The Best Ski Packs of 2026

This pack is built for backcountry skiing in winter but remains fully capable during shoulder season and summer missions. What sets it apart, beyond its bombproof construction, are its unique touring-specific features designed to eliminate the small annoyances that add up for people who spend all their time in the backcountry.

The lightest option in BCA’s avy airbag family, the Float E2-15 weighs in at just 5. 8 pounds and combines proven safety with an ultra-compact design. With Alpride’s E2 supercapacitor, the airbag system is battery powered, charged via USB-C cable and very travel-friendly. With just 15 liters of storage, it’s not meant for big backcountry days but has everything you need for cat, heli and strike missions: fleece-lined goggle pocket, avy tool storage, helmet sling, hydration/radio sleeves and more.

With the nod of approval from legendary freerider Karl Fostvedt, you know the Team Mission Pro 25L is a great choice for aggressive resort and light backcountry days. This pack trends toward the minimalist side of the spectrum but comes equipped with a dedicated avy tool compartment for your shovel and probe, an insulated hydration sleeve, a fleece-lined goggle pocket and a zippered exterior pocket. The pack is set up to carry skis diagonally and is also compatible with Dakine’s DK Impact Spine Protector (sold separately) if you’re looking to get extra sendy. Not quite ultralight, the main compartment is just big enough for an extra layer and skins, making the pack ideal for riders who prioritize easy access and fresh lines in or around the resort.

The reliability and usefulness of a high-quality backpack can’t be underestimated, and this pack from Db is everything we could ask for in an everyday or weekend travel bag. The highlight feature is its clamshell design, which allows you to lay the bag flat and fully open the large main compartment. This makes it easy to use the full 30 liters of space and access items at the bottom without digging around blindly like you would with a traditional top-loading pack.

The all-new 38-liter PowSlayer blends durable, lightweight materials with practical backcountry functionality. On the way up the hill, you can choose between an A-frame and diagonal ski carry, store two pairs of goggles in the massive, lined pocket and strap your helmet down in a variety of configurations thanks to a smart helmet hammock. The breathable shoulder straps and hip belt comfortably handle heavy loads, and a spacious tool pocket keeps your avy gear organized with three independent sleeves. When it’s time to transition, a water-repellent, quick-drying back panel grants full access to the main compartment so you don’t have to blindly dig through the contents of the bag.

In recent years, Raide packs have earned a solid reputation among backcountry and mountaineering athletes thanks to a number of thoughtfully-designed features. A well-integrated helmet carry and easy access to avy tools are two of the features we like most. Strategically-placed pockets allow you to pull your probe out while wearing the pack. You can also grab a shovel blade and handle out of the bottom when you drop one shoulder strap and swing the pack around. While its moniker advertises a 30-liter capacity, the roll-top closure allows you to extend that by up to eight liters. A reinforced back panel ensures the pack doesn’t deform when you stuff it to the brim, while also enabling access when you need to dig deep into your gear.