• Forums
  • Ski Gabber
  • With lodges being a shitshow who's skiing with a backpack this year? What are the pro-tips?

Member of the Month

abjectwoe
May, 2025

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

With lodges being a shitshow who's skiing with a backpack this year? What are the pro-tips?

profile picture
Hard
Posts: 459 - Karma: 660
With lodges being shut down at resorts all over, who's planning to ski with a backpack? Backpacks inbounds certainly have their flaws, but somewhere to store snacks, water, basic tools and first aid supplies might be really handy this year. Extra warm layers too on those cold days with nowhere to warm up.

For those who have experience with this, what are your backpack tips? For myself I have a small backpack that fits under a jacket with burly straps to cinch down tight. Hydration pack with insulated hose too. Filled with water, small snacks, advil, ganj and whatever else.

What are you all rocking?
POLL
Edit Poll
Votes:

Take care when editing a poll; Options should be similar to maintain vote integrity.

More options will be added automatically as you type. You must supply a question and at least two options. No HTML is allowed.

5 years ago
8 0
profile picture
FaunaSkis
Posts: 631 - Karma: 6,846
I hope Karl Fostvedt was ahead of his time with the backpack steeze and it becomes the new track pants.

My tip is work out what you actually need, things like do the lifts have tools that you can use if need so you don’t have to carry them/worry about stabbing yourself in a stack. Travel light, use packs with waist & chest straps to make it seem less of a load on your back.
5 years ago
12 0
profile picture
MoneyMakerMike
Posts: 1254 - Karma: 5,764
As long as it’s got a speaker
5 years ago
25 5
profile picture
GayWolf420
Posts: 38130 - Karma: 130,105
BD dawn patrol 32L. my main go to pack for anything but i got bigger dakine pack for touring this season. i coach too so it comes in handy for kids whenever I have a multitool or space to throw their lunches/extra masks in case they lose one/first aid/water, space if they want to bring along an extra pair of gloves, etc. ski dad things basically lol
5 years ago
5 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 52629 - Karma: 174,650
Fridge was rocking the backpack in snowboard events for years. Just preparing for covid.

I can't fuck with it honestly, nowhere good to leave it, and I live close enough to the mountain. I just roll out with a couple pocket beers, and go shred for a bit then dip out.
5 years ago
16 0
profile picture
skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7967 - Karma: 23,260
I always bring a backpack. If I'm skiing park I stash it and I keep it on for everything else.
5 years ago
2 0
profile picture
ericforman
Posts: 722 - Karma: 6,213
Mystery ranch makes sick packs. I normally leave stuff in my car though
5 years ago
3 0
profile picture
ski_salmon69
Posts: 1940 - Karma: 29,091
better be safe than sorry. pack enough foood for a week on your back when your skiing your local tow rope

can’t forget the crampons and the sleeping mats
5 years ago
27 0
profile picture
Way*Mo
Posts: 773 - Karma: 3,194
FaunaSkisI hope Karl Fostvedt was ahead of his time with the backpack steeze and it becomes the new track pants.

My tip is work out what you actually need, things like do the lifts have tools that you can use if need so you don’t have to carry them/worry about stabbing yourself in a stack. Travel light, use packs with waist & chest straps to make it seem less of a load on your back.


Matt Sterbenz competed in a jump/quarter pipe competition on the Whistler glacier with an empty backpack for flare in 2000 or 2001. He was 20 years ahead of the trend.
5 years ago
9 0
profile picture
Millenialfalcon
Posts: 123 - Karma: -1,157
If I’m new to skiing and I’m not gonna be getting sweet air or doing flips or spins what are the disadvantages of carrying a small backpack?
I hate the idea of having beers in my pockets.
Seems like that would be more of a hindrance than a pack.
5 years ago
3 2
profile picture
crazy_karl
Posts: 774 - Karma: 5,046
Don't forget the guac
5 years ago
31 0
profile picture
BigPurpleSkiSuit
Posts: 9619 - Karma: 71,572
I still park close enough where I don't need a backpack, and my suit holds enough beer for the day. Pretty sobering seeing Patrol tending to multiple crashes at the bird today though. The sun softens things up on the first inch and half but it's ice under, so people keep crashing hard in some zones.
5 years ago
1 0
profile picture
CENTORE
Posts: 28 - Karma: 167
MillenialfalconIf I’m new to skiing and I’m not gonna be getting sweet air or doing flips or spins what are the disadvantages of carrying a small backpack?
I hate the idea of having beers in my pockets.
Seems like that would be more of a hindrance than a pack.


on the other hand beers in your pockets is just extra motivation to not fall and make them explode all over you
5 years ago
6 0
profile picture
Millenialfalcon
Posts: 123 - Karma: -1,157
CENTOREon the other hand beers in your pockets is just extra motivation to not fall and make them explode all over you

It’s not worth the risk.
Also, walking to the car is wasted time and energy.
A small 35L pack can be both stylish and functional.
Anyone other than parents with children who goes to the lodge for a drink of water this year should automatically get sent home for the day until Covid’s over.

**This post was edited on Dec 6th 2020 at 8:53:49pm
5 years ago
6 4
profile picture
Cyanicenine
Posts: 966 - Karma: 2,291
I bring a backpack but I stash it somewhere. Usually at the bottom or top of the park, or on a ski rack. I've never had anything stolen, but I only put low value items inside. It's also really nice to walk up to the lift line in cheap regular snow boots and then boot up there, especially if parking is far away. It has the added bonus of keeping your boot soles in top shape.
5 years ago
3 0
profile picture
270on420out
Posts: 7524 - Karma: 51,325
Ive always kept a pack in my homies car and would take occasional laps with it on when I wanted a beer or my camera. Then I can trade off riding with the camera/back pack every other lap with my friends. We all get clips+Ski+Immediate beer access.
5 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Non_State_Actor
Posts: 5098 - Karma: 18,672
As a dad I usually carry a pack with layers, water, snacks especially at larger resorts and try to only hit the lodge for the bathrooms. I'm lucky to mostly ski places that aren't generally super cold and this year our home mountain is pretty small and the parking has been good so far so we'll eat lunch or dinner in the car with boots off and the heater on.

Just get something that fits nicely and is relatively low profile.
5 years ago
2 0
profile picture
swagmasterflex
Posts: 399 - Karma: 2,592
MillenialfalconIf I’m new to skiing and I’m not gonna be getting sweet air or doing flips or spins what are the disadvantages of carrying a small backpack?
I hate the idea of having beers in my pockets.
Seems like that would be more of a hindrance than a pack.


I just don't like wearing a bag cause of the fact that you feel 10x less mobile, at least for me. I guess it wouldn't hurt to wear a small backpack if you're not gonna be in the park too much
5 years ago
3 0
profile picture
Mixy
Posts: 8356 - Karma: 50,434
I can only cork wearing a backpack with a 30 rack in it because of the weight distribution
5 years ago
26 0
profile picture
SavageBiff
Posts: 3483 - Karma: 14,759
Ortovox free rider 22 Ava bag , yellow looks dope on red parka with blue pants
great for snacks, kush, go pro, holding my packable layers, camelback, etc at the resort, same for bc and it’s an airbag, can hold daymakers, beacon , probe , ski carry etc and the back protectors great for rocks and trees if you send and eat shit a lot like I do, absolutely saved me from spine injury at least once in the trees sent my spine straight into a trunk impact was at about 15/20 mph, couldn’t sit for two weeks but could ski etc and no permanent injury
5 years ago
4 1
profile picture
piss.boy
Posts: 1491 - Karma: 10,621
I have a draw string bag to keep at the top of the park.
5 years ago
1 0
profile picture
Gnar_Shralp406
Posts: 341 - Karma: 2,184
HardWith lodges being shut down at resorts all over, who's planning to ski with a backpack? Backpacks inbounds certainly have their flaws, but somewhere to store snacks, water, basic tools and first aid supplies might be really handy this year. Extra warm layers too on those cold days with nowhere to warm up.

For those who have experience with this, what are your backpack tips? For myself I have a small backpack that fits under a jacket with burly straps to cinch down tight. Hydration pack with insulated hose too. Filled with water, small snacks, advil, ganj and whatever else.

What are you all rocking?


Park your pack at the main lift you'll be using or a central location.
5 years ago
3 0
profile picture
Poikenz
Posts: 1539 - Karma: 4,371
Bags are silly if you live in the east, 30 second runs and you have to take your bag off to get on the lift. Used to stash my shit on hill either at the top of the park or near the lift. Had someone finish off my half empty gatorade on me, had full bottles stolen, and had my poles swiped. Started leaving my shit inside and it ended up being safer there. Probably just going to leave everything in the car this year.
5 years ago
2 1
profile picture
Millenialfalcon
Posts: 123 - Karma: -1,157
PoikenzBags are silly if you live in the east, 30 second runs and you have to take your bag off to get on the lift. Used to stash my shit on hill either at the top of the park or near the lift. Had someone finish off my half empty gatorade on me, had full bottles stolen, and had my poles swiped. Started leaving my shit inside and it ended up being safer there. Probably just going to leave everything in the car this year.


Why won’t they let you ride the lift with a backpack on?
5 years ago
1 1
profile picture
SendyMcSendyface
Posts: 3170 - Karma: 28,768
I've never liked riding with a backpack, I can fit a few sandwiches and a 6 pack in my pockets, and the beer goes quickly so I'm not super worried about it exploding. My suggestion would be to make friends with the lifties, and stash your pack at the top or bottom terminal.
5 years ago
2 0
profile picture
Poikenz
Posts: 1539 - Karma: 4,371
MillenialfalconWhy won’t they let you ride the lift with a backpack on?

"Your straps can cause entanglement". I guess someone at some point got hung up and that was that. You'll get called out by lifties both in ON and QC, not sure what the US is like.
5 years ago
3 0
profile picture
OCoffey
Posts: 648 - Karma: 3,700
MillenialfalconIt’s not worth the risk.
Also, walking to the car is wasted time and energy.
A small 35L pack can be both stylish and functional.

is this an ad?

Seriously tho unless your going into the backcountry anything you think you could need a backpack for you could put in your pockets
5 years ago
1 1
profile picture
SendyMcSendyface
Posts: 3170 - Karma: 28,768
Poikenz"Your straps can cause entanglement". I guess someone at some point got hung up and that was that. You'll get called out by lifties both in ON and QC, not sure what the US is like.


Everywhere I've been in the US makes you put your pack on your lap. Working at Targhee, I've seen several people slip on the chair with it on their backs, and then get stuck on the chair when their straps get caught.
5 years ago
2 0
profile picture
Millenialfalcon
Posts: 123 - Karma: -1,157
OCoffeyis this an ad?

Seriously tho unless your going into the backcountry anything you think you could need a backpack for you could put in your pockets


If you’re at Taos you’re gonna waste the time mid day to walk all the way to the car?
Or are you gonna go to the cafeteria and spread Covid?
I’ll have my snacks, 3 beers and a small thermos of hot tea in my pack, thank you.

Take the L @ocoffey
5 years ago
2 2
profile picture
tanner48
Posts: 25 - Karma: 59
MillenialfalconIf you’re at Taos you’re gonna waste the time mid day to walk all the way to the car?
Or are you gonna go to the cafeteria and spread Covid?
I’ll have my snacks, 3 beers and a small thermos of hot tea in my pack, thank you.

Take the L @ocoffey


I think you take the L for still skiing Taos after they went full scumbag this season and did a $1000 price hike on a season pass and raised day ticket prices.
5 years ago
1 1
profile picture
ericforman
Posts: 722 - Karma: 6,213
Taos trying to become Telluride :(
tanner48I think you take the L for still skiing Taos after they went full scumbag this season and did a $1000 price hike on a season pass and raised day ticket prices.
5 years ago
1 0
profile picture
HypeBeast
Posts: 10082 - Karma: 76,467
SendyMcSendyfaceEverywhere I've been in the US makes you put your pack on your lap. Working at Targhee, I've seen several people slip on the chair with it on their backs, and then get stuck on the chair when their straps get caught.

Yeah this actually happened to me but I even had it on my lap thankfully. My one buckle got stuck between the seat and when I got off, well...the bag didn't. Embarrassing but kudos to the lifty.

And op you want a pro tip?: don't put a backpack under your coat lol wtf
5 years ago
1 0
profile picture
OCoffey
Posts: 648 - Karma: 3,700
MillenialfalconIf you’re at Taos you’re gonna waste the time mid day to walk all the way to the car?
Or are you gonna go to the cafeteria and spread Covid?
I’ll have my snacks, 3 beers and a small thermos of hot tea in my pack, thank you.

Take the L @ocoffey

Nah I’ll just ski to my car and walk 20 feet back to the lift at my local. All while enjoying my weight free back
5 years ago
2 1
profile picture
Millenialfalcon
Posts: 123 - Karma: -1,157
OCoffeyNah I’ll just ski to my car and walk 20 feet back to the lift at my local. All while enjoying my weight free back


Sad!
5 years ago
1 2
profile picture
SavageBiff
Posts: 3483 - Karma: 14,759
SendyMcSendyfaceEverywhere I've been in the US makes you put your pack on your lap. Working at Targhee, I've seen several people slip on the chair with it on their backs, and then get stuck on the chair when their straps get caught.


So the liftie makes them take off something that tho not meant to... saved them from falling? I’d rather hang there than fall but idk I’ve never fallen, jumped off, never fall
5 years ago
2 0
profile picture
WisconsinDogfart
Posts: 675 - Karma: 5,529
benefits of living by a tiny mountain is you can park like 30 ft from the lift
5 years ago
6 0
profile picture
SendyMcSendyface
Posts: 3170 - Karma: 28,768
SavageBiffSo the liftie makes them take off something that tho not meant to... saved them from falling? I’d rather hang there than fall but idk I’ve never fallen, jumped off, never fall


No, they get caught when trying to unload, and the chair drags them through the stop gate. Shit’s dangerous.
5 years ago
1 0
profile picture
SuspiciousFish
Posts: 2794 - Karma: 16,914
The problem with packs is the viscous cycle of loading and unloading. This means you have to get to the lift line, take off your gloves, use your hands to unclip the cold buckles, take off your pack, put your gloves back on, get to the top where there is usually a pretty gnarly wind chill, take off your gloves again, clip the cold buckes back on then do a run then repeat.

Most ski jackets have like 20 pockets anyway to stash anything you would need.
5 years ago
3 2
profile picture
X_MEMESWERVE_XX
Posts: 3945 - Karma: 33,349
finally gave in and got a ski pack this year, Its perfect to keep weed, snacks, drinks, any other shit you need, and if you do it right you can keep the waist strap on and just be able to take the straps off your shoulders and rotate the bag around you for getting on the lift.

or get a big ass fannypack like ski patrollers do
5 years ago
2 0
profile picture
Millenialfalcon
Posts: 123 - Karma: -1,157
Rode one week at Taos and one a Bridger last year so basically I’m a pro and no one said anything to me about needing to take my pack off to get on the lift.
Make sure your straps aren’t dangling and use common sense.
5 years ago
2 1
profile picture
Bushdid9_11
Posts: 535 - Karma: 2,209
I'll often just stash my pack at the top of the lift cause it can get in the way sometimes, but I ski at trustworthy hills so be careful I guess.

When I try backflips with packs on my head will usually hit the top of it and give me a brief heart attack but I've never crashed because of it.
5 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Session
Posts: 5408 - Karma: 22,545
Honestly never used lodges anyways. Car or backpack.
5 years ago
3 0
profile picture
rubberpantaloons
Posts: 506 - Karma: 3,102
unless ur bringing a camera no point in wearing a backpack lmao, leave ur shit in the car or keep it on you. and if u have a water bottle/beer just leave it at the top of the lift/park. my pants have more than enough space to hold phone, wallet, keys, pocket bacon etc
5 years ago
1 1
profile picture
Yung_Gnarley
Posts: 9096 - Karma: 3,071
A thermos with a hot bevvy. Soooo nice on the chairlift. You'll feel very sophisticated pouring piping-hot coffee into the little lid-cup and enjoying it. Bonus points if there is someone else on the lift to show off to or if you have a nice cup of hot tea in a smoke shack.
5 years ago
1 0
profile picture
SlitherySnake
Posts: 1169 - Karma: 8,625
wore a nike backpack once or twice, but theres like 10 parking lots and the resort isn't too big, so i just park in a ski-in ski-out lot and keep my stuff there
5 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Denseclouds
Posts: 536 - Karma: 3,193
Throw a backpack on if you find you have enough usable items to put in it on given day. 9/10 I don't ride with a pack when Im resort skiing, but every time I do.. It's always nice to have all the items handy, especially at bigger resorts out west. Regardless, any steezy trick is going to look twice as cool with a pack on if executed properly. It's also nice to get used to the feeling of skiing with a pack (in case you want to try ski touring) as it can take a few runs to start to feel comfortable with.
5 years ago
2 0
profile picture
hi_vis360
Posts: 5331 - Karma: 55,397
I avoid the lodge at all costs, covid or not. I'm all about the parking lot lifestyle. I have a Coleman stove with a table, camp chair, and
easy up if it's snowing.
5 years ago
2 0
profile picture
SavageBiff
Posts: 3483 - Karma: 14,759
Sounds fucking hilarious, wish that’d happen at sugarloaf today , woulda been a hoot
SendyMcSendyfaceNo, they get caught when trying to unload, and the chair drags them through the stop gate. Shit’s dangerous.
5 years ago
1 0
profile picture
MastePoleWhacker
Posts: 608 - Karma: 5,461
Beers, food, and an extra layer are a necessity
4 years ago
0 0
profile picture
EPfanboy
Posts: 485 - Karma: 3,554
Buy a Leatherman
4 years ago
0 0
All times are Eastern (-4); Currently it's 6:18AM