The North Face Snomad 34L Ski Touring Backpack

Designed for freerando and backcountry skiing, with its relatively rigid structure and water-repellent fabric, the North Face SNOMAD 34 is an all-purpose bag with a streamlined style that seems to tick a lot of boxes. Its 34L capacity means you’re not restricted in terms of clothing and picnics, while still carrying all the gear you need for your best outings on the slopes.

In addition to the powder descent under the chairlift, the SNOMAD can also be used to handle some of the steeper slopes. There’s an adjustable ice-axe holder – with room for two ice axes – and an ultra-simple helmet holder. Once in place, nothing moves and it’s compact.

When it comes to carrying skis, there are two options: vertical skis on the side of the bag or diagonal skis. Contrary to first impressions, the diagonal carrying system is highly functional.

At first glance, the bottom buckle is too long and wide, but once the top buckle has been tightened, the skis are able to settle into a very inclined position. As a result, even if we have to walk back downhill – due to lack of snow – our boots won’t hit the back of the skis. A particularly unpleasant action encountered on many other bags. We appreciate it. Skis and heels too!

The North Face also indicates the possibility of carrying a snowboard with this same system, but we didn’t have the opportunity to test it.

In terms of storage, as with previous versions, the main pocket opens from the back. Once you’ve got past the surprise of not finding a way to access most of the bag’s bedding, this opening method proves to be quite efficient, allowing you to get things to the “bottom of the bag” – which isn’t really the bottom anymore – quickly. You’ll just have to remember to drop it from your shoulders to put on your down jacket.

This The North Face SNOMAD also features two more classic front pockets, with long double zippers that – like all the bag’s clips and straps – are very solid in appearance. Like most of today’s freerando bags, the larger of these two pockets is equipped with specialized storage for shovel and probe. Surprisingly large, it can also accommodate certain essential accessories (crampons/knives), which for the sake of comfort benefit from not being lodged between your shoulder blades.

Speaking of comfort, the padding on the waistband and back supports the weight of the world. There’s also a small pocket on the waistband for storing your cell phone – or anything else.

Our review :

Perfectly accessorized, the North Face SNOMAD 34 is a backpack for fast and light mini-raids and day-long ski touring outings. Its streamlined look and relative compactness will suit tidy skiers looking for volume and comfort, without compromising on style.