From Local Slopes to High-Alpine Tours: Which Ski Touring Backpack Is Right for You?

From on-piste ski touring to high-alpine outings, a ski touring backpack has to meet a wide range of requirements. An overview of the key features and suitable EXPED backpacks.

Small, robust and with a breathable back system: on ski tours on the pistes, such as at Flumserberg in St. Gallen, it is not unusual to encounter ambitious ski mountaineers training. Those who are not ascending in race mode are perfectly equipped with the Skyline 20. Apart from a change of clothes, a warm jacket and an insulated flask of hot tea, little equipment is generally needed, and it fits easily into a 20-litre backpack. As on-piste ascents are often steep and sweaty, a well-ventilated back system is crucial. The AirFlow back system is breathable, conforms to the back and sits close to the body on the descent. The large zipped opening provides quick access to a change of clothes. Hydration system compatibility is particularly useful on faster ascents. The front pocket features an integrated helmet holder, as a helmet is essential on the piste. The rain cover with a reflective logo also improves visibility when descending in the dark.

SKYLINE 20 Volume: 20 l Weight: 790 g (S/M) RRP: EUR 140

Tour tip: On-piste ski tour at Flumserberg Route: From Tannenheim via the Spiga piste to Prodkamm Elevation gain: approx. 720 m Note: Pistes no. 1a and 1 from Tannenheim via Spiga to Prodkamm are open on Thursdays until 9 pm and may be used by ski tourers for ascent and descent. The Prodkamm mountain restaurant is also open on Thursdays until 9 pm. https://www.flumserberg.ch/skitouren

Wide slopes, short steep sections and occasionally carrying skis on your back: ski tours such as the Albristhorn – one of the most rewarding ski summits in the Bernese Prealps – often place considerable demands on a backpack. It needs to be robust, have all the necessary features and fit well. The Serac 30 is just such a companion: this lightweight, weatherproof alpine backpack is made from high-quality ripstop nylon with a hydrostatic head of 10,000 mm. PFAS-free lamination on the inside, taped seams, a roll-top closure and sealed zips provide additional protection against moisture. Skis can be secured quickly using the A-frame attachment, while the conveniently positioned ice axe loops make attaching ice tools easier. A shovel and probe can be stowed securely in the front compartment, while the long side zip provides quick access to clothing, gloves or a water bottle.

SERAC 30 Volume: 28 l (back length S) | 30 l (back length M) Weight: 630 g minimum weight for back length S RRP: EUR 340

Tour tip: Ski tour to the Albristhorn (2,762 m) Route: From the Färmeltal via the normal route to the Albristhorn Elevation gain: 1,120 m Note: The Albristhorn is a popular ski tour and can be approached from all four cardinal directions. The normal route (ZS+) from the Färmeltal is particularly frequently climbed. https://www.sac-cas.ch/de/huetten-und-touren/sac-tourenportal/albristhore-albristhorn-22/skitouren/

The Tour du Ciel leads through the high-alpine Valais Alps between the Mattertal and Zinaltal valleys. It is considered a shorter but more demanding alternative to the classic Haute Route. Anyone undertaking ski traverses like these needs reliable companions – and one of them is the Icefall 40: a robust, spacious alpine touring backpack made from robust, weatherproof, bluesign®-approved UHMWPE ripstop produced specifically for EXPED. UHMWPE fibre is among the world's strongest and lightest synthetic fibres and, weight for weight, is up to 15 times stronger than steel. The spacious main compartment can be opened both via the roll-top closure and from the side – an essential feature, particularly on traverses with more gear. Newly designed attachment solutions allow skis and ice tools to be secured safely, while the front compartment accommodates avalanche rescue equipment. This makes the Icefall 40 a virtually indestructible companion for high-alpine tours.

ICEFALL 40 Volume: 38 l Weight: S: 640 g | M: 650 g | L: 660 g (minimum weight) RRP: EUR 540

Tour tip: Tour du Ciel – ski traverse in Valais Route: From Zermatt to St. Niklaus Elevation gain: Daily stages with up to 1,650 m of ascent Note: The name Tour du Ciel derives from its high elevation: after the first ascent, the route takes you among the mighty four-thousand-metre peaks of Valais – truly close to the sky.