SB 40L

SB 40L

I have for many years waffled on airbags; I’m a total believer that they do reduce mortality in avalanche accidents, but I’ve struggled to find them delivered in bags that are well-designed and user friendly. I find mine often gathering dust on big days when I need the extra space (or weight savings) for food, layers, water, or first aid kit; all the other stuff that also keeps me safe in the mountains. I think Safeback/Raide changes that; while this is not an airbag, the data supporting its efficacy is extremely compelling (to me, an emergency physician), and when you put it in a pack that I enjoy using day in and day out, this is a no-brainer. First days out this season have already been a success, and this bag will be on my pack for everything but multiway traverses this winter and spring, and years to come

Overall this is single handily the best pack I have ever used in my profession. However, I'd like to note some key areas for improvements. 1. The back panel zipper strings are far too weak, I have already broken one and have only used the pack for 10 days. They're too small to grab without feeling like you'll break the actual zipper when pulling on them. 2. The SafeBack System needs to have a stash mode when touring up. It has a sensitive pull-handle, but almost too sensitive. I have pulled it accidentally simply by putting my backpack back on during transitions. Just like an airbag handle, there needs to be a stash option. I have been forced to stash it which ends up digging into my shoulder, and ends up being detached. I know the application of the SBX is different than an airbag, but I feel its unnecessary to have it out 100% of the time. It's difficult to keep out of the way, and with good terrain use, I only want it out in certain times. 3. The shoulder straps, although primarily used for the SBX system, lacks the shoulder strap adjustment capability. This has been bothersome, as there is no way to adjust the tension the upper part of the pack. Furthermore, the lack of cross attachment loops on the shoulder straps is a bummer not to have, but I understand the SBX system takes priority. It's just difficult to find where to put a radio. 4. The shovel AND probe access pockets are INCREDIBLE, but once again, those zipper strings are far too small. Also, they should be far more robust, and colored neon orange or yellow to indicate the avalanche rescue equipment they contain. I have modded this myself to make up for the lack of distinction. Overall, besides these observations, I simply cannot find a better pack than what Raide has to offer.

Fantastic bag, thought of everything. https://www.safeback.no/articles/product-testing worth it to get these guys to mention your product at this link!

I love this backpack UGH

To get right to the point - this is the best ski touring pack I’ve ever used , and it’s not even close . Every feature is well thought out and intuitive to use - I took this pack on a weeklong trip for its maiden voyage , and it worked flawlessly . The pack carries easier than any other pack I’ve used previously. I tend to overpack as a sar member and this pack has plenty of room for all of it .

The safe back feature is well integrated into the pack and is easy to take in and out. It takes up almost no room at all . I saw a presentation from one of the safe back guys and it was impressive enough that we bought these packs for our staff as a Christmas present .

Overall I am extremely impressed with the quality of this pack.

Kyle and the folks at Raide Research have nailed it with their line of ski packs. I’ve used a lot of different packs for work and play over the years, but this is the most well-thought out, lightest weight, and most durably-constructed pack I’ve owned. The option to add the SBX system is a big plus as well. I love the ability to access or stash layers through the back panel, top, or stash zipper. The fact that I can access my probe without taking the pack off is a huge plus for taking snow depth measurements and of course rescue. It expands for the weekend yurt trip or traverse, but even the 40L cinches down and doesn’t seem burdensome for a quick couple hour tour. Trust me, if you are considering getting one, stop waffling and just buy it. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

I’ve put in 25 days of use with this pack, and it’s been fantastic. Initially, I was torn between the 30L and 40L versions but opted for the 40L, and I’m stoked on the decision. The extra space, combined with the versatility of the roll-top design, makes it incredibly practical. The roll-top allows me to compartmentalize my gear, making transitions during tours super quick and efficient.

I’d highly recommend going with the 40L for this feature alone—it offers flexibility without feeling bulky. The dedicated access for the probe and shovel is spot-on: easy to reach, well-organized, and completely unobtrusive when accessing the main compartment.

The SB system is sleek and stays out of the way. You’ll notice it slightly when using the quick-access back zipper, but it’s a minor inconvenience and doesn’t impact overall functionality. Just practice deactiving it a few times (when installed) as I have pulled the cord during transition and needed to turn it off.

Super smart features combined with great quality materials make this the best pack. Love the quick access to avy tools. However when the pack is stuffed full (ex. Hut trip), the probe is not as easy to remove as when partially full. Also, have not found a use for the left hip belt stretch pocket yet…prefer a gear loop there. Loving the quick access zipper on top of pack. Use it every transition for something (goggles, puffy, etc). Overall, good incremental improvement over version 1.

For years I’ve spent most of my days in the backcountry with my transceiver sending, prove and shovel equipped and my airbag at home - most days ski touring in fact. At this weight and pack-usefulness, I see no reason to leave this pack at home until the snowpack is continuous at the end of the season. And even then I’ll probably still just use this pack with the Safeback system removed.

The pack fits comfortably even when fully weighted - I’m about 5’10” with shorter legs - the 19” back length was meant to fit well. It definitely does and I haven’t had any discomfort from the tubes in the Safeback system - probably thanks to the hip belt and frame taking a lot of the load, which is how I prefer to run my packs.

The Safeback system is super low maintenance - like I haven’t had to mess with it once since I installed the batteries and the system. Would recommend playing with it at home to get used to activation and deactivation. I figured out a way to reach into the quick access zipper and deactivate it without popping it out of the mesh pocket. Like anything it’s something that gets easier to use the more practice you have with it. I appreciate that I can activate the system over and over at home before taking it out onto snow.

The pack features here are the best I’ve ever had on a touring pack. The rescue access keeps the safety system in my body for the maximum amount of time during rescue, and the probe access is much smoother than I anticipated. I run a ortovox 320cm and can hang the little orange tab out of the zipper to streamline deployment even further. The stash pocket is genius for splitboarding - I can fit hardboot bindings there in the way up, skins and collapsible poles in there on the way down. The roll top shelf reminds my of my arc alphaFL pack and in the summer I always use that for food and quick access items. Same thing applies here. It’s amazing how well tailored the pack is to winter use.

I’m very happy with my pack and will be touring with it every day til spring comes.

Outside of a multi day traverse requiring 60+ L this is my favorite pack for everything skiing. Im in a ski pack well over 100 days every year and this thing kills it. From day tours to high altitude ski mountaineering this checks a lot of boxes. The optional roll top is a feature we are going to see on most other packs in the future.