Snowboard packs are never at the top of anyone’s wish list. But as an essential piece of kit that will outlast other items, I always find myself researching them as heavily as I would when buying a new board. So here are the top 10 snowboard packs, rucksacks and backpacks of 2012.
Snowboard packs are kind of like dogs; there are hundreds of varieties to choose from, but they also end up resembling or wordlessly saying something about their owner.
Top 10 snowboard packs of 2012
Whether you’re looking for a larger pack that will double as a good ol’ fashioned backpack the 6 months your not ripping, or a purely backcountry focused pack, you’re sure to find the one to meet your demands here in our top 10 snowboard packs, rucksacks and backpacks of 2012.
ABS Avalanche Rescue Devices Powder Line 15 Backpack
Airbag packs are rated top amongst backcountry enthusiasts, so much so that some riders, if they had to choose, would take one over a beacon, shovel and probe.
Thankfully this is a choice that we can all avoid, and the Powder Line 15 pack has plenty of room for all the necessary backcountry gear and supplies as well as the potentially lifesaving airbags. If you’ve got the money, and spend a considerable period of your snowboarding tour in avalanche areas, then this is a no-brainer.
Black Diamond Agent AvaLung Pack
Short of buying an airbag pack, the AvaLung provides the next best safety feature for those often exploring the backcountry.
If you’re unfortunate enough to get trapped under the snow the AvaLung removes the carbon dioxide that builds up whilst you’re exhaling through a hose, depositing it safely behind you. This gives you extra vital time when buried for your rescuers to find and dig you out.
Many versions are available, but the 20-litre Agent has some other cool features like a tuck-away helmet carrying sling and dedicated avy-tool organiser pocket.
Dakine Pro II Backpack
Dakine are pretty much the industry leaders when it comes to snowboard backpack manufacturing, and have been forever. So no top 10 snowboard packs, rucksacks and backpacks of 2012 would be complete without at least one Dakine pack.
So whether you choose the Pro II, or any Dakine pack, you’re going to get a bag that’ll last a lifetime. The Pro II is bombproof, super comfy, and will fit as much or as little in without seeming unobtrusive. Comes with all the features you’d expect from this legendary company.
K2 Sentinel Backpack
During snowboarding travel the best thing a backpack can do is to seem like it’s not even there, especially when you’re flying around the mountain.
This is something the Sentinel from K2 manages effortlessly, thanks to some well-fitted straps and thoughtful design features that keep them locked down, and not all flapping around in your face.
A basic, no-frills design will appeal to those who think too many pockets just complicate matters.
Burton Sled Pack
Similar in design to the K2 Sentinel, if you normally just throw your gear together whilst rushing out the door, then the single large main compartment will satisfy your needs.
A decent size, at 26 liters you’ll easily be able to accommodate beacon, shovel and probe, as well as an extra layer, a picnic lunch and even a beer or two to celebrate the end of the hike.
Quicksilver Travis Rice Backpack
Two liters smaller than the Burton offering, yet somehow just as, if not more, voluminous, the Travis Rice Backpack will swallow your gear whole. Constantly reminding all your buddies of the name of this pack will surely lose you some attention. We think best keep quiet and let this bling white bag speak for itself.
Oakley Snowmad 20 Backpack
The top loading design of this bag from optical innovators Oakley helps ensure fewer leaks. Not surprisingly this pack has the best stash pocket for your goggles, and even a separate lens pouch to keep all your options open when heading out into the backcountry.
To top this off Oakley have manufactured some of the most comfy straps out of all the packs in our list. This makes the Snomad one of the top 10 snowboard packs, rucksacks and backpacks of 2012.
Volcom Defender Heli Backpack
Volcom have asserted themselves to become one of the coolest snowboard brands about. Their backpack builds on this reputation with its cool design and absurdly huge amount of pockets.
You think of something you’d want to take up onto the mountain with you and this bag has a pocket for it. This is a must buy for the cool kids who won’t leave home (or in this case climb a mountain) without all their gadgets.
At 27 liters it’s pretty big in terms of snowboard packs, but will make a great year round rucksack too.
Lib Tech Hot Lap Backpack
Another bag that will double as an everyday backpack, this one even has a removable waist strap for those snowless 6 months. The funkiest bag lining within the list (if not all bags ever) is proudly concealed inside.
Perhaps the guys at Lib Tech didn’t think a banana print design would be as successful on the outside, but we’d still love to see one someday. Also incorporates all the less exciting, but extremely useful features, such as horizontal or vertical board-carrying orientation options and bladder compatibility.
Ride HE Journey Backpack
Life’s a journey, and the journey we love to take is to the top of some remote snow covered mountain, accompanied by this slender, stylish backpack. Just enough room to fit all the essentials, but not much more, this pack will keep you light and travelling fast.
The main compartment can be accessed from one of two points, which is a nice and often handy feature, and the board mounting straps can be completely removed if you don’t think you’ll need to carry your ride.
We hope you found this guide to the top 10 snowboard packs, rucksacks and backpacks of 2012 useful. Check out our other snowboarding gear articles for more useful tips.
