Which backpack for snowboarding, splitboarding and freeriding?
Founder of Stone Snowboards
You might have already found your board, boots and favourite goggles… but have you thought about your backpack? When you’re off splitboarding or freeriding, your backpack is more than just an accessory. It’s your best ally. It carries your safety gear, spare clothes, water, snacks and sometimes even your peace of mind. In this article, we’ll help you understand why a dedicated freeride or splitboard backpack makes all the difference, how to choose one, and we’ll tell you about a model that does the job well: the Storm 25L from Stone Snowboards.
Why do you need a backpack specifically designed for splitboarding or freeride snowboarding?
Because, yes, before you even set out on the quest for the perfect snowboard backpack, we need to set the record straight: no, it’s not just a bag where you’ll chuck your clothes and a cereal bar. It’s a true riding partner, which will accompany you on your ascents, your descents, your breaks, but also your struggles.
Freeriding or splitboarding isn’t the same as a day out at the resort. Here, you’re heading into the backcountry, sometimes into challenging terrain, needing to carry not just your riding gear but also your safety kit.
What are the differences between a standard rucksack and a splitboard or freeride snowboard rucksack?
Although it might be obvious, let’s quickly go over the differences between a standard resort bag and a backpack you’d use for splitboarding or freeriding:
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A standard rucksack is mainly designed to carry your spare clothes, a bit to drink, and perhaps a small snack.
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A splitboard/freeride rucksack needs to be able to carry your board upright, hold your skins, drinks, and your gear… in short, it’s a bit of a Tetris game. It also needs to accommodate all your safety gear (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, emergency whistle…).
In short, it’s nothing like a city bag or a trail bag. Here, we’re talking about technical equipment, designed for extreme conditions, and to ensure both your safety and your comfort.
How to choose the right snowboard/splitboard/freeride backpack
Capacity and comfort: the basics for successful outings
Wondering how many litres you need? For snowboarding in a resort, a 15–20L pack might be enough. But for a freeride or splitboard pack, I’d recommend at least 25L, just to have room for all the safety gear and a bit more.
Comfort isn’t something to be taken lightly either. Can you imagine carrying a poorly fitted rucksack all day? You’ll end up with aches and pains before you’ve even made your first descent. That’s why you need to look for adjustable straps, particularly the chest strap and hip belt. These help stabilise the rucksack and prevent it from swinging around all over the place. And a comfortable back panel, ideally with some breathable foam, is the icing on the cake for keeping your back cool.
Durability and strength of materials
The mountains aren’t a gentle playground. You’ll be navigating branches, heavy snow, and sometimes even a few rocks. Your splitboard or freeride rucksack needs to be able to withstand that without fraying at the first impact.
Ripstop polyester rucksacks, like the Stone Storm 25L (we’ll tell you more about that in a moment), are top-notch. This fabric is woven in such a way as to prevent small tears from spreading. Put simply, if you snag your rucksack on a branch or drop it a bit roughly onto the snow, it won’t fall apart.
Features designed for freeride and splitboarding
This is where it gets interesting. A good snowboard backpack for freeriding or splitboarding needs to include specific storage features:
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A vertical slot to secure your board or splitboard without any hassle
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Pockets dedicated to the shovel and probe, so you can grab them quickly if needed
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A compartment for the avalanche transceiver
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A compartment for a water bladder (ideally with a reinforced hydration tube to withstand the cold)
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And handy pockets for storing goggles, phone, sun cream…
And the little extra that saves lives (literally): a built-in emergency whistle. In the event of trouble, it can make all the difference.
Focus on the Stone Snowboards Storm 25L rucksack
As you’ll have realised (or perhaps not), if we’ve been listing so many details that make all the difference, it’s because we know what we’re talking about. To do things properly, we’re going to introduce you to a model that combines many of these qualities: at Stone Snowboards, we’ve launched the Storm 25L rucksack, designed to meet the expectations of riders who want a bag that’s both technical and practical.
A design focused on safety and performance
The Storm 25L is clearly a freeride backpack designed by riders for riders. One of the features that makes all the difference is the integrated 1.6L water pouch. When you’re splitboarding and sweating buckets on the ascent, you don’t want your water bottle to freeze or get stuck in the cold. The hydration tube is specially reinforced for this very purpose.
Then there’s the clever storage: you can stash your shovel, probe and sun cream in a transparent pocket. Your board or skis attach vertically to the side, with no hassle. Everything’s accessible without having to empty your bag every time.
Everyday versatility and ease of use
What’s also great is that this bag isn’t just for the mountains. You can take it into town, to work, or on a weekend trip. It has an internal pocket for your laptop, a handy top compartment for your glasses or phone, and adjustable chest and hip straps to keep everything securely in place.
It’s sturdy, comfortable and practical. The sort of bag that goes everywhere with you, without ever making you regret your choice.
A quick safety tip: what to pack in your freeride backpack
Let’s be honest, when freeriding, the mountains can quickly turn tricky, or even downright hostile. Your best safeguard is to have everything you need in your snowboard rucksack to get you out of a tight spot.
Here’s the list I always recommend:
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An Avalanche Transceiver (AT), with fresh batteries (not the ones from three seasons ago).
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A sturdy, lightweight, easy-to-handle shovel.
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A rigid probe, to pinpoint a victim’s location under the snow.
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A survival blanket, to keep you warm if you ever get stuck or are waiting for rescue.
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Water, because staying hydrated is essential.
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Sun cream: snow reflects light, so you’re more likely to get sunburnt than in the height of summer.
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A fully charged phone, in an easily accessible pocket.
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Some solid food, like a cereal bar, to keep you going if the trip takes longer than expected.
Organising all this in your bag is a bit like packing a rucksack: you need a balance between accessibility and weight. And don’t forget to check your gear before every outing, because carelessness is often what trips you up.
To sum up
In short, choosing a snowboard backpack for freeriding or splitboarding that suits your style isn’t just about looks or price. It’s mainly a question of comfort, practicality, and above all, safety. Whether you’re into splitboarding, freeriding or simply enjoy a leisurely ride, a good bag makes life easier.
The Storm 25L from Stone Snowboards is a great example of this balance: sturdy, functional, designed for the rider who likes to head off far and wide and be well-equipped, whilst still looking cool. So, before you head out riding, give your bag some thought – it can make the difference between a great day out and a logistical nightmare.
Right then, I’ll leave you to check your gear and enjoy the next powder run without any hassle!
See you soon, Stoners!
Psst… With any purchase of a Stone Snowboards splitboard pack worth €1,099 or more, we’ll throw in the Storm backpack for free.