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 Osprey Glade 12L is a compact ski and snowboard backpack designed for adult users who need a lightweight, hydration-ready pack for short trips or day skiing. Its 12-liter capacity suits those who prefer to carry just essentials rather than a full set of gear. The pack includes an Osprey Hydraulics LT 2.5L water reservoir with an insulated hose and bite valve cover, making it a strong choice if hydration on the go is a priority.

The backpack does not feature a dedicated ski or snowboard carry system, which may make it less ideal for easy external attachment of skis or boards. It also lacks visible avalanche safety features like a dedicated shovel or probe pocket, making it better suited for casual skiing rather than backcountry use where safety gear is critical. It has an easy-access panel with a J-zip main compartment and a separate stash pocket for goggles or small accessories, supporting quick organization.

This backpack is well suited for skiers who want a simple, hydration-compatible pack with good organization for short outings. However, it does not include specialized ski carry options or avalanche safety features that serious backcountry adventurers might require.