How to choose the best backcountry skiing backpack?

Having a perfect backcountry backpack for your skiing trip is most important because without proper gear you face so many difficulties while touring the mountain at a very low temperature.

This buying guide will help you to figure out your need and according to your need, you will be able to choose the right backcountry skiing backpack on your own.

So let’s get started…

 Size

The size of the backpack totally depends on what is your need. 

Men’s needs and women’s needs are different. some guys want a lightweight skiing backpack that will be helpful to go fast on the other hand women want a backpack that is spacious to carry some books, a laptop, and other needy things.

On average, the volume of a backcountry ski backpack should be between 20L to 40L. A 25L backpack is good for a day of hiking and short bike riding. 

A backpack between the size of 40 to 50L is good for a week-long trip.

What should I pack for backcountry skiing?

It depends on the person to person what they want to carry with their backcountry skiing backpack. 

We have listed the 10 most essential things that must carry in your backpack.

1. A snow shovel to clear the path that is stuck with snow.
2. Avalaunch safety equipment.
3. Navigation gear like a compass, map, GPS, etc.
4. To keep your skin moist a moisturizing cream and a sun cream.
5. Helmet and goggles for comfortable and safe skiing.
6. A first aid kit to deal with any kind of injury.
7. Some food containers to keep foodstuff for your trip.
8. To keep warm yourself some winter resistance clothes like a jacket, gloves, etc.
9. Water bottle and a hydration reservoir that is insulated to prevent it from being frozen.
10. For the night some shelter gear like a tent, bevy, or sleeping bag and some flashlight equipment to tackle the low light situation.

Do you need special boots for backcountry skiing?

The cross country snow boot should be flexible and for turning and stopping it also has the capability to be torsional. 

It is also nice having a lace cover or gaiters attaching rings in a snowboot to protect the feet to become wet from the snow that inserts inside it.

The weight of a racing snow boot should be light and to perform proper motion it must have lower cuffs.

Some metal edge touring skiing boots are stiffer and perform well in turning. Some boots are designed to perform classic skiing and skate skiing. These are also known as combi boots and to perform well in both types of skiing they come with some special features.

How do you pack a backcountry ski backpack?

It is very important to pack your backcountry skiing backpack properly before starting the tour.

A well-packed backpack allows you to ski and maintain comfort and make your tour enjoyable no matter how much weight you carry with your backpack.

The first thing is that use the bottom part of your skiing backpack to carry those items which you don’t frequently use during your trip like a headlamp, extra layers, repair kit, etc.

The midpart is the most important part of your backpack that is capable to manage the overall weight of your backpack. Put some heavy items in this section like water, gloves, sun hat, etc.

You’ll access most often this section from your backcountry skiing trip. You can put some neediest things in this section like goggles, foodstuff, down sweaters, etc.

Also, a skiing backpack comes with a separate compartment to carry your snowboot and in some cases, it can be accessible from the back panel of the backpack.

For other snow gears like snow ax, helmet, snowboard, and skiboard it has several buggies and straps outside to hang them properly.

How dangerous is backcountry skiing?

No matter how expert you are, there are always chances to cause an accident or face some dangerous situation while touring backcountry skiing. 

You have to prepare yourself before going into the field as without taking proper knowledge you just simply throw yourself into the risk.

Take proper avalanche lessons on per daily basis from either any skilled trainer or follow online videos to gain the knowledge to avoid any risky situation.

You must carry a beacon,  some snow gear like snow ax, shovel and prob and also gain proper knowledge about how to use them properly.

How do I prepare for backcountry skiing?

Without any earlier experience and practice, you can’t experience the beauty of backcountry skiing.

Physical fitness 

The first thing that is very necessary for backcountry skiing is the fitness of your body.

especially the lower portion of your body like the hip and thigh play an important role to hike the straight slop of the snowy hill. 

Increase Stamina

Outdoor hiking is not a task of sitting down and enjoying. It is a physical activity in which you have plenty of stamina to hike for a long way and after that return back to your camp or car spot.