Ski touring demands gear that moves with you through variable terrain while keeping essentials within easy reach. The following five products cover core packing solutions, skins for backcountry gliding, and harnesses that support safety and efficiency on longer tours. This guide focuses on backpacks designed for ski touring, plus select accessories that enhance performance and comfort in the backcountry.
| Product | Brand | Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ortovox Ravine 28L Backpack | Ortovox | Backpack | Short-back design for 36–44 cm with soft back padding and Clasp Flex Belt |
| ORT Tour Rider 30L | Ortovox | Backpack | 30L capacity, easy access and separate shovel/probe compartments |
| POMOCA Climb Pro S-Glide Skin | POMOCA | Climbing Skin | 70% Mohair / 30% Nylon blend with Ever Dry 3.0 waterproofing |
| PETZL ALTITUDE Harness | PETZL | Harness | WIREFRAME design for weightless feel and all-day comfort |
| PETZL TOUR Harness | PETZL | Harness | Simple, durable glacier travel harness with easy donning |
Ortovox Ravine 28L Backpack
Ortovox’s Ravine 28L is a compact, versatile ski touring pack designed for shorter back lengths while preserving full freedom of movement on the mountain. The S-Backpack Series targets back lengths from 36 to 44 cm, featuring thinner shoulder straps with a pronounced S shape and conical hip fins tuned for ergonomic support. Soft back padding hugs the wearer without restricting the spine, and the Clasp Flex Belt adds secure, flexible control during rapid ascents and technical descents. This pack blends close-fitting comfort with practical organization for day trips or short backcountry traverses.
- Back length compatibility: 36–44 cm
- Soft, hug-friendly back padding
- Clasp Flex Belt for stable carry
- Compact 28L capacity for essential gear
- Designed for both men and women
Ortovox Tour Rider 30L Ski Touring Backpack
The Tour Rider 30L is a purpose-built, lightweight pack for longer backcountry days. With a dedicated shovel and probe compartment and practical front and back access, it keeps essential avalanche safety gear organized and readily reachable. Ortovox emphasizes eco-conscious design here with a PFC-free and climate-neutral profile. Weighing roughly 35 ounces, this pack aims to balance capacity and mobility for long tours in varied terrain, delivering reliable storage while minimizing weight penalties. Its flexible fit makes it suitable for a broad range of torso lengths and comfort preferences.
- Volume: 30L; compact yet capable
- Front and back access for quick gear retrieval
- Separate shovel/probe compartments
- PFC-free and climate-neutral product
- Weight around 35 ounces (regular back length 42–50 cm)
POMOCA Climb Pro S-Glide Back Fix Climbing Skin
The Climb Pro S-Glide is a high-glide climbing skin designed for backcountry touring and ski mountaineering. It uses a Best Gliding Mix with a 70/30 Mohair/Nylon blend to optimize grip and glide across varying snow conditions. Ever Dry 3.0 waterproof treatment helps prevent icing and moisture penetration, while the PFC-free construction aligns with more sustainable gear choices. This 120mm width skin is sized for widths and lengths common in alpine touring setups, helping maintain efficient ascent and reliable glide on descents.
- Glide/Grip balance: 70% Mohair, 30% Nylon
- Ever Dry 3.0 waterproof, PFC-free
- Width: 120mm; Length: up to 185 cm
- Engineered for climbing efficiency on mixed terrain
Petzl ALTITUDE Harness
The ALTITUDE harness from Petzl is engineered for mountain and ski-touring objectives. It’s designed to be put on with feet on the ground, which is particularly useful when wearing crampons or skis. WIREFRAME technology provides a weightless, breathable feel, and HMPE strands spread pressure evenly across the harness to maintain comfort without hindering movement. The result is a supportive, flexible harness suited to technical ascents and glacier travel where quick donning and secure support matter most.
- Feet-on-the-ground donning for snow and ice conditions
- WIREFRAME for light, breathable wear
- HMPE load distribution for comfort and support
- Simple, reliable FRAME design with clear color coding
- Single tie-in point and classic belay loop
Petzl TOUR Harness
The TOUR harness from Petzl is built for glacier travel and ski touring with a focus on durability and ease of use. Its streamlined FRAME design keeps weight down while maintaining comfort during long days in demanding conditions. Color-coded interior and exterior markings help during donning in challenging weather, and the single tie-in point plus the classic belay loop align with standard rope-access practices. This harness is a practical choice for those who frequently traverse snowy ridges and want a dependable, straightforward piece of safety equipment.
- Designed for snow travel and ski touring
- Lightweight yet durable construction
- Easy donning with color-coded interior/exterior
- Single tie-in point plus a belay loop
- Classic Petzl FRAME design for comfort
Buying Guide
Choosing the right ski touring gear hinges on fit, capacity, and terrain. The packs above illustrate a spectrum from compact day-use designs to longer, more expedition-oriented options. When evaluating packs, consider torso length, hip measurement, and your typical tour length. Skins and harnesses influence efficiency and safety on the climb, so think about compatibility with your pack and the types of terrain you frequent. The following considerations address common scenarios and buyer priorities to help you select the most suitable setup.
Fit and Sizing
- Back length compatibility matters for packs. Shorter-torso designs like the Ravine 28L are ideal for 36–44 cm back lengths, while the Tour Rider 30L supports a broader range with a mid-sized torso. Try on options with your back-length measurement for the best fit and moveable load stability.
- Harnesses should fit over layers common in winter conditions. Ensure shoulder, chest, and waist adjustments accommodate insulating layers and gloves. If you wear large gloves or bulky layers, consider a harness with greater adjustment range.
Capacity and Weight
- Backpacks vary from compact 28L to 30L capacities. Choose based on route length, weather variability, and the need to carry extra layers or emergency gear. Lighter packs help reduce fatigue on long approaches, but you should still have room for safety equipment and hydration.
- Weight distribution is critical in ski touring. Look for packs with ergonomic back systems and load-bearing belts (such as Clasp Flex or similar designs) to keep weight close to your center of gravity.
Terrain and Use-Case
- Ravine 28L emphasizes a close fit for short back-length wearers, suitable for fast ascents and technical lines where mobility matters. Tour Rider 30L balances capacity with easy access, making it well-suited for longer days and more gear.
- Skins like the POMOCA Climb Pro S-Glide optimize uphill efficiency, with Mohair-rich blends offering glide on various snow textures. If you frequently skin up long approaches, consider a skin width and length that matches your ski width and height.
Skin Selection and Maintenance
- 70% Mohair / 30% Nylon blends provide a balance of grip and glide. Mohair contributes to glide on smoother slopes, while nylon helps with durability on variable snow. Ever Dry 3.0 waterproofing reduces icing and moisture absorption, and PFC-free formulations align with sustainable gear choices.
- Ensure your skins are properly sized for your skis (width and length) and maintain adhesives to extend lifespan. Regular inspection helps prevent unexpected failures on the mountain.
Harness And Safety Gear
- Harness selection should consider donning ease, weight, and compatibility with climbing or glacier travel. Designs like WIREFRAME in the ALTITUDE offer a lighter feel, while the TOUR harness emphasizes simplicity and durability for rugged conditions. Always pair harnesses with appropriate rope systems and ensure you’re trained in proper use.
- Pack accessibility is crucial for safety gear. Front and back access compartments simplify retrieving a beacon, shovel, or probe without removing the pack, which improves response time in emergencies.
Materials, Maintenance, And Sustainability
- Consider materials and manufacturing practices, as many brands now offer PFC-free, climate-neutral products. These choices influence long-term performance and environmental impact. Regular care—cleaning, drying, and storing dry—helps extend the life of packs, skins, and harnesses.
- Balance durability with weight. Heavier components may offer durability in rugged environments, but lighter designs can improve day-to-day comfort for longer tours. The right mix depends on your typical volume of gear and your anticipated conditions.
Quick Comparison Of Key Pack Options
| Pack | Capacity | Specialty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ortovox Ravine 28L | 28L | Short-back design | Short-torso skiers who value mobility |
| Ortovox Tour Rider 30L | 30L | Easy access, shovel/probe separation | Longer tours with gear organization |
| POMOCA Climb Pro S-Glide | Skin | Mohair/Nylon blend, Ever Dry | Glide efficiency and adaptability |