[Fall/Winter 2025] Snowy mountain climbing, backcountry skiing, alpine climbing. The best backpacks for extreme winter activities, categorized by purpose and preference.
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
This time, we're talking about backpacks for the first time in a while.
The snow season has finally begun in the central mountainous region.
Over the next few months, a variety of winter activities await us, from snowshoe hiking to snowy mountain climbing, backcountry skiing, alpine (ice) climbing, and more, allowing us to experience the magnificent and mysterious charm of nature that is unimaginable in our everyday lives. Every year, when I encounter a breathtaking view deep in the snowy mountains, I am reminded once again how glad I am that I have been involved in the mountains up until now.
table of contents
- What kind of backpack is suitable for snowy and winter mountain activities?
- What are the main differences between backpacks suitable for snowy mountain climbing?
- All-around snow backpacks: [Medium] Ferrino Instinct 40+5 / [Large] Black Diamond Mission 55/75
- Affordable all-around snow backpack: MILLET Pro Lighter 38+10
- Backcountry ski backpacks: bca STASH 35 / Haglofs Sensate Pro 32 and many others
- Affordable Backcountry Ski Backpack: ARVA RESCUER 32 PRO
- Lightweight Backcountry Ski Backpack: ORTOVOX Switchback 27
- Large Backcountry Ski Backpack: Osprey Soleden 45
- Avalanche airbag for backcountry skiing: bca FLOAT E2 35L
- Alpine Climbing Backpack: Osprey Mutant 38
- Ultralight Alpine Climbing Backpack: Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L
- Affordable Alpine Climbing Backpack: Blue Ice Dragonfly 34L
What kind of backpack is suitable for snowy and winter mountain activities?
What kind of backpack should you wear on a snowy mountain?
First of all, there are no backpacks specifically designed for snowy mountains that can only be used on snowy mountains. What exists are mountaineering backpacks optimized for snowy mountain activities, and backpacks designed for snowy mountains can also be used for climbing in the snow-free season.
Conversely, that doesn't mean that your usual backpack for snow-free seasons can't be used at all on snowy mountains. To be honest, if you're just walking on snowy roads (on gentle, leveled ground to some extent), you may not need a special backpack. You can use the same pack you normally use for hiking in snow-free seasons and you'll be able to go on beginner routes with almost no problem. So, for people who are just starting out on snowy mountains or who only go a few times a year, I don't think there's any need to buy one just for that purpose.
However, for those who are serious about snow mountaineering, alpine climbing, or backcountry skiing, or for enthusiasts of these activities, a backpack optimized for snow mountain activities offers many benefits.
for example,
- Durable enough to withstand being dragged over rocks or dropped on uneven ground
- High resistance to freezing and good compatibility with snow
- A minimally sized and functional structure that eliminates elements unnecessary for climbing (and is basic yet simple, allowing for customization as needed).
- Convenient storage for carrying the gear you need for each activity, whether you're hiking, climbing a wall, or sliding down a slope.
- Shoulder and waist harness construction allows for easy movement without getting in the way, even when raising your arms or moving around with the harness on.
Etc. In the sense that you can walk comfortably carrying a heavy load, it is no different from a backpack for the snow-free season, but the important points in other areas will differ depending on the place.
around 170 backpack models for "snow mountain climbing/traverses," "backcountry skiing (snowboarding)," and "alpine climbing," all of which have features not found in backpacks for hiking and trekking in the snow-free season, and then consider the best models for this season.
What are the main differences between backpacks suitable for snowy mountain climbing?
By the way, I was a little hesitant to introduce backpacks for snow mountain climbing, backcountry skiing, and alpine climbing in the same category at the same time.
I considered introducing them separately, but after thinking about it carefully, I realized that although each backpack has a different purpose and characteristics, they all have one thing in common: they are designed for use on snowy mountains. So I thought it might be better to introduce them all together, including their differences, which would make them easier to understand and more useful. So, although not many people have done this before, I decided to put them all together in one article.
In that sense, the basic idea is that "backpacks for alpine climbing" are the simplest and most customizable, and for this reason they have great potential to be fully adapted to mountaineering, stream climbing, and climbing in the snow-free season, as well as snow-capped mountain climbing and backcountry skiing (in fact, I often hear of expert climbers who can handle everything with just one alpine backpack that they like).
On the other hand, it would not be wrong to think of the "Snow Mountain Climbing" backpack as a more comfortable and versatile version of an alpine climbing backpack, and the "Backcountry" backpack as a version that has been improved to accommodate avalanche safety gear and gear commonly used in mountain skiing.
That was a long introduction, but let's get started.
Please note that we are only introducing one or two items in each category here, but you can view the other best candidates and a comparison table of all 169 items by becoming a member.
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All recommended snow backpacks and a comparison table of all 169 models are available with a paid membership.
All-around snow backpacks: [Medium] Ferrino Instinct 40+5 / [Large] Black Diamond Mission 55/75
First, let's start with the best all-around snow backpack model, which is the most versatile of all mountaineering backpacks and has high levels of all the elements required of a mountain backpack.
With just this one bag, you can do all kinds of mountain activities throughout the year, from hiking and trekking to rock climbing, river climbing, snow mountain climbing, ice climbing, and mountain skiing (whether you actually do these or not). From several best candidates, we have picked two models in particular: one with a capacity of around 40 liters for day trips, and one with a capacity of over 50 liters for camping.
FERRINO a long-established Italian mountain brand known only to a select few , is a relatively unknown manufacturer due to its limited presence in Japan. However, I spotted it at the ISPO exhibition in Germany a few years ago and secretly took notice of its high quality and distinctive Italian brand style. This time , I highly recommend the Instinct 40+5 . Made with lightweight and highly durable DCF material, the front and bottom are further reinforced for even the most demanding climbs. While the basic structure is simple and minimal, straps and daisy chains allow for easy customization of external attachments, making it suitable for a wide range of activities, from alpine to backcountry skiing. The back is comfortable and the waist harness is highly breathable and removable. The roll-top main compartment and front direct-access zipper make packing easy. I found the previous model extremely useful as a backpack for canyoning.
, the Mission (55/75) from Black Diamond, a world-renowned mountaineering brand, is an excellent all-around, well-balanced backpack that can be used for everything from mountaineering to alpine climbing, with a highly durable body, a streamlined appearance, addable and removable parts, and a comfortable back system.
What's especially great is the crampon pouch on the front, which allows you to quickly take out and put away crampons when you really need them.
Affordable all-around snow backpack: MILLET Pro Lighter 38+10
This is a simple backpack that can handle a wide range of mountain activities, and it's also reasonably priced (under ¥30,000). It's made of lightweight, durable honeycomb-structured Robic nylon, and while it's normally a high-end backpack, the price is just amazing.
Backcountry ski backpacks: bca STASH 35 / Haglofs Sensate Pro 32 and many others
The most difficult choice this time was the best model of backpack for backcountry use. This is because all of the models listed here are comfortable, convenient, and well-made, and it's hard to choose a favorite. However, since it would be boring to recommend them all, I chose two backpacks that I personally recommend, not only based on objective performance but also on whether they suit my style.
What I look for in a backcountry backpack is, of course, ease of carrying, but "convenience in terms of storage" is also a major factor, as it makes a big difference. Backcountry skiing requires a lot of packing and unpacking, with ski attachments, avalanche gear, ski crampons, helmets, skins, goggles, gloves, and balaclavas (although I personally have a tendency to carry a lot of stuff). And it requires quick action. For that reason, I want a backcountry backpack that can handle all the complicated and varied gear I need in the simplest and smartest way possible.
So, the first one I'll talk about the BCA STASH . I've always loved this series from BCA for its comfort and storage capacity. Not only can you attach skis in multiple styles and store avalanche tools, but the main compartment, which opens wide with a zipper on the back, offers the usual space plus space for hydration and a transceiver, a small mesh pocket with a key clip, and of course, a helmet holder and a fleece-lined goggle pocket. It even has a daisy chain that can be used to attach crampons, so it's truly packed full of storage options. The only downside is that it's a bit heavy.
Another brand I personally trust when it comes to snow gear is the Sensate Pro 32 . It offers similarly above-average comfort, lightness, and durability, while also offering excellent storage capacity. What's particularly great about this pack is the side-accessible crampon pocket at the bottom of the main compartment. It's spacious enough to fit not only crampons, but also climbing skins and ski crampons, allowing for quick access when changing gear.
Affordable Backcountry Ski Backpack: ARVA RESCUER 32 PRO
The ARVA RESCUER 32 PRO is just as functional as a high-end BC backpack, but at the time of writing it offers amazing value for money, coming in at under 20,000 yen for a size of 30 liters or more (helmet holder sold separately) . Its light weight of just over 1kg is also not to be missed.
Lightweight Backcountry Ski Backpack: ORTOVOX Switchback 27
Unlike storage freaks like me, some people prefer to travel light with as little equipment as possible when touring backcountry skiing. Or, from March onward, when the weather calms down, you might not need a full set. In those cases, a lightweight, highly functional, and comfortable BC backpack is recommended. In this category, the ORTOVOX Switchback 27 was an outstanding choice. While it might be necessary to cut back on various features in order to make it as light as possible, it uses durable fabric, can accommodate A-frame, diagonal, and snowboard skis, has back zip-open access, and even includes a helmet holder. It's a one-day size and weighs less than 1kg, yet still offers plenty of functionality.
Large Backcountry Ski Backpack: Osprey Soleden 45
Multi-day ski touring, connecting ridges and valleys with multiple hikes and runs, is something many aspire to. A backpack large enough for such a long ski trip is essential. While there aren't many options in this category, the Soleden by Osprey , remains excellent. What's most undeniable is its excellent comfort and ease of carrying, even with heavy loads, as it evenly distributes the load evenly and makes it a valuable addition to any BC backpack market, where comfort is often overlooked.
Avalanche airbag for backcountry skiing: bca FLOAT E2 35L
A backpack equipped with an avalanche airbag, which prevents you from being buried in an avalanche while backcountry skiing, has become an essential piece of gear for me when backcountry skiing in January and February. Due to its price, it's not recommended for everyone, but if you consider it the price of your life, it's a backpack you definitely want to have.
A new noteworthy model has been released this season for the avalanche airbag. As mentioned in the STASH article, bca FLOAT E2 35L , which is equipped with the lightweight and easy-to-use Alpride E2 . The back structure and storage are based on the STASH, so the backpack's high quality is guaranteed. And with an airbag that's even lighter and more compact than the previous generation, this is definitely the one.
Alpine Climbing Backpack: Osprey Mutant 38
Weight, durability, mobility, flexibility... Alpine activities demand high performance under harsh conditions, and many high-level features are required. The Osprey Mutant remains as comfortable as ever, while combining simple yet numerous technical features and highly customizable options. It's a masterpiece of functional beauty. I was a big fan of its predecessor, the Variant series, and its spirit has been firmly inherited and steadily evolved. What makes it great is that while it's primarily designed for climbing, its simple parts and storage are highly customizable, making it suitable for a wide range of activities. While this model is actually categorized as being for alpine use, its performance is almost as good as any all-around backpack, usable year-round for everything from ice climbing to snow mountaineering, rock climbing, approaches, trekking, and even ski mountaineering.
Ultralight Alpine Climbing Backpack: Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L
As a pure climbing backpack, some might find the Mutant a little overloaded in functionality. In fact, it's a bit on the heavy side for a climbing pack. It's true that a climbing backpack should be as durable, simple, and lightweight as possible. In that sense, the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L to beat it when it comes to the best climbing backpack that pursues simplicity and lightness. Its extremely stripped-down design offers just enough space for attaching and storing essential gear, while offering ease of use, as exemplified by the easy-to-open main compartment. Its high level of customizability allows it to accommodate a variety of activities, creating an exquisitely balanced overall design. It's no wonder it's been a favorite of many climbers (and mountaineering enthusiasts in general) for so long.
Affordable Alpine Climbing Backpack: Blue Ice Dragonfly 34L
The backpacks from BLUE ICE, an up-and-coming French alpine gear brand, are lightweight, durable, have a simple structure that focuses on only the essential functions, are highly maneuverable, and are also very attractively priced.
Among them, the Dragonfly series is a highly user-friendly model that not only has the basic features of a climbing pack, but also has convenient features such as side pockets and direct zipper access. And yet, at a price in the low 20,000 yen range, it is a model that is particularly noteworthy in terms of cost performance.
In addition to the above, you can read all the recommended models we've picked out and a comparison list of all 169 models in the paid membership article.
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