Durable. Lightweight. Versatile. Award-winning
There’s an unspoken allure to the backcountry. It’s a place where you test your own limits, feel the crunch of icy crystals beneath your boots, and chase the elusive silence that only a remote peak can offer. Out there, every ounce of weight, every pocket of storage, and every strap matters. This is the playground for which the Raide LF 30L Ski Touring Backpack was made.
Adventure-Ready Construction
The people behind Raide understand one truth: your gear should never slow you down. The updated Raide LF 30L Ski Touring Backpack carries the same core philosophy as its earlier models—minimal weight, maximum functionality, no nonsense.
- Main Fabric: Challenge Ultra 400TX, a 400D woven UHMWPE that’s tear-resistant and built to outlast even the harshest mountain environments
- Frame: Removable 7mm aluminum tubing for those times you want to strip down and cut weight
- Hydrostatic Head Rating: 130k, ensuring that if Mother Nature throws a storm at you, you’ll stay dry
Thoughtful Dimensions & Capacity
The lineup covers multiple sizes: S, M, L, each with refined proportions that suit different torso lengths. The standard 30L volume expands to 38L with a rolltop for those extra layers or gear. At just over 1000g (and 980g stripped), you don’t feel like you’re hauling a brick uphill. Efficiency in weight translates directly to more mileage on your legs and clearer focus on the terrain ahead.
Organization That Works in Real Conditions
Let’s face it: when things get real, you need easy access to crucial equipment. Raide’s solution? Multiple stash pockets and an avalanche tool compartment you can open without fully removing the pack. That detail alone can shave precious seconds off a gear swap or an emergency scenario.
- Avalanche Tool Access: Quick reach to your probe and shovel—no more fumbling with buried zippers
- No-Zip Stash Pockets: Transition from skin to ski mode with minimal fuss
- Back Panel Entry: A sturdy composite back panel that allows you to access the main compartment from behind, so you don’t need to unload everything just to get that one piece of gear
- Top Zip for Quick Entry: Ideal for stashing a snack or spare gloves within seconds
Ski & Snowboard Carry Versatility
The Raide LF 30L Ski Touring Backpack accommodates your ride method of choice. The modular diagonal ski carry can be positioned in three ways—both sides of the diagonal or a skimo-style setup—and there’s even a vertical snowboard carry. The A-frame setup adds another dimension for those who value stability when hiking steep ridgelines.
Subtle Comfort Upgrades
Small tweaks can make or break a big day in the backcountry. Raide didn’t skimp:
- 8mm of Foam in Shoulder Straps: Enough cushioning to support heavier loads without feeling like you’re lugging around a concrete block
- Quick-Access Hip Pad Pocket: Spacious enough for your smartphone, newly enlarged to accommodate bigger devices
- Glove Stash Strap: A humble addition that proves invaluable when you need both hands free for quick adjustments
Why It Won the 2024 ISPO Award
The ISPO jury recognized what many backcountry enthusiasts need: a backpack that retains its shape, offers intuitive organization, and doesn’t weigh you down when fully loaded. That’s exactly why the Raide LF 30L Ski Touring Backpack was named a 2024 ISPO Award winner in the Snowsports category.
Final Take
Call it a backcountry essential or a testament to smart design. Either way, the Raide LF 30L Ski Touring Backpack delivers on every promise: low weight, robust durability, and a layout so well-thought-out, it almost feels like an extension of your body. From dawn patrol to multi-day hut tours, this is the backpack designed for those who are drawn to the uncharted corners of the mountains—and want to carry their gear with confidence and ease.
Pros
- Exceptional Material Durability: Built with Challenge Ultra 400TX fabric, the pack boasts high tear and abrasion resistance, making it ideal for rugged backcountry conditions.
- Lightweight Yet Functional: Weighing only 1060g and strippable to 980g, it achieves the perfect balance of weight and features without compromising usability.
- Advanced Avalanche Tool Access: Offers one of the easiest tool retrieval systems in the market, enabling quick access without removing the pack—a potential lifesaver in emergencies.
- Modular Ski and Snowboard Carry Options: Accommodates diagonal, A-frame, and vertical snowboard setups, providing versatility for various preferences and situations.
- Expandable Storage: The 30L capacity, extendable to 38L, ensures flexibility for both day trips and extended tours.
- Thoughtful Organization: Includes no-zip stash pockets, quick-access hip pad compartments, and back panel entry for seamless gear management.
- Award-Winning Design: Its 2024 ISPO Award validates its superior functionality and innovative design.
Cons
- High Price Point: At $399–$420, it may not fit the budget of casual users or beginners.
- Not the Lightest Option: Although lightweight for its features, it is not the absolute lightest in its category, which might deter ultralight purists.
- Limited Rolltop Durability: While the main fabric is extremely robust, the rolltop material might wear out faster in heavy-use scenarios.
- Complexity for Beginners: The multitude of features and carrying options could overwhelm those new to backcountry skiing.
Verdict
The Raide LF 30L Ski Touring Backpack is a standout choice for seasoned backcountry skiers and snowboarders who value durability, functionality, and advanced design. While the price and complexity might deter novices, its versatility and reliability make it an exceptional investment for serious adventurers. For those venturing deep into the mountains, this pack delivers the confidence and convenience needed to tackle the toughest terrain.
From $399
For those seeking an alternative to the Raide LF 30L Ski Touring Backpack, the Rab Khroma 38L Ski Pack offers a compelling option tailored to adventurers who prioritize durability, capacity, and sustainability. Constructed with Spectra® Ripstop fabric, the Khroma delivers exceptional resilience against sharp edges, rough terrain, and UV exposure, making it a dependable companion in demanding alpine conditions. With a larger 38L capacity, it’s perfect for extended tours or gear-heavy expeditions. The X-SHIELD™ back system ensures ergonomic comfort, while the snow-shedding back panel keeps you dry in deep powder. Featuring rapid-access avalanche compartments, A-frame ski carry, and a detachable helmet holder, the pack excels in both practicality and thoughtful design. At $250, it also comes with Rab’s commitment to sustainability and repairable gear, making it an excellent choice for skiers who value long-term reliability and environmental mindfulness.
