Last year, we saw Thule enter the technical backpack market with a line of backpacking and hiking packs. Now, to support you through your winter activities, Thule releases two backcountry ski and snowboard packs–the Upslope 35L and Upslope 20L.
The Thule Upslope backpacks are uniquely designed to eliminate the hassle of removing your backpack every time you need access your water bottle, skins or helmet–pockets are designed for easy reach and main compartment zippers provide on-trail access to most of your gear. The backpacks provide versatile carry options including A-frame or diagonal ski carry and horizontal or vertical snowboard carry.
The Upslope 20L offers three ways to access your gear–top load, sling style side access, and main compartment access while the pack is still on your back via a zipper that coils around the entire pack. Internal compression straps cinch down your load to prevent gear from sloshing around in your pack as you ski. A side zippered pocket stores snacks, sunscreen, and other small items.
In the larger Upslope 35L pack, Thule adds a dedicated compartment for your avalanche safety tools complete with organizer sleeves, roomy side pockets for a water bottle and climbing skins that you can access on the trail, helmet carry, and a dedicated reservoir pocket. The pack provides back panel access to all of your main compartment gear and comes with a top compression strap to cinch down your load.
Both the packs feature a protective goggle pocket and a stowable ice axe loop next to a stowable bottom loop that quickly adjusts for varying widths of skis and boards. An insulated sleeve for your hydration hose keeps it from freezing up during dawn patrol missions.
The Thule Upslope 35L ($160) and Upslope 20L ($120) backcountry ski and snowboard packs come in black or orange (or Roarange as Thule calls it)–available now.