10 Best Ski Backpacks 2025 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 Semsty Ski and Snowboard Backpack 25L is a solid choice for skiers and snowboarders looking for a versatile pack that fits well for day trips or light backcountry use. Its 25-liter capacity offers enough room to carry essentials, while the eight pockets, including a fleece-lined goggle compartment and front access for snow tools, help keep your gear organized. The included 2L water bladder with insulated tubing is a thoughtful touch, designed to prevent freezing during cold weather activities, making hydration convenient without stopping. For carrying skis or a snowboard, the backpack provides flexible options: vertical snowboard carry and A-frame ski carry with sturdy, abrasion-resistant straps.

Comfort-wise, it features S-shaped shoulder straps, an adjustable hip belt, and a ventilated back panel to keep you stable and dry while moving. The materials used are durable and waterproof, including a tarpaulin-lined bottom to resist snow and moisture. While it doesn't offer advanced avalanche safety features like dedicated airbag systems or beacon holders, it is well suited for recreational skiers, snowboarders, and hikers who want an organized, comfortable backpack with reliable hydration and the ability to carry gear efficiently in snowy conditions.