Technical Snow Backpacks F/W 2026/27 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Technical backpacks remain a key growth area in snowboarding gear, driven by the demand for versatility, performance, and sustainability. By Rocio Enriquez.
Amongst the snowboarding equipment category, the technical backpack is the segment that offers higher growth rates, albeit modest. Europe has a strong culture of back-country, especially in the Alpine markets, and the backpack becomes a must-have in this sort of experience. It is also a product that can be used away from the mountain, which makes it a safer investment in the face of snowfall uncertainty. Last winter’s bestsellers were multi-use, mid-sized packs that performed just as well in urban environments as on the mountain. This will continue this winter; collections feature a high proportion of carryover styles. Retail orders have favoured models that embody that crossover between backcountry and everyday functionality. Versatility is the biggest observable trend, but there are other important ones that have influenced the product development. Users are looking for packs that are light and compact, yet uncompromising in performance. The balance must be just right. “Even with smaller kit, packs still need to deliver all-day comfort, user friendly access, and a fit that works on the way up and down”, says Jones’ Global Marketing manager, Ruairi Collins. There is growing interest in eco-conscious materials and production processes. Notable too is the increasing female participation that has been answered with more inclusive product design and colour palettes. The same factors will drive growth in FW26/27. Technical, mid-sized packs that offer all-season functionality are expected to sell best, with new female specific designs showing notable growth too, and a focus on sustainability as a selling point.
FW26/27 Highlights.
Comfort is high on the tick list of product developers. Several brands emphasise ergonomic comfort features. Amplifi uses their articulated Wishbone strap and integrated shoulder strap, which keeps the pressure off the shoulders. The seamless, 3D moulded construction on hip belts and back panels help the rider have longer and less tiring sessions on the mountain. Jones also thermo-moulds their back panels and shoulder straps for supreme comfort. Burton’s packs secure comfort, stability, and protection with compression-moulded back panels. “The Dispatcher Vest delivers a secure, body-hugging fit for heli and sled-access riding”, says Burton’s Benjamin Schwarz. Prism has developed an ergonomic carry system with Fidlock magnetic closures for intuitive handling. Rossignol’s Escaper Unlimited 18L has contoured shoulder straps and a minimalist waist strap that provides extra stability.
Patagonia also offers body fitting shoulder straps and hip belt. These thoughtful designs must be matched with light and durable materials that can resist the winter weather. DB continues to develop their collaboration with Aluula on the higher end of their assortment. They combine the technical superiority of the fabric with a unique look and feel, exploring translucency and layering”. Burton’s packs use Cordura® nylon with a PU-coated top panel for weather protection, and 500D Cordura® side panels. The Dispatcher Vest is made from a three-layer waterproof outerwear fabric with taped seams and waterproof pockets. Amplifi introduces the FACE-PC coating on the exterior wall of the packs, making them more robust against the elements and abrasion and 100% waterproof. Arva expands their Pro range of technical backpacks. With enhanced comfort, increased durability, and refined technical features, they are designed for every day, heavy-duty use. Prism and Rossignol also highlight their durable, light and water repellent fabrics. Making these materials recycled is sure to seal the deal with the customer. Amplifi uses MIPAN® Regen for their Track 17 and Track 23 models. All Jones’ packs are made with 100% recycled PVC-free 600D ripstop polyester, 100% recycled ballistic nylon bottom fabric with a PFC-free DWR, and a 100% recycled polyester liner fabric. Patagonia’s PowSlayer pack is made in a FairTrade certified factory, using mostly recycled materials.
Adaptability to the user’s needs ranks high too. There are many modularity systems in next winter’s collections. Herschel’s All Season duffle features a modular connection system that allows users to seamlessly attach it to their travelling bag. Prism’s modular system is the DNA of their brand. It offers a backpack that transforms depending on the rider’s needs, with interchangeable, durable components. We also find integrated safety and avalanche features. Dakine’s Heli 2.0 has been enhanced with RECCO technology, and includes advanced safety features, thoughtful storage compartments, and all the necessary carrying options for a backcountry adventure. Herschel adds internal tool organisation systems to their All Season backpacks, alongside removable waist strap and gear attachment tabs. Patagonia’s PowSlayer pack has a dedicated compartment for snow tools, and an easy-access back panel.
Burton has integrated avalanche tool pockets with colour coded zip pullers to all their styles, as well as integrated and stowable helmet carry. Their 25L and 35L also feature back-panel entry so you can reach inside without removing your board. “Snowboarding is evolving toward a more exploration-driven mindset, with riders blending resort laps with backcountry missions”, says Bejamin Schwarz. Rossignol’s Escaper Unlimited 18L offers an easy-to-access shovel and probe back panel storage. Jones’packs feature stowable helmet holder, fleece lined goggle top pocket, and ice axe loops. Amplifi makes their packs compatible with the featherweight SAS-TEC protector. Year-round versatility is quite present. Amplifi designs the BC 22L and 28L to be equally used for hiking or riding, and they market their Track 17L and 23L as a year-round, multi-purpose pack for biking, hiking, or shredding powder. Even though specifically designed for ski-touring, Rossignol’s Escaper Unlimited 18L backpack is an easy choice for summer hikes or climbing sessions. DB meets this demand with the Snow Pro 32L, comfortable enough for everyday use, and a high-performance backpack for the mountains both in winter and summer. Snokart has designed the Jump Pack Pro 20L to serve on every mountain adventure as well as off the slopes. It has purpose-built snow tool sleeves, vertical snowboard carry, fleece-lined goggle pocket, and a hydration sleeve that doubles as secure laptop storage.
Looks.
Muted, timeless palettes dominate next season’s offerings. We find earthy tones like the new Brindle colourway featured in Herschel’s Ultralight range, and neutral shades like Herschel’s bestselling Moonbeam, an off-white option, and Prism’s titanium grey. Timeless black is present across all brands. Jones sticks to it, following customers’ demands, Amplifi relies on the winning black on black combination, and Burton makes sure there is always a true black option available. Prism offers a carbon black, which along with the titanium grey, they mix with bold accents in neon orange and glacier blue inspired by the Alpine contrasts. Women’s colours have a stronger presence. Burton will offer their Dispatcher backpacks in Rum Raisin, a shade of purple, aligning with their outerwear offering. Herschel has added Ash Rose to their collection to bring a more feminine edge to their bag collection. They also highlight their partnership with Realtree® to introduce two of their iconic camo patterns to the All Season and Snow Roller ranges, APX Camo and Edge Purple Camo. DB announces some artist collaborations too, which will come to life through playing with textures and colour blocking.
Sustainability.
Eco-conscious materials are the standard. All brands use some type of recycled polyester or organic cotton, with certifications such as GRS, Bluesign, and Oeko-Tex becoming commonplace. The manufacturing process is optimised to reduce material usage and wasteful cut-offs. Amplifi says that the construction of their Wishbone strap system, with main parts moulded, uses the raw material much more efficiently. We also see a reduction of PFC and other undesirable chemicals. DB is using dope dyed technology to reduce water and chemical usage in production. Rossignol and Burton use PFC-free DWR and Patagonia avoids PFAs as much as possible. Durability is the cherry on the cake. Prism designs their packs with replaceable parts to prolong the product life. Herschel is so committed to their high-quality and durable construction that they back it up with a lifetime warranty.
Retailer support.
Marketing stories are mainly focused on the connection between technical function and outdoor heritage, told through authentic rider stories. Sustainability and performance are at the core of this narrative. Herschel adds some specific targeted campaigns for their Realtree® partnership and their women’s focused Cloudform range and Heron colour. The relationship with the retail partner takes a central spot in every brand’s retailer support programme. This is evidenced by the tailored approach to their needs, and the simplification of ordering and other processes. “We see retailers as long term partners and we are fully committed to supporting their success. That starts with a responsible sell-in model”, says Ruairi Collins. Carry-overs allow products to have a longer life cycle, enabling longer windows to sell them at full price. Amplifi and Jones prioritise this approach. They also keep inventories clean and ordering simple. Jones, Prism and Herschel offer training for staff and customers, highlighting their technical innovations and the sustainable aspects of the product. This is topped with POS support and custom-designed sales materials and ready to use imagery for the shop and their digital channels too.
The technical backpack market is evolving toward all-season versatility, ergonomic comfort, and sustainability-driven design. Brands are striking a good balance between performance and everyday usability. As backcountry culture grows, consumers demand gear that adapts to varied terrains and lifestyles. Technical packs will remain a key category in snow sports and outdoor collections in the coming seasons.
Brand Previews
