Sports or hiking backpack: how to choose the right one?

Whether you are going on a hike, skiing, or for a skateboard session, a good backpack is an essential ally. It allows you to easily carry everything you need: water, warm clothing, sunscreen, technical gear, and much more. For this, it is crucial to choose a quality model, offered by a recognized brand, and adapted to your activity.

The advantages of hiking and sports backpacks

Modern hiking and sports backpacks offer many benefits, especially in terms of comfort, capacity, and safety:

• Carrying comfort: A well-designed backpack distributes the weight evenly across the back, which is crucial for long hikes or intense sports outings.
• Optimized organization: Many models offer specific compartments, for example for avalanche gear (shovel, probe), a ski mask, or a change of clothing.
• Weather protection: A waterproof backpack or one equipped with a rain cover, like those offered by Millet, ensures the safety of your belongings in all weather conditions.

Choosing a backpack adapted to your activity

Although it is possible to use a standard backpack, opting for specialized equipment greatly facilitates your outings. A sports backpack offers features designed for each activity:

• Skiing or snowboarding: Backpacks such as those from Rossignol, Dynastar, Head, or Lange are designed with specific storage and fleece-lined compartments for the mask.
• Hiking: Millet offers a wide range of backpacks from 40 to 60 liters, with ventilated backs, comfortable straps, and volume adapted for multi-day treks.
• Skateboarding: Brands like Volcom design urban backpacks with board attachment straps and multiple compartments for accessories.

Recommended volumes according to your needs

It is important to choose the volume of your backpack according to the duration of your outings:

• 15 to 30 liters: Ideal for day trips. Dakine backpacks are perfect in this range for their lightness and functionality.
• 30 to 50 liters: For two to three day hikes, with enough space for clothing, food, and gear.
• Up to 60 liters: For long or self-sufficient adventures, choose a robust and well-compartmentalized Millet backpack.

Recognized brands for their quality

If you are looking for quality and reliability, turn to recognized brands in the field:

• Millet: Mountain specialist, with high-performance and waterproof hiking backpacks, often accompanied by rain covers.
• Dakine: Highly appreciated for sliding sports, their backpacks from 15 to 30 liters are both stylish and technical.
• Rossignol, Dynastar, Lange, Head: These well-known ski brands offer sturdy, functional backpacks designed for winter sports.
• Volcom: Very popular in the skateboarding world, with backpacks adapted to urban trips or ride sessions.

Care tips to prolong lifespan

To keep your backpack performing for a long time, follow these tips:

• Clean it regularly with lukewarm water, without harsh detergent.
• Let it dry in the open air, away from direct sunlight.
• Store it in a dry place after each use.
• Inspect seams, zippers, and clips before each outing.

With a wide selection of models on the market, choosing the right sports or hiking backpack guarantees you a more pleasant, safer, and better organized experience, whatever the season or terrain.

Find a wide selection of equipment on our online store Snow Concept, specialist in ski, snowboard and accessories equipment.For personalized advice, contact us  info line: 09.63.00.76.65 or  via our contact form, our technical advisors will guide you in your ski purchase.