In the last 2 years, we have tested over 10 backpacks for snowmobiling.
And we have come to the conclusion that the Klim Krew Pak Snowmobile Backpack is by far the best snowmobile backpack for majority of the snowmobile riders.
However, that’s not the only good backpack.
We have a few more great options for your next snowmobile ride.
Let’s have a look at them.
Changes We Made in the Article: Based on our recent backpack testings in October, we have updated our list of best snowmobile backpacks, and added 2 more items to it.
Our Team’s Top Picks
- Best Overall Snowmobile Backpack – KLIM Krew Pak Snowmobile Backpack
- Most Lightweight Backpack – KLIM Nac Pak Technical Backpack
- Best Snowmobile Avalanche Backpack – Backcountry Access Float
- Best Budget-Friendly Backpack – FENGDONG 40L Travel Backpack
- Best Multi Purpose Backpack – Dakine Heli Pro Backpack
Best Overall Snowmobile Backpack
Klim Krew Pak Snowmobile Backpack
In our testing, we found that this is the best backpack for snowmobile riders.
This is the largest capacity riding backpack in the Klim’s lineup, so we were quite hopeful for this bag as this is specially designed for the snowmobile riders and backcountry excursions.
We tried storing all the important stuff that a snowmobiler needs on their ride, and this backpack was able to store everything easily.
You can store everything from an extra pair of gloves, goggles, transceiver, to even a shovel.
Klim did a wonderful job of creating separate compartments that made it one of the best backpacks in our list. They also build a specific avalanche gear storage pocket which is awesome.
But, to be honest, it’s slightly expensive. You can find good quality backpacks at around $100 budget.
Pros
- Internal avalanche gear storage pocket makes it an ideal backpack for backcountry
- Water resistant base
- Multiple compartments for storing all the snowmobile riding essentials
- Deluxe padded shoulder straps for a comfortable ride
Cons
- Slightly expensive compared to other backpacks
Most Lightweight Backpack
Klim Nac Pak Technical Backpack
The Klim Nac Pak Technical Backpack is one of the most lightweight backpacks that you can purchase for snowmobile riding.
Even though the storage capacity is just 13L which is clearly not enough for a few days backcountry excursions, this backpack has everything you need.
Its volume is way less than the other backpacks in our list, but still it has the space and compartments to carry all the important things you need for a safe backcountry ride.
We really liked the fact that it is hydration compatible, which was unexpected given its small size.
We were easily able to adjust the hydration bladder in it that helped us stay hydrated during the whole testing process.
Another thing we really liked is the pouches on the chest straps to carry your transceiver or radio.
This is clearly a compact powersport backpack. However, if you’re thinking about storing an extra pair of gloves, jacket, and few other small things for your 3 days trip, then you may find it difficult to store everything in it.
Pros
- Hydration compatible, but you have to purchase it separately.
- Removable water resistant tool pak.
- You can store your shovel and probe on the external compartment.
- Comfortable chest straps with small storage pouches.
Cons
- For some people, 13L storage capacity is too small. It’s not enough for a few days backcountry excursion.
Best Snowmobile Avalanche Backpack
Backcountry Access Float Avalanche Backpack
The Backcountry Access Float is our recommended snowmobile avalanche backpack.
If you are riding in the avalanche prone areas, we recommend an avalanche airbag instead of the normal backpacks.
In an unfortunate incident of avalanche, this backpack can improve the chances of survival by helping the user stay closer to the surface, which isn’t the case with normal backpacks.
This Backcountry Access is also compatible with hydration bladder and a small cylinder.
During our testing, we found a drawback that prevents people from buying the avalanche airbags in general.
When we were riding with the 22L Backcountry Access Float, we found it a little heavier as compared to the Klim Krew Pak and Dakine Heli Pro because of the airbag and cylinder. However, you have to purchase the cylinder separately.
Backcountry Access Float backpack is available in many different sizes, from a small 12L capacity to a large 42L one.
Pros
- It can be a life saver if you’re riding in the avalanche prone areas.
- Available in multiple sizes, 12L to 42L capacity.
- Enough space to store all the essential items for a backcountry excursion.
- Durable zippers and high quality construction.
Cons
- Expensive as compared to other riding backpacks.
- Slightly heavier than the normal backpacks.
Best Budget-Friendly Backpack
FENGDONG 40L Travel Backpack
The FENGDONG Travel Backpack is a true affordable snowmobile backpack in our list.
With 40L volume capacity, you can pack a lot of stuff in this backpack that will be sufficient for your 2 to 3 days of backcountry riding.
You can store your shovel, extra pair of gloves, goggles, jacket, and anything you can think of you’ll need during a snowmobile trip.
If you’re looking for a big budget-friendly snowmobile backpack that can also be used for your hiking and camping activities, this is probably the one.
The company claims that it is water resistant, and we also found that in our testing.
However, when we put this backpack in a stream, the water got inside this backpack. The same thing also happened in the rain, it was able to protect our stuff for 5 to 10 minutes, but after that water got inside.
A big thing that is missing in this affordable backpack is the hydration compatibility.
However, you can make things happen by doing a little adjustments. You can put the hydration pack in one of the compartments, and drink from the tube which will come out from the hole that was designed for the headphones.
Apart from this, we didn’t find any major problems in this backpack.
In fact, it has more compartments and hooks, than some of the more expensive snowmobile backpacks. So it really allows you to carry a lot of stuff.
Pros
- Large storage capacity to store almost anything for your snowmobile trip.
- Multipe compartments to store different items separately.
- Affordable than most of the snowmobile backpacks out there
- Comfortable and can be used for multiple purposes.
Cons
- Not compatible for hydration pack, but it can be adjusted.
- It’s not waterproof, and water will get inside eventually.
Best Multi Purpose Backpack
Dakine Heli Pro Backpack
The Dakine Heli Pro Backpack is one of the best multi purpose backpack we tested so far.
It’s suitable for skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, and also for everyday purposes.
The 20L storage is enough for snowmobiling, and carrying all the necessary items on your ride.
It also has a dedicated space for carrying snow shovel, and goggles.
We really liked the fact that this backpack is hydration compatible.
That’s great because this feature is generally not available in other multi purpose backpacks.
For example, FENGDONG Travel Backpack which we just reviewed above, does not have the dedicated space for hydration pack. You have to adjust it.
Along with snowmobiling, this backpack is also an excellent choice for skiinig and snowboarding. You can easily carry your snowboard and skis in it.
It’s a good multi purpose backpack but it will cost you more than $100 which is slightly expensive compared to the general backpacks.
Pros
- Available in multiple colors.
- 20L capacity is enough to carry essential items for a snowmobile ride.
- Dedicated places to carry shovel, goggles, and other essential items.
- Organized with multiple pockets.
- Hydration pack compatible.
Cons
- Slightly expensive than the general backpacks
How We Tested Snowmobile Backpacks
We tested all these backpacks in Colorado, to find out which are the best ones for snowmobiling and can carry all the essentials.
If you ever get separated from your snowmobile, everything should be present in your backpack that can help you to survive and get some help.
By keeping this in mind, the first thing we tested was the storage capacity.
You should be able to store all the essential items in your snowmobile backpack like:
- First aid kid
- Radio
- Shovel
- Avalanche probe
- Extra pair of gloves
- Jacket
- Headlamp
- And a few other small things
While testing, we put all the essential items in the backpacks and took them one by one on a snowmobile ride.
Some backpacks were really good. But some not so much, so they didn’t make it to our list.
Buying Guide for Snowmobile Backpack
Capacity & Size
The size is the most important factor to consider when purchasing a snowmobile backpack.
When we were testing different snowmobile backpacks, the size was our number one priority and testing factor because if you’re going on a snowmobile ride, you’ll need to store many things to stay prepared for any worst case scenario.
For majority of people, a minimum 20L capacity backpack is better. However, some people who can store all their required items in a tunnel bag, won’t need a 20L backpack.
If you aren’t going on a long ride, a 12L to 13L backpack would be fine.
Avalanche Safety
If you plan to ride in the avalanche prone areas, you should definitely purchase an avalanche airbag.
The avalanche airbag will help you to stay closer to the surface if you find yourself in an avalanche.
There are many avalanche airbags available in the market that also provide a good amount of storage space so that you can stay protected in the case of avalanche, and also able to store all your necessary items for your snowmobile ride.
A good quality avalanche airbag should have dedicated space for the avalanche beacon, transeiver, shovel, and cylinder.
We tested three avalanche airbags, and out of them, we found that Backcountry Access Float 2.0 was the best, and that’s why we recommended it as our top choice as avalanche backpack for snowmobiling.
Hydration Compatibility
Majority of the backpacks are not hydration compatible.
When you’re riding a snowmobile, you don’t want to stop everytime to take out your water bottle and drink water.
A hydration compatible backpack means it has a dedicated space to store a hydration pack and the tube for drinking water.
Whenever you need, you can drink water from the tube without having to stop. So you can stay hydrated while enjoying your ride.
When we were testing various backpacks for snowmoibling, the hydration compatibility was a crucial factor for us.
That’s why, all the backpacks in our list are hydration comptable.
Price
If you want to buy the best snowmobile backpack, you should be ready to invest at least $500 for an avalanche backpack. Because, an avalanche backpack is the true best backpack you can buy.
However, if you do not want to invest that much money on a backpack, you can easily purchase a snowmobile backpack for around $100 to $150.
Comfort
A comfortable backpack ensures you can ride your snowmobile without having to adjust it frequently.
All the backpacks we have included in our list are comfortable for snowmobiling.
You should avoid cheap backpacks as their straps and back panel are not padded. It will only reduce your comfort and ruin your riding experience.
Conclusion
At the end, we would like to conclude the article by saying that you should purchase a snowmobile backpack based on the places where you’ll be riding.
If you’re riding on avalanche prone areas, you should definitely purchase an avalanche airbag.
If not, you can go with any good backpack that is comfortable, hydration compatible, and have enough space so that you can carry snow shovel, and all the necessary items.
