Our backcountry expert Andy Malton from thegemsstock is back with another article, this time running through the essentials and more when it comes to backcountry equipment. Today he’s giving his recommendations for the backpacks, and a few of those extras that you might not have thought about.

Rucksack

You’re going to need something to put all your kit in. Backcountry snowboarding rucksacks vary enormously in size and function. For lift accessed off piste action a pack of around 20L will do just fine, for big day tours or longer multi day split board missions then a bigger pack will be needed.

Airbag packs are expensive and are not a replacement for good route finding and decision making but can be an effective last line of defence against burial should you find yourself in an avalanche. Many packs these days are compatible with the different airbag systems should you wish to purchase them separately.

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