The best freeride and backcountry backpacks in 2022

With the advent of winter, many people choose outdoor activities. Amateurs, adults and children, go skiing, snowboarding on specially equipped grounds and slopes. Professionals aspire to the mountains to fully enjoy the high steep descents and climbing to the peaks without lifts. Equipment plays a special role, including backpacks, models suitable for freeride and backcountry will be discussed below.

Freeriders - who are they?

The possibilities of professional snowboarding and alpine skiing can be fully revealed if the downhill track is not equipped and prepared, but is located away from the service areas of ski resorts. Freeriders are athletes who prefer this kind of riding. Interest in steep descents can be accompanied by dangers associated with natural phenomena, such as avalanches.

Beginners should not start their sports path with unequipped slopes.

Backcountry - sport or hobby?

The concept refers to a winter type of recreation, gaining popularity in recent years and combines tourism with skiing sports. Backcountry lovers climb to the tops of the mountains on foot, away from equipped trails, where there are no cable cars and mechanized lifts, to start. After the ascent, the athletes descend from the slopes through the virgin snow. You can estimate in advance the complexity of the route and the ski area.

Freeride and backcountry equipment

To climb mountains or go down, athletes must have special techniques and skills and be well prepared. You should be trained in rescuing people and the basic basics of mountaineering. It is important to study the area, choose a safe route, clarify the weather forecast and the degree of danger of avalanches.

Equipment for skiing and climbing should include: skis, snowboard, rescue equipment, a shovel, a walkie-talkie, a helmet, an avalanche probe. With skillful handling, there is a chance to escape when hit by an avalanche. All equipment should be compactly stowed in a backpack. This indispensable thing will help you take everything you need with you.

How to choose a backpack

The criteria for choosing a backpack depend on several factors.

Volume

There are two main types of backpacks: up to 20 and from 20 liters. The required volume should be selected depending on the task. For short-term descents and ascents, a backpack with a range of 14-20 liters will be sufficient to pack the essentials. If the plans include a long-term trip to the mountains, a backpack with a volume of 20-30 liters is suitable for a freerider.

materials

Quality fabric will last longer. The best manufacturers prefer polyester and polyamide (nylon) fabrics with different densities. When choosing a model, the characteristics with the letter D (100D, 600D) indicate how much stronger, heavier, thicker the fabric is: the larger the number, the denser the fabric. Buyers should think about when choosing: models with thin fabric will be light, but wear out faster, backpacks made of denser and coarser fabric will be heavy, but with increased wear resistance.

Backpack suspension system

Many brands make sure that their products are ergonomic. The comfort and safety of the freerider's back is created by a suspension with a frame and a belt pulled down by straps. When buying a product, it is important to study how the belt is fastened and fixed, whether there are drawstrings, try on and feel the position of the backpack on the back. Models with protection are equipped with plates and are heavier than other backpacks.

Attachments from the outside

Different binding configurations allow you to fasten the skis from the sides (A and H - figurative mount). The snowboard is fixed by means of a vertical or frontal mount, sometimes horizontal (the board is located under the back). There are models with diagonal hinges. Models with all of the listed mounting options are available for sale. Useful elements will help to fasten a helmet, ice ax, etc.

Comfort inside the backpack

The versatility of things is determined by the presence of a large number of compartments and pockets. For the probe and shovel, the pockets should be located so that the tool can be easily and quickly removed in an emergency. For little things you need pockets with zippers. Backpacks with a large volume have additional access to the contents through a zipper from the back. When you can fasten skis or a board to a backpack, this is also convenient.

Overview of the best backpacks

Consider the most interesting models from famous brands and make up the top 7.

ARVA Freerando 38

The rating is opened by the ARVA Freerando 38 model. The French company ARVA has been producing ammunition for skiing for more than 25 years. The company's products are tested by mountain rescuers. The ARVA Freerando 38 backpack is available for both genders of backcountry skiers. The anatomically arranged wall allows you to reduce the load on the back and comfortably position the backpack from the rear of the athlete. There is a chest and side tie, a belt for the waist, 2 straps.

The back remains without ventilation, this is a minus of the model. Available in red and dark grey. There is no partition in the main compartment, so the backpack seems large. The model has a convenient location of the side, front and top pockets. The product has a pocket for glasses, there is an outlet for drinking water. Among the mounts, one can note the mount for an ice ax. There are no other fasteners. At night, the athlete will not see the backpack, due to the lack of reflective particles on the fabric.

The price of the goods is 10,910 rubles.

• light;
• many pockets;
• anatomical design;
• acceptable price;
• there is a water outlet for drinking while skiing.

• no mounts for a helmet, snowboard;
• no rain cape;
• there are no reflective elements;
• there is no side entry and detachable pockets;
• there is no ventilation.

ARVA Explorer 18

6th place is occupied by the model of the same company. The ARVA Explorer 18 backpack is sold for athletes who are exploring new interesting slopes off-piste. The anatomical unisex design features side pockets and a water outlet system. The model is made in four color options: black, gray, yellow, blue. The product has a belt for the waist, chest, side ties, 2 non-ventilated straps. The mass of the model is 690 gr. Minimal pocket set with large main compartment. The lack of fasteners and compartments makes the backpack light, but not suitable for long distances. All things will have to look for a long time. Little things can be arranged in pockets located on the sides, which is very practical.

The price of a backpack is 5,450 rubles.

• little weight;
• comfortable design;
• not high cost of goods;
• there is an output of the drinking water system.

• rain cape missing;
• laptop compartment and no reflective elements;
• no model for children;
• no mounts for a helmet, snowboard;
• there is no ventilation system on the straps and back;
• no zippered pockets.

Ortovox Free Rider 22S

Ortovox Free Rider 22 S is a roomy model suitable for people with a height of 150-175 cm (marked S). The backpack has an ergonomic SPS Flex back, which takes the main load and relieves the athlete's back, shoulders, and pelvis. The shape provides freedom of movement and quick reaction in extreme situations. There is a water supply system without a tank (sold separately). The chest strap is equipped with a fastex fastener, the straps are adjustable.The model has external holders for skis, poles, an icebreaker, a net for a helmet. A whistle is attached to the chest strap. There are several compartments: the main one, for trifles, for avalanche equipment. The fabric is impregnated with a water-repellent composition and made of 100% nylon. 5th place in the ranking of the best.

The cost of a backpack: 17,420 rubles.

• American quality to high standards;
• the model has an ergonomic back SPS Flex;
• excellent capacity;
• the presence of a large number of compartments, pockets and holders;
• the material has a special impregnation against rain and snow.

• high price of the product;
• The drinking water tank must be purchased separately.

Dakine Mission 25

Dakine was founded in 1979 in Hawaii. She firmly consolidated her position in 4th place. The American brand can be found on products for extreme sports: surfing, skiing, snowboarding. The Dakine Mission 25 backpack is a super lightweight unisex backpack with an ergonomic padded back. Suitable for skiing in the mountains and for the office. The model is interesting in that there is a pocket inside - an organizer for accessories, a reinforced pocket for a laptop with a diagonal of 15 inches. The straps are adjustable. Outside, you can attach a snowboard, small items can be hidden in the side pockets.

The Dakine Mission 25 backpack costs from 5,600 to 6,800 rubles.

• acceptable price;
• interesting design;
• the presence of a pocket for a large laptop and an organizer pocket;
• excellent capacity;
• light weight model.

• not detected.

Red Fox RIDE 32

The third place belongs to the Russian manufacturer. Red Fox has been making gear and gear since 1980. The company is famous for the use of waterproof materials that retain heat.The blue Red Fox RIDE 32 backpack was made using N/210D waterproof Robic fabric. The model has a soft pocket for the phone and glasses, side zipper. The comfortable type of backpack design is suitable for both girls and boys.

The backpack opens completely. The volume of 32 liters allows you to accommodate a lot of useful equipment. The inconvenience is the lack of additional external pockets for small things. Along with this, the model has mounts for an ice ax, a snowboard and a helmet, there are points for attaching sticks. The back is made in a rigid version with an aluminum plate, which will protect the user in case of a fall. Structurally, two straps with outlets for drinking water, chest and side straps are built in, there is an excellent waist belt.

The cost of the model: 8 900 rubles. On the Internet you can find a backpack at a price of 6.5 thousand rubles, but this product may be a fake.

• light;
• anatomic design with aluminum plate protects the freerider during a fall;
• there is an outlet for water through two straps;
• there are additional attachments for equipment;
• the main compartment can be accessed from the side entrance.

• no cape for rain;
• the model has no external pockets;
• no ventilation in the back and straps;
• one color option.

Deuter Freerider Pro 28 SL

The model of the German company Deuter Freerider Pro 28 SL is made specifically for girls involved in mountain downhill off-piste. This is indicated by the marking SL. The back of the backpack is adjusted to the anatomy of the female body, equipped with the Alpine Back System. The waistband is removable, has movable wings for freedom of movement and a snug fit. The backpack contains many pockets for small things, cosmetics and creams, which even a serious lady will take with her.There is access from the back.

The presence of additional fasteners will provide comfortable lifting and freedom of hands. There is back ventilation, there is a drinking water outlet. Interesting and bright colors are associated with excellent German quality. The model is made of a "breathable" fabric that reflects the snow. A reinforced bottom, a compartment for wet clothes, an emergency whistle on the chest strap - a short list of the comfort and usefulness of a woman's little thing. The backpack model is in second place of honor.

8 500-10 590 - this is the range of prices in rubles for the female model.

• stylish design;
• the anatomical design is adjusted according to the characteristics of the female body;
• excellent value for money, quality, reliability;
• color variety;
• the model is fully thought out;
• a sufficient number of pockets, compartments, fasteners;
• the backpack is made of reflective material, the back is ventilated;
• there is an SOS label and a whistle on the chest strap for emergencies.

• no helmet mount.

Deuter Freerider 26L

Deuter Freerider 26L is a model with experience from a German manufacturer, which is very popular among freeriders - the leader of our rating. Five years ago, the manufacturer updated the model, and it is still being produced and successfully sold. The color scheme of this series is quite diverse. The unisex design with an anatomical back in five bright shades is quite functional. Ties and straps are made according to the standard, the waist belt has a tight pull-forward tightening, side pockets. An ice ax and a snowboard can be attached to the backpack. Also, the athlete can drink water without stopping and removing the backpack. Reliable, comfortable and roomy thing that justifies its cost.The material used is a snow-reflecting "breathable" fabric.

The price fluctuates between 6,800-8,690 rubles.

• stylish design;
• anatomical design;
• Excellent value for money and quality;
• reliability, simplicity and comfort;
• variety of colors;
• good capacity;
• "breathable" reflective material;
• whistle and SOS label.

• no helmet mount
• no avalanche sensor;
• wetted material;
• rain cover is missing.

Comparison in the table:

Place in the ranking	Model	Floor	Volume, l	Weight, kg	Price, thousand rubles	Design
7	ARVA Freerando 38	Unisex	38	1.22	10.9	anatomical
6	ARVA Explorer 18	Unisex	18	0.69	5.45	anatomical
5	Ortovox Free Rider 22S	Unisex	22	1.12	17.4	anatomical
4	Red Fox RIDE 32	Unisex	32	1	8.9	anatomical
3	Dakine Mission 25	Unisex	25	0.5	5,6-6,8	anatomical
2	Deuter Freereder Pro SL 28L	Female	28	1.68	6,8-8,7	anatomical
1	Deuter Freerider 26L	Unisex	26	1.68	6,8-8,7	anatomical

Conclusion

Depending on the quality characteristics, functionality, fabric and volume, you can choose a model for every taste and for various purposes. Proper and careful use of the backpack will provide the product with additional service life.