The best backpacks of the moment

Whether for your daily commute, freeride sessions or any other outdoor pursuit, a good backpack is the key to a successful adventure in the great outdoors. It’s just as essential for getting to school or work, strolling around town or tackling the highest mountain peaks. Choosing the right one among so many models and brands can be tricky. Each pack has its own features, and we’re here to help you find the one that best suits your needs. To make things easier, we’ve selected this year’s top options — from ultra-light compact designs to fully featured packs for long-distance mountain treks.

Arva Explore 20 & 30 L

Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, trekking and day ski touring

The Explore 20 and Explore 30 backpacks from Arva — renowned for making high-quality avalanche airbags — are made from 100% recycled main fabric, a responsible and sustainable choice. Available in 20- and 30-litre versions, they cater to skiers and ski tourers seeking either a compact or more spacious pack depending on their outing. Comfort is ensured by the ventilated foam back panel and adjustable hip belt, both designed to stabilise the load on technical terrain. Dedicated attachment points hold skis, snowboard, helmet, poles or ice axe, and a quick-access bottom pocket is ideal for climbing skins or ropes. The safety compartment remains accessible without removing the pack, and multiple pockets help keep gear organised. These models combine lightness, durability and functionality for a day in the mountains.

Arva Ride 18, 24 & 30+

An eco-friendly range with varied capacities

The Arva Ride backpack range, available in 18, 24 and 30+ litres, follows the same eco-conscious approach with a recycled polyester construction. The Arva Ride 30+ features a roll-top closure, ideal for preventing snow ingress and expanding capacity up to 38 L. The hip belts on the Arva Ride 18 and Arva Ride 24 are removable, offering greater freedom of movement when carrying lighter loads. Helmet holders are integrated on the 24- and 30+-litre models. The 18-litre version is compatible with a helmet holder, though not supplied. With dedicated avalanche safety compartments, ski and snowboard carry options, and hydration compatibility, this range is a comprehensive and highly practical solution for your outings — whether skiing, ski touring, freeriding or hiking.

Dakine Heli Pro 20 & 24 L

Compact design and essential features for your mountain adventures

The Dakine Heli Pro backpack remains a benchmark model, purpose-built for skiing and snowboarding. The 20 L version is compact and well-balanced, while the 24 L version adds a rear Backloader access panel for easy gear retrieval in deep snow. Both are compatible with the DK Impact back protector (sold separately), a popular option for added safety in case of a fall or impact. The dedicated safety compartment, fleece-lined goggle pocket, and versatile ski/snowboard carry options keep your essentials within reach. A solid choice for riders who value reliability above all.

Dakine Heli Pack 12 L

The backpack that can accommodate a back protector for extra safety

The Heli Pack backpack 12 L from Dakine weighs just 700 g. Lightweight, ultra-compact, and cleverly designed, it’s ideal for a day on the slopes or short daily commutes. Despite its small size, it features a diagonal ski carry and vertical snowboard carry system, a dedicated safety compartment, and a fleece-lined pocket for goggles or sunglasses. Compatible with the DK Impact Spine protector (sold separately), it enhances safety on the mountain. The main compartment fits a hydration bladder or a 15" laptop, making it a versatile pack for both mountain use and everyday life.

Deuter Freerider 24 & 30 L

Perfect for backcountry and off-piste adventures

The Deuter Freerider 24 and 30 L backpacks are comprehensive, eco-friendly models featuring carrying systems for skis, snowboard, or snowshoes. The Ripstop fabric used is renowned for its durability and is 100% recycled. The Lite Snow back system, combined with adjustable shoulder straps and ergonomically padded hip stabilisers, ensures excellent carrying comfort even when fully loaded, while the rear U-shaped access allows quick retrieval of safety gear without setting the pack down. Ergonomic straps make long ascents easier. Additionally, the pack includes all the essential features for mountain touring: ice axe and pole holders, a removable helmet net, padded goggle pocket, sunglasses holder on the shoulder strap, and a compartment for a hydration bladder up to 3 litres.

Millet Prolighter 30+10 L

All of Millet’s expertise in one model

The Millet Prolighter 30+10 L backpack from Millet returns in a redesigned and lighter version. While primarily developed for ski touring and trekking, mountaineering enthusiasts will also appreciate its performance on alpine routes. The lining is made from recycled polyester and the main fabric is waterproof (1000 mm) to keep your gear dry. Its expandable volume from 30 to 40 L adapts to your load, and it features side ski carry as well as ice axe and rope holders. The removable hip belt, chest strap, and lid allow you to reduce weight when needed. This is a versatile pack designed for technical two-day outings.

Millet Peuterey 35+10 (men’s and women’s) & Peuterey 45+10

A men’s version, a women’s version, and one for longer expeditions

The Millet Peuterey 35+10 and Peuterey 45+10 are designed for multi-day expeditions whether ski touring, hiking, or mountaineering. Waterproof and water-repellent, they keep your gear dry. The 35+10 and its women’s version, the Peuterey 35+10 Women, feature a breathable Ariaprène back panel made from eco-friendly foam. The 45+10 reaches 55 L capacity with its extendable lid. All three models are waterproof and include a quick-access crampon compartment, A-frame ski carry system, and ice axe and rope holders. Their robust design ensures stable load carrying in all seasons.

Millet Tour 25

Moisture protection and recycled materials

The Millet Tour 25 backpack combines moisture protection for your gear with an eco-friendly approach, using a main fabric and lining made entirely from recycled polyester. This lightweight and compact pack is ideal for single-day ski touring or freeride sessions. The dedicated shovel and probe compartment, helmet holder, and attachments for ice axes and poles help keep your equipment organised and accessible. Its waterproof and water-repellent construction and comfortable carry system make it a reliable choice for mountain adventures.

Nitro Rover 14

Lightweight and compact for short outings

The Nitro Rover 14 backpack is the most compact in this selection. Designed with weight reduction in mind, it still includes all the essentials: a compartment for shovel and probe, a sleeve for a hydration bladder, ski or snowboard carry straps, and compatibility with the Koroyd EOP 1.0 back protector. The ventilated back panel ensures excellent airflow to prevent overheating during ascents. This discreet yet practical pack offers all the key features you need for a full day in the mountains.

Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25 & 32 L

Ideal for commuting, classes or short trips

Weather-resistant and eco-conscious, the Black Hole Pack 25 and Black Hole Pack 32 by Patagonia are made from Fair Trade certified recycled polyester ripstop, with a TPU coating providing water resistance against light showers. Available in 25 or 32 litres, the Black Hole Pack meets everyday needs or short getaways. The spacious main compartment fits a 15" laptop, while the stretch side pockets securely hold water bottles. The chest strap and padded back panel ensure comfortable carrying even when fully loaded. Its durable, minimalist design makes it a versatile choice for daily use.

FAQ

What is the best hiking backpack?

To find the best hiking backpacks, we invite you to visit our dedicated page: Which hiking backpack should you choose?

Which backpack should I choose for travelling?

On the page How to choose your backpack, we cover this topic in detail, explaining the key criteria to consider and offering expert advice to help you make the right choice.

What is the best material for backpacks?

The 'best' material for a backpack depends on its intended use, but the most important factor is to choose one made from eco-friendly materials: Bluesign or Fair Trade certified, or recycled fabrics (e.g. rPET recycled polyester), ensuring better social and environmental standards. Next, opt for an abrasion-resistant fabric such as ripstop, and ideally one that is waterproof or water-repellent to guarantee protection and longevity. Finally, ensure the frame, shoulder straps, lining, and stitching are of high quality — a high-performance fabric alone is not enough if the construction is poor.

What is the best backpack brand?

Again, it’s difficult to name a single best brand. Each manufacturer has its strengths, depending on whether you need a pack for hiking, travel, trail running or everyday use. The most reliable brands stand out for their material quality, carrying comfort, durability, and environmental commitment. It’s best to choose brands offering Bluesign-certified or recycled-material models, with ergonomic fit and robust after-sales support. You’ll find these trusted names in our curated selection, chosen to combine performance, reliability, and sustainability.

Comparison Table

The best packs are on Glisshop

Discover our full ranges of ski backpacks, models for hiking or school use, as well as our travel bags at Glisshop. We also provide numerous tutorials and several Top Product selections to help you choose the model that best suits your needs. If you’re planning to go off-piste, don’t miss our Top 10 best airbag packs to ski fully prepared!