Ski touring backpacks · Test magazine 2026
Tech talk with Vinzenz Schöpf, BCA
Marketing BCA Europe · Print page 45
Tests, reviews and background on BCA
How does BCA solve the balancing act between minimum weight and maximum tear resistance and durability when it comes to ski backpacks?
That is a great question. As a brand, we have decided to ensure that our backpacks meet the modern freeride requirements of skiers and snowboarders, and then implement the lightweight concept as well as possible. We believe we have found a good balance between low weight and full functionality, rather than focusing solely on lightness. However, there is a compromise, because some lightweight materials are not robust enough for the use and demands of skiers and snowboarders. At our parent company (Elevate Outdoor Collective), we have a machine called the ‘Walking Man’, which simulates an 85 kg person taking 250,000 steps with skis on the backpack and the backpack fully loaded. This is one of our most important testing stages, alongside testing our backpacks with IFMGA and UIAGM mountain guides one or two years before their launch. Our products absolutely have to pass the ‘real-world test’ successfully before they reach the market.
Where is BCA currently focusing on the development of future ski touring backpacks?
One of our current focuses, alongside our new UL models, is using lighter fabrics for our “Float” airbag backpack series. The use of lightweight materials is a little more complex for airbag backpacks, as they are subject to TÜV testing requirements and we have to meet these certification standards in order to be represented on the market. By the way, this applies to every brand.
How long does it take to develop new models and how does BCA proceed?
The general time frame from concept to market is approximately two years, but can occasionally be three to four years. Each new version of our products is tested by internal users as well as a hand-picked group of mountain guides and brand ambassadors who put our backpacks through rigorous testing. If we encounter a problem, it will be fixed, which requires further testing and therefore extends the time to market of the backpack. One insight we have learned over the years is that heliski operators and ski patrollers in North America are among the most reliable user groups for testing purposes. They use the products day after day and subject our backpacks to extraordinary stress. This includes, for example, pulling your backpack in and out of the basket of a helicopter ten times a day or transporting large, heavy avalanche explosives.
Which ski touring backpack do you travel with the most?
My favorite backpack is the Stash Pro UL 30, which is launching this year. It's an excellent ski touring backpack that's light, sturdy, versatile and offers exactly the features I need. It has enough volume to accommodate everything you need for a day, but is still very comfortable to wear due to its lightweight construction. I'm a skier, but this backpack is equally designed for snowboarders.
What will the ski touring backpack look like in 10 years and what will it be able to do?
I think it depends on the type of technologies used in the fabrics and this market is very dynamic. The development of materials is continually progressing and consistently delivers impressive results. The deciding factor here is the price. There are now fabrics on the market that are very durable and very light, but they would result in extremely expensive backpacks. Finding the right balance between high performance and cost to the consumer is the biggest challenge facing all manufacturers.
