Freeride Backpacks

What is Freeriding?

Freeriding is a form of skiing or snowboarding on open terrain, away from the busy groomed black slopes. The very first skiers were known as freeride skiers.

Freeriding Powder snow only became recognised in the early 70's,  Like ski touring you used to ascend the mountain and ski down through the powdered snow, nowadays it's changed, numerous off-piste routes are accessed via ski lifts, this is one of the reasons why freeride enthusiasts are growing at a rapid rate. 

What makes a good Freeride Backpack?

Freeriding the backcountry consists of steep twist and turns and heart beating couloirs, this means protection is in mind, almost all freeride backpacks consist of a softback protection system that offers reliable support against your back. Here's what to look out for in a good Freeriding pack:

Volume:

Every good freeriding backpack should come with enough volume for a full day of powder skiing, ranging from 20 to 28 litres of usable volume, this should allow you to pack all of the necessities such as:

• Ski jacket
• Goggles
• Shovel
• Probe
• First Aid Kit
• Thermals
• Goggles
• Water Bottle
• Head Lamp
• Sunglasses
• Camera 
• Lunch

Back Shape:

When freeriding deep powder you need Unlimited Freedom of Movement whilst your back is completely protected, The backpacks snowsafe supply all maximum back protection which is soft and comfortable in cold weather.

Optimal body-hugging fit, padded back systems and stable hip belts make the packs secure with any movement.

Brands like Ortovox & Osprey offer ski touring packs specially made for those with shorter back lengths.

Materials used:

Strong, Lightweight, Resistant to abrasion is the main three material characteristics you need in a good freeriding backpack.

Here's what brands use in their packs:

Ortovox

• New Freeride Range - 100% Polymide 400D (recycled)
• Freerider AVABAG - Nylon 420D Ballshadow 

TerraWest

• Core 22 Recco Backpack - Nylon 420D PU (Main Body) | Polyester 600 (Stress Points)

Osprey

• Soelden - 210D High Tenacity Nylon Shadowbox
• Sopris - 210D High Tenacity Nylon Shadowbox
• Kamber - 420D High Tenacity Nylon Recycled BASAPP CO
• Kresta - 420D High Tenacity Nylon Recycled BASAPP CO

Scott

• Backcountry Patrol 22 -  Composition: Shell Fabric - 100% polyamide, Lining: 100% Polyester, H/T 420D Nylon Plain, W/R, 1,500MM, H/T 210D Nylon Double R/S W/R, 1,000MM

Alpride

• SuperLight 24 - N210D HD R/S SD PU, DYNEEMA HAS W1403-001, N210 D HD R/S SD deep blue

Dakine

• Poacher RAS 26 -  840D two-tone nylon ripstop with water repellent finish / 500D high tenacity nylon heather plain weave with water repellent finish

Standard Features of a Freeride Backpack:

All good freeriding packs come with a set of standard features, you can find these in almost every pack we supply:

Avalanche Safety Compartment Immediate access to your emergency equipment such as your Shovel & Probe, First Aid Kit

Diagonal Ski Fix (D-Skifix) All good touring packs come with a Diagonal ski fastener, versatile in use

Compression Straps Simple backpack compression with little content. Also serves as a side ski fastener. Not found on any of the Airbag compatible Backpacks.

Snowboard and Snowshoe Fastner Flexible carrying fastener for snowboards, snowshoes, and others.

Rope Attachment  Simple attachment of a rope on the main compartment.

Ice Axe and Hiking Pole Attachment Simple, rigid fastener allows rapid access to ice axe and poles.

Helmet Net Net for convenient and secure fastening of a helmet.

Hydration System Compatible  Secure holder for all common drink bladders. A must for ski touring backpacks, Its important to stay hydrated on the mountain.

• Hip Pockets
• Key Holders
• Map Compartment & More