Best backpacks for freeride and backcountry in 2024

With the arrival of winter, many people choose outdoor activities. Amateurs, adults and children, go skiing, snowboarding to specially equipped areas and slopes. Professionals strive to climb the mountains to fully enjoy high steep descents and climbs without lifts. Equipment plays a special role, including backpacks, models suitable for freeride and backcountry will be discussed below.

Freeriders - who are they?

The possibilities of professional snowboards and alpine skiing can be fully revealed if the ski slope is not equipped and prepared, but is located away from the service areas of ski resorts. Freeriders are athletes who prefer this kind of riding. Interest in steep descents may be accompanied by natural hazards such as avalanches.

Beginners should not start their sports path with unequipped slopes.

Backcountry - sport or hobby?

The concept refers to a winter type of recreation, gaining popularity in recent years and combines tourism with ski sports. Backcountry lovers climb the mountain peaks on foot, away from the equipped trails, where there are no cable cars and mechanized lifts to start. After the ascent, the athletes descend from the slopes on virgin snow. You can estimate in advance the difficulty of the route and the ski area.

Freeride and backcountry equipment

In order to climb the mountains or descend, athletes must have special techniques and skills and be well prepared. You should be trained in rescuing people and the basic basics of mountaineering. It is important to study the area, choose a safe route, check the weather forecast and the degree of danger of avalanches.

Equipment for skiing and climbing should include: skis, snowboard, rescue equipment, shovel, walkie-talkie, helmet, avalanche probe. With skillful handling, there is a chance to escape when caught in an avalanche. All equipment should be compactly stowed in a backpack. This irreplaceable thing will help you take everything you need with you.

How to choose a backpack

The selection criteria for a backpack depends on several factors.

Volume

There are two main types of backpacks: up to 20 liters and from 20 liters. The required volume should be selected depending on the task at hand. For short-term descents and ascents, a backpack with a range of 14-20 liters will be sufficient to pack the essentials. If you are planning a long-term trip to the mountains, a backpack with a volume of 20-30 liters is suitable for a freerider.

Materials

Quality fabric will last longer. The best manufacturers prefer polyester and polyamide (nylon) fabrics with different densities.When choosing a model, characteristics with the letter D (100D, 600D) indicate how much stronger, heavier, thicker the fabric: the larger the number, the denser the fabric. Buyers should think about when choosing: models with thin fabric will be lightweight, but wear out faster, backpacks made of denser and coarser fabric will be heavy, but with increased durability.

Backpack suspension system

Many brands make sure their products are ergonomic. The comfort and safety of the freerider's back is created by a suspension with a frame and a belt that can be pulled down with straps. When buying a product, it is important to study how the belt is attached and fixed, whether there are straps-tightening, to try on and feel the position of the backpack on the back. The models with protection are equipped with plates and are heavier than the rest of the backpacks.

External mounts

Various configurations of bindings allow you to fix the skis from the sides (A and H-shaped bindings). The snowboard is fixed by means of vertical or frontal fastening, sometimes horizontal (the board is located under the back). There are models with diagonal hinges. Models with all of the above mounting options are available. Useful items to help you fasten your helmet, ice ax, etc.

Convenience inside the backpack

The versatility of the item is determined by the presence of a large number of compartments and pockets. For the probe and shovel, the pockets should be positioned so that the tool can be easily and quickly removed in an emergency. For small items you need pockets with zippers. Backpacks with a large volume have additional access to the contents through a zipper on the back side. When you can attach skis or a board to the backpack, it's also convenient.

Review of the best backpacks

Consider the most interesting models from well-known brands and compose the top 7.

ARVA Freerando 38

The ARVA Freerando 38 model opens the rating. The French company ARVA has been making equipment for skiing for over 25 years. The company's products are tested by mountain rescuers. The ARVA Freerando 38 Backpack is available for both backcountry skiers. The anatomically arranged wall allows you to reduce the load on the back and comfortably position the backpack from the rear of the athlete. There is a chest and side tie, a belt on the waist, 2 shoulder straps.

The back remains without ventilation, this is the minus of the model. Available in red and dark gray. There is no partition in the main compartment, so the backpack looks large. The model has a convenient location of side, front and top pockets. The product has a pocket for glasses, there is an outlet for drinking water. Among the mounts, one can note the mount for the ice ax. There are no other mounts. At night, the athlete will not see the backpack, due to the lack of reflective particles on the fabric.

The price of the goods is 10,910 rubles.

• easy;
• many pockets;
• anatomical design;
• acceptable price;
• there is a water outlet for drinking while riding.

• no mounts for a helmet, snowboard;
• there is no rain cover;
• there are no reflective elements;
• there is no side entrance and detachable pockets;
• there is no ventilation.

ARVA Explorer 18

The 6th place is occupied by the model of the same company. The ARVA Explorer 18 backpack is marketed for athletes exploring exciting new off-piste descents. Anatomical unisex design with side pockets and a water-drinking system outlet. The model is made in four color options: black, gray, yellow, blue. The product has a belt for a belt, chest, side ties, 2 non-ventilated shoulder straps. Model weight is 690 g. A minimal set of pockets with a large main compartment. The lack of attachments and compartments makes the backpack lightweight, but not suitable for long distances. All things will take a long time to look for. Little things can be put into the pockets located on the sides, which is very practical.

The price of the backpack is 5 450 rubles.

• little weight;
• comfortable design;
• not high cost of goods;
• there is an outlet for the drinking water system.

• no rain cover;
• laptop compartment and no reflective elements;
• no model for children;
• no mounts for a helmet, snowboard;
• there is no ventilation system on the straps and back;
• no detachable pockets.

Ortovox Free Rider 22 S

Ortovox Free Rider 22 S is a roomy model suitable for people with a height of 150-175 cm (marking S). The backpack has an ergonomic SPS Flex back, which takes the main load and relieves the load from the back, shoulders, and pelvis of the athlete. The shape provides freedom of movement and quick reaction in extreme situations. There is a water supply system without a reservoir (sold separately). The chest strap is equipped with a fastex fastener, the straps are adjustable. The model has external ski holders, poles, icebreaker, helmet net. A whistle is attached to the chest strap. There are several departments: basic, for small things, for avalanche equipment. The fabric is impregnated with a water-repellent compound and made of 100% nylon. 5th place in the ranking of the best.

The cost of the backpack: 17 420 rubles.

• American quality to high standards;
• the model has an ergonomic backrest SPS Flex;
• excellent capacity;
• the presence of a large number of offices, pockets and holders;
• the material has a special impregnation against rain and snow.

• high price of the product;
• the drinking water tank must be purchased separately.

Dakine Mission 25

Dakine was founded in 1979 in Hawaii. She firmly secured her position in 4th place. The American brand can be found on products for extreme sports: surfing, alpine skiing, snowboarding. The Dakine Mission 25 Backpack is a super lightweight unisex model with an ergonomic, padded back. Suitable for skiing in the mountains and for the office. The model is interesting in that there is a pocket inside - an organizer for accessories, a reinforced pocket for a laptop with a diagonal of 15 inches. The belts are adjustable. You can attach a snowboard on the outside, and small things can be hidden in the side pockets.

The Dakine Mission 25 backpack costs from 5,600 to 6,800 rubles.

• acceptable price;
• interesting design;
• the presence of a pocket for a large laptop and an organizer pocket;
• excellent capacity;
• lightweight model.

• not detected.

Red Fox RIDE 32

The third place belongs to the Russian manufacturer. Red Fox has been producing gear and gear since 1980. The company is famous for the use of waterproof materials that retain heat. For the blue Red Fox RIDE 32 backpack we used waterproof N / 210D Robic fabric. The model has a padded pocket for phone and glasses, side zipper. A comfortable type of backpack design will suit both girls and boys.

The backpack opens completely. The volume of 32 liters allows you to hold a lot of useful equipment. The disadvantage is that there are no additional external pockets for small items. Along with this, the model has mounts for an ice ax, a snowboard and a helmet, there are points for attaching poles. The back is made in a rigid version with an aluminum plate, which protects the user when falling. Structurally, there are two straps with outlets for drinking water, chest and side ties, there is an excellent waist belt.

Model cost: 8 900 rubles. On the Internet, you can find a backpack with a price of 6.5 thousand rubles, but this product may be a fake.

• easy;
• anatomical design with an aluminum plate protects the freerider during a fall;
• there is an outlet for water through two straps;
• there are additional mounts for equipment;
• the main compartment can be accessed from the side entrance.

• there is no rain cover;
• the model has no external pockets;
• there is no ventilation in the back and shoulder straps;
• one color option.

Deuter Freerider Pro 28 SL

The model of the German company Deuter Freerider Pro 28 SL is made directly for girls engaged in mountain descent off-piste. This is evidenced by the SL marking. The back of the backpack is adjusted to the anatomy of the female body, equipped with the Alpine Back System. The belt is removable, has movable wings for freedom of movement and a tight fit. The backpack contains many pockets for small things, cosmetics and creams that even a serious lady can take with her. There is access from the back.

The presence of additional mounts will provide convenient lifting and freedom of hands.There is back ventilation, there is a withdrawal of drinking water. An interesting and bright color scheme is associated with excellent German quality. The model is made of breathable fabric that reflects snow. Reinforced bottom, compartment for wet clothes, emergency whistle on the chest strap - a short basic list of the comfort and usefulness of a woman's gadget. The backpack model is in the second place of honor.

8,500-10,590 - this is the range of prices in rubles for the female model.

• stylish design;
• the anatomical design is adjusted according to the characteristics of the female body;
• excellent value for money, quality, reliability;
• variety of colors;
• the model is fully thought out;
• a sufficient number of pockets, compartments, fasteners;
• the backpack is made of reflective material, the back is ventilated;
• There is an SOS label and a whistle on the chest strap for emergencies.

• no helmet mount.

Deuter Freerider 26L

Deuter Freerider 26L - an experienced model from a German manufacturer, which is very popular among freeriders - the leader of our rating. Five years ago, the manufacturer updated the model, and it is still being produced and successfully sold. The range of colors in this series is quite diverse. The unisex design with an anatomical back in five vibrant shades is functional enough. Buckles and shoulder straps are made according to the standard, the belt on the waist has a tight Pull-Forward tightening, side pockets. You can attach an ice ax and snowboard to the backpack. Also, the athlete can drink water, without stopping and removing the backpack. A reliable, convenient and spacious thing that justifies its cost. Snow-reflecting breathable fabric is used as a material.

The price ranges from 6 800-8 690 rubles.

• stylish design;
• anatomical design;
• Excellent value for money and quality;
• reliability, simplicity and comfort;
• variety of colors;
• good capacity;
• Breathable reflective material;
• whistle and SOS label.

• no helmet mount;
• no avalanche sensor;
• wetted material;
• no rain cover.

Comparison in the table:

Ranking place	Model	Floor	Volume, l	Weight, kg	Price, thousand rubles	Design
7	ARVA Freerando 38	Unisex	38	1.22	10.9	anatomical
6	ARVA Explorer 18	Unisex	18	0.69	5.45	anatomical
5	Ortovox Free Rider 22 S	Unisex	22	1.12	17.4	anatomical
4	Red Fox RIDE 32	Unisex	32	1	8.9	anatomical
3	Dakine Mission 25	Unisex	25	0.5	5,6-6,8	anatomical
2	Deuter Freereder Pro SL 28L	Female	28	1.68	6,8-8,7	anatomical
1	Deuter Freerider 26L	Unisex	26	1.68	6,8-8,7	anatomical

Output

Depending on the quality characteristics, functionality, fabric and volume, you can choose a model for every taste and for various purposes. Correct and careful use of the backpack will provide the product with extra life.