Free Rider 28 26/27

The Free Rider is Ortovox's flat, close-fitting freeride pack. The flat elastic CLASP FLEX BELT and soft back pads wrap the back without restricting movement, and the back panel takes the CLASP SPINE PROTECTOR, a certified back protector that slides into its own internal pocket and is sold separately.

The trade is volume for shape. It carries tight and flat so it does not swing around in the air or in steep terrain, and it is not the pack for a multi-day load. Every feature sits flush on the outside so nothing snags in tight trees or rock.

This is for freeriders and sidecountry skiers, especially anyone who wants the option of spine protection in one pack. If you want the lightest possible setup for long climbs, the Cross Rider is leaner.

There is room for skins and ski crampons, attachments for skis, an ice axe and a rope, a helmet net, an emergency card and hydration compatibility, and a separate safety compartment for shovel and probe with front or back access to everything else.

Our pick for big lines and lift-served powder days. It rides like part of you.