Rather than stuffing your pockets full of daily essentials like lip balm, sunscreen, glove liners, hand warmers, headbands, wet wipes and more before embarking on a day of skiing or snowboarding, the sensible solution is to invest in a weatherproof backpack.
Designed to offer even weight distribution, easy organisation and ample space for all the emergency snacks you could possibly need – there’s a reason all the coolest snow sport lovers and mountain regulars are rarely seen without a dedicated skiing daypack.
What to consider before investing in a ski pack
- Size: depending on your ski level and plans for the day, you might opt for a small aerodynamic daypack with enough space for water, a few snacks and a small camera. On the other hand, semi-professional skiers looking to scale a mountain peak and enjoy a picnic at the top might go for a potentially heavier bag with a larger capacity for additional layers. Just be sure it has a well-ventilated back.
- Versatility: daypacks for snow sports can be a pricey investment, so it’s important to choose an option that can not only go the distance but may be used for activities outside of the mountains. Hydration-specific packs are brilliant but have little use outside of exercise-heavy activities.
- Weatherproofing: though it may seem obvious, it’s essential that your ski day pack has a strong waterproof coating. Whether or not you take a tumble, chances are that your backpack is going to end up in the snow. Likewise, your day pack should be rip-proof, storm-proof and durable enough to withstand many years of wear and tear.
- Compartments: from dedicated flat-pack hydration inserts to easily accessible pockets for ski passes, mobile phones and even satellite phones – multiple compartments are always better than one extra-large space when it comes to daypack organisation.
- Ski touring: those engaging in ski touring expeditions should look for ski tour-specific day packs. That means purchasing a backpack with dedicated straps for your skis when not in use, multiple compartments which are easily accessible and reflective detailing.
- Emergency accessories: avid mountaineers should consider buying a dedicated emergency-proof backpack. Though often on the pricier end of the spectrum, they come with essential life-saving accessories like avalanche airbags.
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best daypacks for skiing below.
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Zoid Winter Hydration Pack 1L with 2L Reservoir
Complete with a water reservoir which delivers up to 20 per cent more water per sip, this sleek and aerodynamic day pack is also equipped with an innovative Snowshed back panel that repels snow and prevents it from sticking to your pack.
The drinking tube is slotted into an insulated sleeve which prevents it from freezing, while the ultra-slim design means that you don’t have to slip it on and off when getting on lifts or into cable cars. Plus, all Camelbak designs come with an impressive lifetime guarantee.
Buy now £90.00, Camelbak
SnoBlast 22 Winter Hydration Pack 20L with 2L Reservoir
Versatile, compact and incredibly spacious, the SnoBlast is a ski instructor or avid alpine adventurer’s dream. Snow Shield protection ensures that all of your belongings remain dry while the integrated water reservoir can hold up to two litres of fluid for easy access to hydration.
Tri-zip access makes reaching items at the bottom of your bag an absolute breeze, and cargo compression keeps your bits and pieces secure, aerodynamic and close to the body. You can also strap your skis into the side panels when not in use.
Buy now £120.00, Camelbak
Dakine Heli Pro 20L Backpack
Dakine is a solid brand choice for any alpine enthusiast. This weatherproof backpack has an impressive 20-litre capacity and is crafted from bluesign-approved polyester with a water-repellent finish. The quick-dry panel prevents snow from sticking and melting on your back, padded straps ensure premium comfort and the adjustable sternum strap keeps it safe and secure.
Though it doesn’t come with a hydration pack, it’s got a dedicated compartment for one. We’re huge fans of the fact that it comes with both ski and snowboard carrying options. Now that’s versatility.
Buy now £130.00, Ellis Brigham
Osprey Firn 18 - Ski touring backpack
Designed with ski tourers in mind, the Firn 18 backpack by Osprey has a chest strap, hip belt and shoulder straps for the utmost security. It has both front and top access for ease, a weatherproof coated outer layer, a ski or snowboard carry system depending on your preference and handy ice pick or walking stick holders. Our favourite feature is the subtle zipped pocket on the shoulder strap, which can fit some tissues or your ski pass.
Buy now £128.95, Alpine Trek
Osprey Archeon 25 Rolltop Backpack
A slightly more commuter-friendly backpack for those interested in an option which can go from mountain to office, the Osprey Archeon 25 Rolltop is a fine choice. The top-loading daypack has been crafted with hard-wearing sustainable materials with PFC-free DWR coating for weatherproof protection.
It’s compatible with most hydration systems (though doesn’t come with one included), has two water bottle pouches, a breathable mesh back and a brilliant ‘shove-it’ pocket at the front.
Buy now £94.95, Absolute Snow
Mammut Free 28 Removable Airbag 3.0
Always at the cutting edge of alpine accessories, Mammut’s Free 28 backpack comes with a removable airbag for avalanche safety. Whether skiing, snowboarding or ski touring, it’s an invaluable piece of weatherproof kit which has a myriad of innovative features including: a 28-litre main compartment with top and front access, a quickly accessible emergency compartment for avalanche equipment, a pocket for a radio, and a myriad of attachment options for essential large kit. The carbon cartridge for airbags is sold separately.
Buy now £574.95, Alpine Trek
Mammut Nirvana 18 - Ski touring backpack
Water-repellent and DWR-treated, this lightweight, 18-litre option is a solid and sturdy choice. It’s complete with multiple zipper-secured compartments which are easily accessible, as well as compression straps which double up as equipment holders when hiking from one alpine location to the next.
Buy now £98.96, Alpine Trek
TerraWest Core 22 Ski Backpack (Recco Reflector Installed)
Marvellously functional, safe and affordable, this 22-litre backpack by TerraWest fits goggles (in a handy fleece-lined pocket), spare layers, a helmet, valuables and so much more. The innovative, removable back protector offers maximum protection against multiple impacts, while spacious compartments for retractable snow shovels and probes ensure you’ll be safe in all weather conditions.
Thanks to a partnership with Recco, this daypack is also equipped with a Recco Reflector – which is a small, battery-free transponder that helps rescuers locate people in emergencies.
Buy now £89.00, Amazon
Patagonia Atom Sling Backpack
Perfect for lovers of all things Gorpcore, the Patagonia Atom Sling Backpack is a retro-inspired daily accessory designed for packing the essentials. We’re big fans of the fact that the sling design makes reaching for items quickly while on the move an absolute breeze. The impressive eight-litre capacity is large enough for bringing lunch, water and a book into the office while preventing users from overloading the bag with superfluous items.
It's made from 100 per cent recycled polyester and has a water-repellent PU coating to protect against the elements, while the adjustable belt and compression straps keep the bag snug against your person. It’s also available in khaki and grey.
Buy now £55.00, Ellis Brigham
The North Face Borealis Mini Backpack
Despite measuring approximately 35cm in height, this mini backpack from The North Face has a whopping 10-litre capacity. Whether used for cycling to work, short weekend hikes or trips abroad, the lightweight and spacious accessory fits oodles of items without taking up too much space.
It’s made with recycled materials, is water-repellent and even has a handy water bottle pocket. The bungee cord system helps keep items in place when the bag isn’t full, and also helps to keep larger loads compressed.
Buy now £65.00, The North Face
