Backcountry Backpacks

A backcountry pack is not the same as a day hiking pack. It is built around two specific requirements that a standard pack does not address: carrying a splitboard in tour mode for the uphill, and making your avalanche safety gear — shovel, probe, beacon — immediately accessible without unpacking everything else.

Every pack in this collection is designed for backcountry snowboarding and splitboarding. They carry a board cleanly on the uphill, keep safety gear separate and accessible, and manage the hydration and layering needs of a full day in the Australian alpine environment.

Volume: 20 to 30 litres is the right range for a day tour. Enough for layers, water, food, first aid and safety gear without the weight of an oversized pack on a long skin track. Overnight touring requires 35 to 50 litres.

Airbag packs: an avalanche airbag deploys a large balloon when you pull the handle, helping you stay near the surface of an avalanche by increasing your volume relative to the surrounding snow. A meaningful additional safety layer for riders venturing into serious terrain regularly. We stock airbag-equipped packs alongside standard touring packs — the right choice depends on the terrain you ride and how often you are in it.

Splitboard carry: most backcountry packs offer A-frame carry for a splitboard in tour mode — the two planks attach to the sides of the pack. Some offer diagonal carry for better balance on steep skin tracks. Check the carry system before buying if you are using a particularly wide splitboard.

Come in and talk to us about the right pack for your intended touring. Frosty and the team have backcountry experience and can match you to the right volume, carry system and features based on where you are going and how you plan to get there.