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Backpacks, Bags and Luggage

Jones Higher 30L R.A.S. 2017-2018 Snowboard Backpack Review

Jones backpacks follow the same naming pattern as Jeremy Jones’ famous trilogy of splitboarding movies: Deeper, Further and Higher. While the first two have capacities of 18 and 24 litres respectively, the Jones Higher backpack holds a full 30 litres of backcountry kit. And not only that, this version is compatible with a removable airbag system.

“The compressed-air system can be quickly activated when, God forbid, you’re ever caught in a nasty slide”

The airbag comes courtesy of specialists Mammut, who have bucketloads of experience in the whole backcountry safety sphere. Their compressed-air system can be quickly activated when, God forbid, you’re ever caught in a nasty slide. You’ll have to purchase the airbag system separately, however, so bear that in mind when budgeting.

Of course, the presence of an airbag system does not a snowboard backpack make – it’s only an extra safety feature, after all – so it’s worth taking a good look at the rest of the features before plumping for this one.

The Jones Higher 30L pack is largely unchanged from last year, save for some minor improvements (including streamlined shoulder straps and waistband, as well as a lighter weight overall). It’s still got what it takes to keep all your gear organised, even on complicated multi-day missions.

“The Jones Higher 30L pack takes much of the stress out of hiking up with a lot of gear, and accessing it once you need it”

There’s a specific pocket for your shovel and probe, meaning they’ll always be easy to access in an emergency. The rest of your provisions live in the main compartment, which is accessible via the back panel as well as through the top zip. If you’re taking a helmet (and if you’re that far out of bounds, you probably should), there’s a built-in carrier that prevents it from awkwardly bouncing around as you hike.

Your goggles will stay safe in the bespoke fleece-lined pocket, and there’s space for a hydration system too. As for carrying your board, you can strap it to the back as normal, or if you have a splitboard then there’s the option to use the more efficient ‘A-frame’ method.

Simply put, the Jones Higher 30L pack takes much of the stress out of hiking up with a lot of gear, and accessing it once you need it. What more could you want from a backcountry backpack?

Trade Secrets

Jeremy Jones – Owner, Jones

We designed the 30L R.A.S. to be the ultimate backcountry snowboarding pack for avy prone terrain. The carry straps, pockets and helmet holder all interface perfectly for carrying a snowboard or splitboard, and it’s big enough to hold a full alpine kit.

For 2018 we lightened up the pack by changing the material and streamlining the shoulder straps. Mammut’s new Removable Airbag 3.0 system is also a game changer; it is a lot lighter than the previous system, and way easier to get in and out of the pack.

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