The 9 Best Backpacks For Snowboarding Of 2025

Looking for the best backpacks for snowboarding? Snowboarding and skiing are two of our favorite hobbies to do in the winter. 

Over the last several years we have been on the mission to snowboard and ski some of the best mountains in the United States, like Palisades Tahoe, Park City, and many others. We’ve also had the goal to find the very best gear possible, including the best snowboarding backpacks on the market. 

We love diving into research to find the coolest gear out there so that we have best equipment for skiing and snowboarding AND can help you find it too.

Check out our picks for the best snowboarding backpacks down below and get ready for an awesome time on the slopes.

Don’t have time to read the whole post? No worries. Check out our favorite snowboarding backpack!

The Ultimate List Of The Best Snowboarding Backpacks

As passionate skiers and snowboarders, we’ve tested out countless snowboard and skiing backpacks while out on the mountain. Keep reading as we dive into the best snowboarding backpacks to use this season.

We cannot say enough good things about the CamelBak PowderHound snowboarding backpack. This backpack was designed specially for winter sports and has some great features that you will admire while out on the slopes.

Some of the features we adore about this snowboard backpack is that it has a 2-liter water reservoir and 12 liters of storage for your gear.

It’s sleek for ski lifts, can carry your skis or snowboard, and has secure pockets inside. Plus, the SnowShield Material keeps things dry.

There are hardly any cons to this pack but if we had to be picky some downsides include a single strap for gear, no outer storage, and the water reservoir insulation struggling on super cold days but, just make sure to zip up and take sips often to prevent this.

We’re big fans of the high-quality products from the Jones brand, and their snowboarding backpack is no exception.

Ideal for smaller backcountry adventures and use at ski resorts, it impresses with features like even weight distribution, multiple straps for gear, a fleece-lined goggle pocket to prevent fogging, and a convenient hip pocket for snacks and a phone.

However, some zippers may need extra strength, and there’s no designated space for a radio, a minor downside for backcountry skiers and snowboarders. Overall, it’s a versatile and well-designed backpack for snowboarding excursions.

This backpack is a top choice for serious adventurers engaged in mountaineering, snowshoeing, ski touring, or any wilderness expedition requiring extensive gear.

Its two fastening straps securely hold skis and snowboards, ensuring stability during backcountry exploration. The easily accessible emergency compartment is designed for safety equipment like probes and shovels, promoting quick response in emergencies.

What sets it apart is the environmentally friendly construction from recycled materials, along with a removable integrated helmet compartment for added convenience during long hikes.

Ideal for mountaineering, the backpack includes a rope fixation belt, allowing easy strapping of your rope.

While its large size may seem a bit bulky, it’s a valuable asset if you need to carry an abundance of equipment on serious mountaineering endeavors.

The Ortovox Freerider 28L, part of the renowned Ortovox brand known for top-notch winter sports gear, is a compact pack packed with essential features.

It’s eco-friendly, made from recycled materials and designed to be climate-neutral. Safety is a priority with dedicated compartments for gear and handy straps for ice axes. The added bonus of a helmet net feature makes carrying your helmet a breeze.

Keep in mind, though, that the Ortovox Freerider comes with a higher price tag, but that reflects its high quality in the world of winter sports backpacks.

The Dakine Heli Pro 20L snowboarding backpack takes the lead as the best pack from Dakine, catering to smaller backcountry adventures and proving versatile for ski resort use.

It stands out with a variety of color options, a feature not commonly found in snowboarding packs. Offering flexibility, the backpack provides various strapping options for carrying your board or skis, allowing you to choose between horizontal and vertical strapping which is a rare and appreciated feature, if you want to hike up to untouched slopes like we do.

The fleece-lined goggle pocket adds convenience, ensuring easy access for quick changes in mountain conditions.

The only improvement I would recommend from this backpack is that the inclusion of outer mesh pockets for small items or water bottles would be nice because it would reduce the need to unzip the backpack for quick access.

Mammut, a trusted brand known for crafting quality gear, created the Nirvana 18L backpack which is an excellent choice for snowboarding enthusiasts.

Perfect for freeriding or enjoying resort slopes, this compact backpack is just right for various snow activities. Its smaller size doesn’t sacrifice comfort, thanks to thoughtful design and padding.

Despite its compact form, the Nirvana 18L remains highly functional, offering an efficient system to carry your board or skis up the mountain if you are looking to hit the untouched terrain.

The only minor drawback is the absence of outer mesh pockets, making it a bit less convenient to access items without fully unzipping the pack.

Black Diamond, a standout brand known for exceptional ski and snowboarding gear, has one of the best snowboarding backpacks on the market, the Dawn Patrol 25L.

Notably, its oversized insulated shoulder pocket is a game-changer if you are using a hydration system, ensuring water remains unfrozen during mountain pursuits. As someone who has had their water freeze on countless occasions, I can vouch for what a terrific feature this is.

Another thoughtful addition is the zipper pocket with a key clip, simplifying the storage of car keys after a day on the slopes. The separate compartment for safety equipment enhances organization, offering a dedicated space for emergency gear.

Plus, the option to choose from two sizes, Small-Medium or Medium-Large, adds to its versatility for individuals of different sizes.

While lacking outer mesh pockets for additional storage, and with some challenges in adjusting the waist and shoulder straps, the Dawn Patrol 25L still stands out for its thoughtful design and features.

Looking for a compact snowboarding backpack? The Dakine Poacher 14L is a great choice, especially for quick trips in the backcountry or hitting the resort slopes.

Its small design works well for navigating ski resorts, providing enough room for essential gear and safety tools.

What’s neat is that this backpack is compatible with a radio system and a hydration pack, handy features for mountain outings.

On the flip side, it could use some extra storage options like mesh pockets and more zippers for better organization of your stuff.

Being big fans of CamelBak’s quality gear, especially their snowboarding backpacks and hiking equipment, the SnoBlast caught our attention. While resembling the PowderHound, this hydration pack stands out for its larger size and unique features.

Like its counterpart, it includes SnowShield Material, purpose-built gear straps, ample storage, and a reliable water reservoir. The tri-zipper access is a major plus, allowing easy bottom-up retrieval without the hassle of unpacking everything.

With an expansion panel similar to suitcases, the SnoBlast provides extra space if you need it. I can attest to how nice this is because I tend to overpack layers and need somewhere to store them!

However, getting the hang of the tri-zipper might take a bit, and despite its bigger size, the SnoBlast still holds the same 2L water capacity as the PowderHound, leaving room for improvement in this area because it would be nice if it could hold some more water.

FAQs About The Best Backpack For Snowboarding

Keep diving in below as I answer some frequently asked questions about snowboarding and skiing backpacks.

Do I need a special backpack for snowboarding?

Yes, you need a special backpack for snowboarding. Two of the most essential characteristics is that your pack is built with insulation so that your water does not freeze and the other key feature is to make sure your snowboard backpack is waterproof.

What kind of backpack do you need for snowboarding?

As I described above, you will want to make sure that your snowboard backpack is insulated and is waterproof. Above, is a curated list that we spent countless hours doing research to find the best snowboarding backpacks possible. 

Some of our all time favorite snowboarding backpack brands are Jones, CamelBak, and Deuter.

Do snowboarders wear backpacks?

Yes, snowboarders wear backpacks! It is so common to see snowboarders and skiers wearing backpacks on the slopes. We love to wear our backpacks because it makes hydrating on the mountains easy and it gives us the opportunity to pack extra layers, hand warmers, snacks, and drinks too.

What size backpack is best for snowboarding?

We typically recommend 10L-35L depending on what you plan on bringing with you, how long you plan on being on the mountain, and how tall you are. 

Final Thoughts On The Best Snowboard Backpack

We hope you found our guide to the best snowboarding backpacks enjoyable! We dedicate time to researching top-notch skiing and snowboarding gear, covering everything from wide-calf ski boots to night skiing goggles and high-quality helmets with visors. Our mission is to help you get the best equipment so you can have a fantastic time on the slopes!

If you can’t decide which of the best backpacks for snowboarding that you should get, we recommend the CamelBak Powderhound 12 Snow Hydration Pack because of its waterproof technology, how easy it is to attach your board to the bag, its unique features, and handful of colors to pick from. Happy snowboarding!