum bag (or are they too old-fashioned now). Off piste a pack is essential - I'm normally carrying about 5 kilos or up to 7 kilos if carrying rope and harness and a full water bottle.
2. What size of ski bag do I need?
What length ski bag do I need? You need a balance between a bag that's long enough to comfortably fit your skis or board, but not so long that you'll have a load of extra bag flapping around (not a problem if you choose a hard case). Aim for between 5cm and 15cm longer than your kit.
3. How big should ski backpack be?
Our advice is to choose a pack between 30 and 45 liters, unless you know exactly how you'll use the pack. Skimo racers will prefer packs in the 10-to-15-liter range, while 20 to 30 liters works best for short tours or easy backcountry adventures.
During our ski backpack research, we found 100+ ski backpack products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,883 customer reviews through our big data system to write the ski backpacks list. We found that most customers choose ski backpacks with an average price of £115.31.
The ski backpacks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of ski backpacks, including TerraWest, Deuter, EVOC, Otaro, AUMTISC. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 177 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.