Best Backpack for Snowshoeing

Osprey Soelden 32 Backpack

If you’re looking for a backpack that is easy to carry around, look no further than the Osprey Soelden 32 Backpack. The Osprey Soelden 32 is one of the most lightweight snow packs on our list, weighing only 2 pounds and 8 ounces.

This snowshoeing backpack is made of high tenacity, 210D nylon shadowbox, making the pack durable. It also has a modest capacity of 32 L. The bag has dimensions of 21 x 12 x 11 inches.

This snowshoeing pack has a couple of attachment points for snowboards, ski poles, or snowshoes. Four side compression straps, two at either side, are available and wide enough to accommodate one snowshoe or ski each; the straps are adjustable and easily accessible via release buckles. Also, two compression straps at the front can be used for attaching your snowboard but may not be long enough to strap in a pair of snowshoes. A diagonal ski carry is also available.

Some prominent features of the Osprey Soelden 32 include a large front J-zip panel made for easy access and a back panel that allows convenient access to the main compartment, so you don’t have to unfasten your skis or snowboard. Several storage spaces come with the backpack, including storage sleeves inside the main room, a goggle stash pocket, a helmet carry, and a hip-belt gear loop.

A downside with this snowshoeing backpack is that either side of the helmet carry may get detached when you pull out an item stored in it, which can be a bit annoying.

Deuter Freerider Pro 30

If you’re on a budget and are looking for an affordable snowshoeing backpack, then the Deuter Freerider Pro 30 is the choice for you. This snowpack has the lowest price point on our list and still provides several excellent features.

The Deuter Freerider Pro 30 has a weight of 3 pounds and 13 ounces and a capacity of 30 L. Its material is made of durable ripstop nylon and has a strong, lightweight, and flexible Delrin aluminum U-frame. An Alpine Back System also helps you maintain your balance and conserve energy by keeping the pack’s load close to your center of gravity. The backpack is also easier to carry on your shoulders because of its Soft-Edge comfort straps.

This snow backpack has vertical straps at either side for fastening skis, snowboards, or snowshoes. At the front is a gear pocket that can also store the gear, as mentioned above, when paired with a front strap. You can also carry the skis diagonally.

You can access this backpack through front panel access or through a back panel that has a large, 2-way opening; the rear panel allows you to conveniently get to the main compartment without having to unload any equipment strapped to the pack. Storage options include a goggles compartment, stretch side pockets, ski pole and ice ax attachment loops, and two zipped internal pockets.

The Deuter Freerider Pro 30 also comes with a neat removable sitting mat. The only downside is that although it is hydration compatible, a reservoir is not included. Otherwise, this backpack gives you value for your money.

Evoc Patrol 32L Snow Backpack

The Evoc Patrol 32L Snow Backpack has multiple features for storing larger equipment such as snowboards, skis, and snowshoes; these include wide front straps, side straps, and a top-loading main compartment.

The front straps are wide and adjustable, so they can comfortably secure one or two snowboards or a pair of snowshoes. There are also two straps on each side for fastening snowshoes and skis as well. If both the front and side straps are in use, you can also use the top lid to secure your snowshoes over the main compartment.

The Evoc Patrol is made of durable 420D ripstop nylon with a polyurethane coating for waterproofing and abrasion resistance. The pack weighs 3 lbs 8 oz., has a capacity of 32 L, and has dimensions of 24.41 x 11.02 x 7.09 inches. A Neutralite carrying system helps distribute weight, and a back panel Atilon PE foam supports the backpack.

This snowpack has zippered side access panels for quick access to the main compartment. The pack also has several storage features: a camera pocket, transparent map pocket, goggle pocket, stretchy side pockets, ski attachments, two loops for an ice ax or pole, and a gear loop on the hip belt.

A downside to the Evoc Patrol is that the harness is not height-adjustable, so you might want to consider if the pack’s height fits you first.

Gregory Targhee 45 Alpine Backpack

Another snowshoeing backpack that comes with top-loading access is the Gregory Targhee 45 Alpine Backpack. The top-loading compartment can be used for securing your snowshoes between the lid and the main chamber. Four side compression straps are also available for storing snowshoes or skis. On the other hand, you can use the front straps to hold a snowboard.

The Gregory Targhee 45 is made of a highly durable 1000D Cordura fabric to protect from sharp edges of snowshoeing gear and has a spring steel frame. A Vertflex suspension system employs a molded back panel and lumbar pad to help distribute weight and keep your back comfortable. The pack also weighs 3 pounds and 10 ounces, has a capacity of 45 L, and has dimensions of 30.5 x 11.5 x 11.5 inches.

This snowshoeing backpack also has a rear entrance to the main compartment. The pack also has several storage features: a helmet carry system with hooks, gear loop and pocket on the waistbelt, diagonal and A-frame ski carry systems, and a top internal zippered pocket.

A downside to the Gregory Targhee 45 is that it could use a few more attachment points for other gear such as ice poles or axes than the other backpacks on our list.

Ultimate Direction Scram Multisport Mountain Backpack

The Ultimate Direction Scram Multisport Mountain Backpack is the most lightweight snowshoeing backpack on our list. It weighs at a meager 0.98 pounds or almost one pound. This pack also has the lowest price point and is very affordable.

The Ultimate Direction Scram is made of ethylene-vinyl acetate and has a polyethylene frame. This snowpack also has a capacity of 20 L and dimensions of 19.6 x 9.4 x 7.8 inches. The pack uses a compression-molded back panel that adds comfort to your back, while a roll-top closure employs an easy-cinch lid system to accommodate varying load capacities.

The roll-top closure, along with a Y-strap, can be used to secure gear, like snowshoes and a snowboard, between the lid and main compartment. Also, a highly versatile front stretch bungee-cord stash system gives you plenty of room to stash your snowshoes as well as skis and other sizeable snowshoeing equipment.

This snowshoeing backpack comes with multiple storage options, some of which include three sizeable front shoulder pockets for easy access, attached ski hook and ski loop, ice ax loop and daisy chains, and extra sternum strap.

A downside to the Ultimate Direction Scram is that the foam shoulder straps are a bit hard and can be a bit uncomfortable. Also, this backpack lacks side straps for storing gear. But for being lightweight very low-priced, the Ultimate Direction Scram is much worth considering.

Ortovox Haute Route 32 Backpack

If you are looking for a snowshoeing backpack that is comfortable to wear, then the Ortovox Haute Route 32 Backpack is an excellent choice. This snowpack makes use of an O-Flex-2 back system and an S-shaped stabilizer that helps distribute weight evenly between your shoulders and hips, so they don’t feel unnecessary stress. Hip fins also connect to the back system and help support and provide comfort to your hips while wrapping around you comfortably.

The Ortovox Haute 32 is made of polyamide 420D Oxford with a PU coating for waterproofing, has a weight of 3 lbs 6 oz., has a capacity of 32 L, and has measurements of 23 x 14 x 6 inches. This snowpack also has both top and back access to the main compartment, making for very rapid and convenient access to your equipment. There is also a separate safety compartment that gives you quick access to emergency gear.

This snowshoeing pack comes with multiple storage options, including an ice ax and hiking fastening, helmet net, four adjustable side straps for storing snowshoes or snowboards, diagonal ski fastening, crampon attachment, some gear loops, and a map compartment.

A downside to the Ortovox Haute 32 is that its zipper is made of plastic that can be flimsy and might be prone to breaking. Also, this pack lacks front straps for stashing equipment.

Deuter Freerider Pro 34+ Backpack

The Deuter Freerider Pro 34+ Backpack is one of the most well-rounded snowshoeing backpacks available on the market. It is made of excellent material, has a modest weight, has a suitable capacity, has multiple options for storing gear such as snowshoes and snowboards – all of which are features that excellent snowpacks should have.

The Deuter Freerider Pro 34+ is made of durable 400D nylon and 330D PA ripstop nylon and has a strong, lightweight, and flexible Delrin frame. The backpack weighs 2 pounds and 13 ounces, has a capacity of 34 L, and has measurements of 23 x 14 x 7 inches. The pack also has a slim and flexible Alpine back system, which incorporates two body-hugging soft stripe pads and supple hip fins that provide you comfort while you’re out snowshoeing. 

The pack has a roll-top closure with an expandable collar, allowing up to an extra of 10 liters storage space. The roll-top also comes with an adjustable strap that can be used to stash equipment such as snowshoes or a snowboard. You can also use the two long adjustable front straps to store said gear, along with skis. Furthermore, you can also use the four straps on the sides for the same function.

The Deuter Freerider Pro 34+ has a full back panel opening with large 2-way zippers for easy access to the main compartment. Some storage features that come with the backpack include one zipped mesh pocket, one gear loop, and one ice clipper slot on the hip belt, a helmet holder, hiking pole and ice tool attachment loops, shovel and probe compartments, zippered top pocket, zippered front stash pocket, and accessory loops for other equipment.

The Deuter Freerider Pro 34+ also comes with a limited lifetime warranty. A downside to this snowshoeing pack is that the front panel pocket might be difficult to access once the bag is fully loaded.

Gregory Mountain Products Denali 75 Liter Alpine Backpack

If you plan on going on an extended snowshoeing trip, you will require a backpack with a considerable capacity since you will need more gear than daytime excursions. The Gregory Denali 75 Liter Alpine Backpack meets this need, as it has a total of a whopping 75 L – the largest on our list. This pack also has the most significant dimensions among our picks for best snowshoeing backpacks, with dimensions of 34.5 x 13.25 x 11.75 inches.

The Gregory Denali 75 is made of durable 210D nylon fabric with 420D high-density reinforcements and has a sturdy 7075 aluminum frame. A 630D high-density nylon further protects the base of the pack, while a puncture-resistant laminated front panel protects from sharp gear edges. This pack also provides you comfort through its Fusion Flex Pro suspension system; this system incorporates high-density EVA foam padding at the shoulders, hips, and back that offers both comfort and stability.

This snowshoeing backpack has a top-loading compartment that can be used to secure equipment such as snowshoes between the lid and the main chamber. Reinforced daisy chains at the front and adjustable side straps also serve as storage for snowshoes, skis, snowboards, and other larger gear. A full-length side slash zipper allows quick access to the main compartment. 

This snowpack also comes with multiple storage options, including a hip belt with a gear loop, ice clipper sleeve, zippered pocket, a top pocket, and sizeable foldaway side pockets. Other features included are a removable bivy pad and a hydration reservoir sleeve and port.

A downside to the Gregory Denali 75 is that it has a relatively higher price range, though understandable given its capacity. The backpack also has a somewhat heavier weight at 5 lbs 14 oz.

Mountain Hardwear AMG 55 Backpack

The Mountain Hardwear AMG 55 Backpack is an alternative option for an overnight snowshoeing trip. This pack has a capacity of 55 L and has relatively larger dimensions of 34.5 x 13 x 12 inches.

The Mountain Hardwear AMG 55 is made of a durable 200D Spectra ripstop nylon thermoplastic polyurethane shell and has a solid and lightweight 7000-series aluminum frame for support. This pack has a reinforced base made of 840D carbonate-coated nylon. A frame-integrated hip belt that is highly padded also helps distributes weight and assists in providing you efficient and dynamic movement while giving you comfort.

You can use four long adjustable side straps to store your snowshoes, skis, or snowboard. You can also use the deep side pockets to hold the bottom half of a snowshoe while securing the top half with a strap. This backpack also comes with a floating lid that you can use to secure gear such as snowshoes over the main compartment.

This snowshoeing backpack comes with other storage features, including large zippered front pockets, an adjustable tool carry system, an oversized front stash pocket, A-frame and diagonal ski carries, zip pockets on the floating lid, and a rope carry.

A downside to the Mountain Hardwear AMG is that it comes at a comparatively higher price point. The pack also has a relatively heavier weight of 4 pounds and 11 ounces.

Exped Lightning 45 Pack

The Exped Lightning 45 Pack has a unique front lashing system that wraps around the backpack, allowing for the storage of larger items such as a tent rainfly. Multiple lashing points make it possible to strap in your snowshoes, snowboard, skis, ice axes, crampons, and other snowshoeing equipment.

The Exped Lightning 45 is made of a 210D HMPE ripstop nylon with a polyurethane coating for waterproofing and has a strong and lightweight 6061-T6 series aluminum frame for support. This snow pack also has a capacity of 45 L, weighs 2 pounds and 8.6 ounces, and has dimensions of 28.3 x 12.6 x 9.8 inches.

This backpack uses a roll-top closure which you can use to secure gear such as snowshoes between the top and the main compartment. A full pack body compression system also helps to keep its contents stable and secure. Some storage features included in the Exped Lightning 45 are exterior stretch fabric pockets found on the hip belt and side of the pack and an internal map pocket. For a secure fit, the pack uses an adjustable torso which also adds to your comfort.

A downside to the Exped Lightning 45 is that although its strap system can carry plenty of gear, it still lacks storage pockets for smaller items.