10 Best Ski Backpacks 2026 in the United States

The Osprey Glade 12 is a lightweight, 12-liter backpack designed specifically for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. It stands out with a built-in 2.5-liter hydration reservoir, complete with an insulated sleeve to prevent freezing, which is a great feature for staying hydrated during cold weather activities. Its diagonal ski carry and versatile snowboard/snowshoe carry options make transporting your gear convenient, whether you're hitting tree runs or alpine tours. Made from durable, water-resistant NanoTough material, this pack is built to withstand abrasion and harsh winter conditions.

Comfort is a strong suit here, as the pack’s harness system is designed to move with you and keep weight balanced, which is vital for active snow sports. Internal pockets provide good organization for essentials like tools, gloves, or snacks, keeping them dry and easy to reach. While the 12-liter capacity is suitable for day trips and carrying essentials, it might feel tight if you need to pack bulky avalanche safety gear or extra layers for longer outings.

One area where the Glade 12 could improve is explicit avalanche safety features; it doesn't come with dedicated compartments for equipment like shovels or probes. Also, while hydration compatibility is excellent, some users might find the pack’s dimensions a bit narrow if they prefer more storage space. To sum up, the Osprey Glade 12 is an excellent choice for skiers and snowboarders looking for a comfortable, durable, and hydration-ready pack for short to moderate adventures, but those needing extensive avalanche gear storage or larger capacity might want to explore other options.

The Osprey Glade 5L is a compact and lightweight ski backpack designed mainly for short trips or day outings where you want to carry just the essentials. With a 5-liter capacity, it offers limited storage, enough for small items like your phone, keys, and a few other basics, but it is not suited for bigger gear or longer excursions. Its standout feature is the built-in 2.5L hydration reservoir, which comes with insulated tubing and harness sleeves to prevent water from freezing in cold weather—a significant advantage for staying hydrated without stopping during activity.

The backpack’s low-profile design hugs your back closely, allowing for free movement on the slopes, and the adjustable straps help improve fit and comfort. While it includes helmet-compatible gear loops for carrying extra equipment, it does not offer specialized ski or snowboard carry systems, which may be limiting if you want to transport skis hands-free. In terms of durability, the NanoTough fabric is tough and water-resistant enough to handle winter conditions and protect against snow and sharp edges. It has a simple internal stash pocket for organized access to essentials but lacks multiple compartments for more detailed organization.

This pack does not feature avalanche safety tools or dedicated storage, which might be desired by backcountry skiers. This backpack is most appropriate for skiers or snowboarders who prioritize hydration and a slim, comfortable pack for short, active days on the mountain, rather than for extended backcountry use or carrying large gear loads.

The Unigear Ski Hydration Backpack offers a solid 30-liter capacity, making it suitable for full-day ski trips, snowboarding, or hiking. It has a well-thought-out design with multiple compartments to keep your gear organized, including a velvet-lined pocket to protect your goggles and space for a hydration bladder up to 3 liters. Comfort is a priority here, with elastic S-shaped shoulder straps and an adjustable chest strap featuring a safety whistle and reflective strip, which adds visibility during night outings. The hip belt also helps distribute weight for easier carrying.

Durability is impressive thanks to its 900D polyester fabric and a scratch-resistant bottom panel, which should hold up well against snow and rough terrain. The backpack is water-resistant, so it helps keep your gear dry in snowy or wet conditions. When it comes to carrying skis or a snowboard, the pack provides multiple options, including vertical or A-frame carry, along with dedicated loops for ice axes and poles. Side mesh pockets offer additional storage for water bottles or trekking poles.

The pack could improve in avalanche safety features; while it has a safety whistle, it lacks built-in avalanche airbag compatibility or dedicated emergency gear compartments that some higher-end ski backpacks provide. The size and weight are manageable, though it may feel a bit bulky when fully loaded. This backpack fits skiers or snowboarders looking for a reliable, comfortable pack with good storage and hydration options, making it a great choice for day trips and moderate backcountry excursions, though it may not address the specialized needs of advanced avalanche safety gear users.