Arc’teryx Silo 18 Ski and Snowboard Pack

arcteryxsilo18 Arc’teryx Silo 18—The perfect day-pack for those who like to jump between the lifts and the sidecountry

Since I am simply not badass or hardcore enough to forgoe chair lifts and resort skiing altogether, looking for a backcountry ski backpack that is small enough to be comfortable on the chair lift, but big enough to fit all of my important backcountry gear in it is important for me.

While some may need bigger packs for longer backcountry tours and multi-day trips with skis, what I need in a backcountry pack is something that I can strap my skis onto, throw my lunch and an extra layer in and have it be small enough that I won’t feel weighed down when I’m unsuccessfully chasing my brother down a rugged line outside of the ropes.

Eneter the Arc’teryx Silo 18, a 1,098 cubic-inch pack that’s the ideal choice for those who jump between the lifts and sidecountry when hitting the slopes. The polyetheleyene back panel is also just stiff enough to make a good base when you strap you planks to the pack and huff it back to the lift or up the ridge to hit a great line, but is svelte enough to allow the pack to mold to your torso when bombing down the mountain.

The pack also features two external and one internal stash pocket, making it easy to find that PB & J for a quick lunch break on the slopes. The pack also features a hydration bladder sleeve, though it lacks an insulated tube sleeve in the shoulder straps that helps to prevent your water from freezing on cold days out on the mountain. The Arc’teryx features a removable waist belt and a sturdy haul loop, which make it super travel friendly.

The center mounted ski-carry system works well for hauling your planks, but the simple system doesn’t work all that great for carrying snowboards, unfortunately. However, the pack is made from snow-shedding material that’ll help keep your gear dry even in the deepest powder and wettest days on the slopes.

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The Quick & Dirty:
Where you can get one:
Arc’teryx Silo 18 Backpack – 1098cu in

Why it Rocks:

Seat-of-the-pants rating: 7 out of 10

While this pack’s internal and external pockets, perfect size, snow repelling coating, tough material and removable waist belt are all huge bonuses and make this an overall great ski and snowboard backpack, it has a few design pitfalls that prevent it from being a great pack. While the size is perfect for those who want to take the pack from the backcountry to the resorts (and is small enough that you can still comfortably carry the thing onto the lifts with you), the lack of an insulated sleeve for the tube of your hydration bladder means you water will probably freeze en route to your mouth on cold days on the slopes. The ski carry system also works great for skiers like me, but is not ideal for boarders. However, despite these minor drawbacks, this is still a great ski pack overall—that’s both tough, sleek and functions well in the powder.

Looking to Buy? Here’s where you can get one:
Arc’teryx Silo 18 Backpack – 1098cu in