Freerider 30

The Deuter Freerider 30 is a backcountry day pack for skiers and boarders who go beyond the ropes. Shovel and probe sit in their own pocket, the board or skis stay strapped on while you dig through the main compartment from the back, and the back panel sheds snow instead of soaking it up.

Who it's for

Freeriders, ski tourers and splitboarders, the two uses Deuter rate it top marks for. Think a day touring out from Guthega to the Main Range, or a hike-and-ride day off the back of Thredbo. The 4-8 kg recommended load covers safety gear, water, a spare layer and lunch.

Capacity, and what actually fits

30 litres takes a shovel and probe in the avalanche pocket, a 3 L hydration bladder, a puffy jacket, spare gloves, skins, food and a thermos. A fleece-lined pocket keeps goggles scratch-free, and the zipped hip fin pockets hold a phone and snacks. The pack measures 56 x 33 x 18 cm.

How it carries

The LiteSnow back uses EVA foam pads covered in Spandex with gaps between them, so snow cannot stick and melt into your back layers. A flexible Delrin U-frame holds the shape, padded shoulder straps and hip fins take the load, and stabiliser straps and a one-handed sternum buckle keep it still when you are making turns.

Fitting it

The Freerider 30 is one size for back lengths of 38-54 cm, which Deuter match to riders about 158-195 cm tall. Fit it over the layers you ride in: tighten the hip fins first, then the shoulder straps and stabilisers, and clip the sternum strap last.

Access and organisation

Unzip the back panel and the whole main compartment opens like a clamshell, with the zip running under the shoulder straps, so your skis or board can stay on the front. The top zip gives quick access too. Avalanche tools go in their own front pocket so you can reach them fast.

• Rear clamshell opening plus top zip access
• Front pocket for avalanche safety gear
• Ski carry at the side or diagonally; snowboard and snowshoes on the front
• Detachable mesh helmet holder and ice axe attachment
• Fleece-lined goggles pocket and zipped hip fin pockets
• Zipped mesh inner pocket, wet compartment, key clip
• Hydration compatible up to 3 L; safety whistle; SOS label

Weight

1000 g for a 30 litre ski pack with a framed back, rear access and full carry options. That keeps the pack light on the skin track and steady on the way down.

Looking after it

The body is 200D polyamide ripstop with a DWR finish made without intentionally added PFAS, and the pack is bluepass and Green Button certified. Deuter back it with a 2-year warranty.