Is S a women's backpack?

No. Ortovox designed the S versions for women and men with shorter backs. Back length matters, not height.

What if I'm between two lengths?

According to Ortovox, both fit at 42 to 44 cm. Try both on: the hip belt should sit on your hip bones and carry the load, while the shoulder straps should sit close without a gap.

Can I adjust the back length?

Ortovox doesn't list an adjustable back length for these lines. That's why almost every line comes in two fixed lengths.

Back check for Ortovox packs

OrtovoxFree Rider 22Freeride with protector compartment

The Free Rider is Ortovox's freeride backpack. Its Clasp Back System with a flat, elasticated hip belt keeps it close to your back. The shovel and probe go in a separate safety compartment, which you can open from the front and through the back, while the separately available Clasp Spine Protector fits in the back pocket. The Free Rider 22 won the ISPO Award Gold 2021.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 22 lH
Weight: 1,150 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 42 to 50 cmH
Back: StandardH
Back system: Clasp Back SystemH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: yesH
Suits: Freeride, Ski touring

Good to know

Not ideal if you are planning multi-day ski tours: Haute Route and Peak are built for that.

Compare

OrtovoxVenet Tour 30New for ski touring

The Venet Tour is new to Ortovox and built for ski touring. The Full Contact Light Back System sits close to your back, while narrow hip fins keep it stable. You can also access the main compartment from the side; the shovel and probe have their own compartment, and the diagonal ski carry system holds skis up to 120 mm wide.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 30 lH
Weight: 1,170 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 42 to 50 cmH
Back: StandardH
Back system: Full Contact LightH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: yesH
Suits: Ski touring

Good to know

Not ideal if your skis are wider than 120 mm under the binding: Haute Route, Tour Rider and Cross Rider carry skis up to 150 mm.

Compare

OrtovoxTraverse 30For mountain tours and via ferrata

The Traverse is Ortovox's backpack for mountain hiking and mountaineering. Its Comfort-Contact Back System has ventilated pads, wide shoulder straps and a wide hip belt with a pocket. A rain cover is included. The main compartment opens all the way around with a zip, and the helmet net can be removed.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 30 lH
Weight: 1,100 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 42 to 50 cmH
Back: StandardH
Back system: Comfort-ContactH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: not stated
Suits: Hiking & Mountaineering

Good to know

Not ideal if you want to store the shovel and probe separately: Ortovox does not list a safety compartment for the Traverse.

Compare

OrtovoxFree Rider 20 SFreeride with protector compartment

The Free Rider is Ortovox's freeride backpack. Its Clasp Back System with a flat, elasticated hip belt keeps it close to your back. The shovel and probe go in a separate safety compartment, which you can open from the front and through the back, while the separately available Clasp Spine Protector fits in the back pocket. According to Ortovox, the S version has a significantly shorter back, narrower shoulder straps and shorter hip fins.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 20 lH
Weight: 1,105 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 36 to 44 cmH
Back: S (short)H
Back system: Clasp Back SystemH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: yesH
Suits: Freeride, Ski touring

Good to know

Not ideal if you are planning multi-day ski tours: Haute Route and Peak are built for that.

Compare

OrtovoxVenet Tour 28 SNew for ski touring

The Venet Tour is new to Ortovox and built for ski touring. The Full Contact Light Back System sits close to your back, while narrow hip fins keep it stable. You can also access the main compartment from the side; the shovel and probe have their own compartment, and the diagonal ski carry system holds skis up to 120 mm wide. According to Ortovox, the S version has a significantly shorter back, narrower shoulder straps and shorter hip fins.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 28 lH
Weight: 1,100 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 36 to 44 cmH
Back: S (short)H
Back system: Full Contact LightH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: yesH
Suits: Ski touring

Good to know

Not ideal if your skis are wider than 120 mm under the binding: Haute Route, Tour Rider and Cross Rider carry skis up to 150 mm.

Compare

OrtovoxTraverse 28 SFor mountain tours and via ferrata

The Traverse is Ortovox's backpack for mountain hiking and mountaineering. Its Comfort-Contact Back System has ventilated pads, wide shoulder straps and a wide hip belt with a pocket. A rain cover is included. The main compartment opens all the way around with a zip, and the helmet net can be removed. According to Ortovox, the S version has a significantly shorter back, narrower shoulder straps and shorter hip fins.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 28 lH
Weight: 1,050 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 36 to 44 cmH
Back: S (short)H
Back system: Comfort-ContactH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: not stated
Suits: Hiking & Mountaineering

Good to know

Not ideal if you want to store the shovel and probe separately: Ortovox does not list a safety compartment for the Traverse.

Compare

OrtovoxHaute Route 32Ski mountaineering and traverses

The Haute Route is built for ski mountaineering and multi-day traverses. Its O-Flex-2 Back System with an S-shaped stabiliser distributes the load, while you can secure the rope under the lid without opening it. Crampons, an ice axe and skis up to 150 mm wide can be carried externally; the shovel and probe go in the safety compartment.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 32 lH
Weight: 1,340 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 42 to 50 cmH
Back: StandardH
Back system: O-Flex-2 Back SystemH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: yesH
Suits: Ski touring, Alpine mountaineering

Good to know

Not ideal if you mainly go freeriding: the Free Rider fits more closely and has a protector compartment.

Compare

OrtovoxTour Rider 30Freetour, lightweight build

The Tour Rider is built for ascents and descents in the backcountry. Its Full Contact Light Back System sits close to your body, while load-control straps pull the weight towards your back. The shovel and probe go in a separate compartment, and skis up to 150 mm wide can be carried on the side or diagonally.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 30 lH
Weight: 990 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 42 to 50 cmH
Back: StandardH
Back system: Full Contact LightH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: yesH
Suits: Freeride, Ski touring

Good to know

Not ideal if you want to insert a back protector: the Free Rider can do that.

Compare

OrtovoxCross Rider 22Lightweight, with safety compartment

The Cross Rider is the lightest backpack here with a dedicated compartment for the shovel and probe. The back is thermoformed, with the compartment positioned inside, further away from your back. Skis up to 150 mm wide can be carried on the side or diagonally.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 22 lH
Weight: 850 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 42 to 50 cmH
Back: StandardH
Back system: Full Contact Light, pre-shapedH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: yesH
Suits: Freeride, Ski touring

Good to know

Not ideal if you carry more than day-trip gear: at 22 litres, it is small.

Compare

OrtovoxPeak 35Mountaineering with a wool back system

The Peak is Ortovox's mountaineering backpack. Its Swisswool 3D Back System sits against your back with metal stays; the back, shoulder straps and hip belts are padded with Swisswool fleece, which according to Ortovox absorbs water vapour. The crampon compartment is on the side, and the main compartment opens all the way around.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 35 lH
Weight: 1,500 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 42 to 50 cmH
Back: StandardH
Back system: Swisswool 3D Back SystemH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: yesH
Suits: Ski touring, Hiking & Mountaineering, Alpine mountaineering

Good to know

Not ideal if you count every gram: at 1,500 g, the Peak is one of the heavier backpacks here.

Compare

OrtovoxFree Rider 28Freeride with protector compartment

The Free Rider is Ortovox’s freeride pack. Its Clasp Back System with a flat, elastic hip belt keeps it close to your back. Your shovel and probe go in a separate safety compartment, which opens from the front and through the back, and the back pocket fits the separately available Clasp Spine Protector. There’s also a dry compartment and a side pocket.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 28 lH
Weight: 1,350 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 42 to 50 cmH
Back: StandardH
Back system: Clasp Back SystemH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: yesH
Suits: Freeride, Ski touring

Good to know

Not ideal if you’re planning multi-day ski tours: Haute Route and Peak are made for that.

Compare

OrtovoxHaute Route 30 SSki mountaineering and traverses

The Haute Route is made for ski mountaineering and multi-day traverses. Its O-Flex-2 Back System with an S-shaped stabiliser distributes the load, while you can secure the rope under the lid without opening it. Crampons, ice axes and skis up to 150 mm wide fit on the outside, with your shovel and probe in the safety compartment. According to Ortovox, the S fit has a significantly shorter back, narrower shoulder straps and shorter hip fins.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 30 lH
Weight: 1,320 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 36 to 44 cmH
Back: S (short)H
Back system: O-Flex-2 Back SystemH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: yesH
Suits: Ski touring, Alpine mountaineering

Good to know

Not ideal if you mainly go freeriding: the Free Rider sits closer and has a protector compartment.

Compare

OrtovoxTour Rider 28 SFreetouring, lightweight build

The Tour Rider is made for ascents and descents in the backcountry. Its Full-Contact-Light Back System sits close to the body, while load-control straps pull the weight towards your back. Your shovel and probe go in a separate compartment, and skis up to 150 mm wide can be carried diagonally or at the side. According to Ortovox, the S fit has a significantly shorter back, narrower shoulder straps and shorter hip fins.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 28 lH
Weight: 950 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 36 to 44 cmH
Back: S (short)H
Back system: Full Contact LightH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: yesH
Suits: Freeride, Ski touring

Good to know

Not ideal if you want to insert a back protector: the Free Rider can do that.

Compare

OrtovoxCross Rider 20 SLightweight, with safety compartment

The Cross Rider is the lightest pack here with a separate compartment for your shovel and probe. Its back is thermoformed, with the compartment positioned inside, further away from your back. Skis up to 150 mm wide can be carried diagonally or at the side. According to Ortovox, the S fit has a significantly shorter back, narrower shoulder straps and shorter hip fins.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 20 lH
Weight: 810 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 36 to 44 cmH
Back: S (short)H
Back system: Full Contact Light, pre-shapedH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: yesH
Suits: Freeride, Ski touring

Good to know

Not ideal if you carry more than day-trip kit: at 20 litres, it’s small.

Compare

OrtovoxTraverse 20For mountain tours and via ferrata

The Traverse is Ortovox’s pack for mountain hiking and mountaineering. Its Comfort-Contact Back System has ventilated pads, wide shoulder straps and a wide hip belt with a pocket. A rain cover is included. The elastic front pocket holds a helmet.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 20 lH
Weight: 765 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 42 to 50 cmH
Back: StandardH
Back system: Comfort-ContactH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: not stated
Suits: Hiking & Mountaineering

Good to know

Not ideal if you want to store your shovel and probe separately: Ortovox does not specify a safety compartment for the Traverse.

Compare

OrtovoxTraverse 18 SFor mountain tours and via ferrata

The Traverse is Ortovox’s pack for mountain hiking and mountaineering. Its Comfort-Contact Back System has ventilated pads, wide shoulder straps and a wide hip belt with a pocket. A rain cover is included. The elastic front pocket holds a helmet. According to Ortovox, the S fit has a significantly shorter back, narrower shoulder straps and shorter hip fins.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 18 lH
Weight: 730 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 36 to 44 cmH
Back: S (short)H
Back system: Comfort-ContactH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: not stated
Suits: Hiking & Mountaineering

Good to know

Not ideal if you want to store your shovel and probe separately: Ortovox does not specify a safety compartment for the Traverse.

Compare

OrtovoxPeak 32 SMountaineering with a wool back

The Peak is Ortovox’s mountaineering pack. Its Swisswool 3D Back System sits against your back with metal stays; the back, shoulder and hip straps are padded with Swisswool fleece, which according to Ortovox absorbs water vapour. The crampon compartment is at the side, while the main compartment opens all the way round. According to Ortovox, the S fit has a significantly shorter back, narrower shoulder straps and shorter hip fins.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 32 lH
Weight: 1,430 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 36 to 44 cmH
Back: S (short)H
Back system: Swisswool 3D Back SystemH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: yesH
Suits: Ski touring, Hiking & Mountaineering, Alpine mountaineering

Good to know

Not ideal if you count every gram: at 1,430 g, the Peak is one of the heavier packs here.

Compare

OrtovoxFree Rider 26 SFreeride with protector compartment

The Free Rider is Ortovox’s freeride pack. Its Clasp Back System with a flat, elastic hip belt keeps it close to your back. Your shovel and probe go in a separate safety compartment, which opens from the front and through the back, and the back pocket fits the separately available Clasp Spine Protector. There’s also a dry compartment and a side pocket. According to Ortovox, the S fit has a significantly shorter back, narrower shoulder straps and shorter hip fins.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 26 lH
Weight: 1,310 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 36 to 44 cmH
Back: S (short)H
Back system: Clasp Back SystemH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: yesH
Suits: Freeride, Ski touring

Good to know

Not ideal if you’re planning multi-day ski tours: Haute Route and Peak are made for that.

Compare

OrtovoxHaute Route 40Ski mountaineering and traverses

The Haute Route is made for ski mountaineering and multi-day traverses. Its O-Flex-2 Back System with an S-shaped stabiliser distributes the load, while you can secure the rope under the lid without opening it. Crampons, ice axes and skis up to 150 mm wide fit on the outside, with your shovel and probe in the safety compartment.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 40 lH
Weight: 1,420 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 42 to 50 cmH
Back: StandardH
Back system: O-Flex-2 Back SystemH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: yesH
Suits: Ski touring, Alpine mountaineering

Good to know

Not ideal if you mainly go freeriding: the Free Rider sits closer and has a protector compartment.

Compare

OrtovoxHaute Route 38 SSki mountaineering and traverses

The Haute Route is made for ski mountaineering and multi-day traverses. Its O-Flex-2 Back System with an S-shaped stabiliser distributes the load, while you can secure the rope under the lid without opening it. Crampons, ice axes and skis up to 150 mm wide fit on the outside, with your shovel and probe in the safety compartment. According to Ortovox, the S fit has a significantly shorter back, narrower shoulder straps and shorter hip fins.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 38 lH
Weight: 1,380 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 36 to 44 cmH
Back: S (short)H
Back system: O-Flex-2 Back SystemH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: yesH
Suits: Ski touring, Alpine mountaineering

Good to know

Not ideal if you mainly go freeriding: the Free Rider sits closer and has a protector compartment.

Compare

OrtovoxTraverse 40For mountain tours and via ferrata

The Traverse is Ortovox’s pack for mountain hiking and mountaineering. Its Comfort-Contact Back System has ventilated pads, wide shoulder straps and a wide hip belt with a pocket. A rain cover is included. The main compartment opens all the way round, with a separate base compartment at the bottom.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 40 lH
Weight: 1,320 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 42 to 50 cmH
Back: StandardH
Back system: Comfort-ContactH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: not stated
Suits: Hiking & Mountaineering

Good to know

Not ideal if you want to store your shovel and probe separately: Ortovox does not specify a safety compartment for the Traverse.

Compare

OrtovoxTraverse 38 SFor mountain tours and via ferrata

The Traverse is Ortovox’s pack for mountain hiking and mountaineering. Its Comfort-Contact Back System has ventilated pads, wide shoulder straps and a wide hip belt with a pocket. A rain cover is included. The main compartment opens all the way round, with a separate base compartment at the bottom. According to Ortovox, the S fit has a significantly shorter back, narrower shoulder straps and shorter hip fins.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 38 lH
Weight: 1,260 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 36 to 44 cmH
Back: S (short)H
Back system: Comfort-ContactH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: not stated
Suits: Hiking & Mountaineering

Good to know

Not ideal if you want to store your shovel and probe separately: Ortovox does not specify a safety compartment for the Traverse.

Compare

OrtovoxPeak 45Mountaineering with a wool back

The Peak is Ortovox’s mountaineering pack. Its Swisswool 3D Back System sits against your back with metal stays; the back, shoulder and hip straps are padded with Swisswool fleece, which according to Ortovox absorbs water vapour. The crampon compartment is at the side, while the main compartment opens all the way round.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 45 lH
Weight: 1,580 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 42 to 50 cmH
Back: StandardH
Back system: Swisswool 3D Back SystemH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: yesH
Suits: Ski touring, Hiking & Mountaineering, Alpine mountaineering

Good to know

Not ideal if you count every gram: at 1,580 g, the Peak is one of the heavier packs here.

Compare

OrtovoxPeak 42 SMountaineering with a wool back

The Peak is Ortovox’s mountaineering pack. Its Swisswool 3D Back System sits against your back with metal stays; the back, shoulder and hip straps are padded with Swisswool fleece, which according to Ortovox absorbs water vapour. The crampon compartment is at the side, while the main compartment opens all the way round. According to Ortovox, the S fit has a significantly shorter back, narrower shoulder straps and shorter hip fins.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 42 lH
Weight: 1,500 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 36 to 44 cmH
Back: S (short)H
Back system: Swisswool 3D Back SystemH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: yesH
Suits: Ski touring, Hiking & Mountaineering, Alpine mountaineering

Good to know

Not ideal if you count every gram: at 1,500 g, the Peak is one of the heavier packs here.

Compare

OrtovoxPeak 55Mountaineering with a wool back

The Peak is Ortovox’s mountaineering pack. Its Swisswool 3D Back System sits against your back with metal stays; the back, shoulder and hip straps are padded with Swisswool fleece, which according to Ortovox absorbs water vapour. The crampon compartment is at the side, while the main compartment opens all the way round.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 55 lH
Weight: 1,630 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 42 to 50 cmH
Back: StandardH
Back system: Swisswool 3D Back SystemH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: yesH
Suits: Ski touring, Hiking & Mountaineering, Alpine mountaineering

Good to know

Not ideal if you count every gram: at 1,630 g, the Peak is one of the heavier packs here.

Compare

OrtovoxPeak 52 SMountaineering with a wool back

The Peak is Ortovox’s mountaineering pack. Its Swisswool 3D Back System sits against your back with metal stays; the back, shoulder and hip straps are padded with Swisswool fleece, which according to Ortovox absorbs water vapour. The crampon compartment is at the side, while the main compartment opens all the way round. According to Ortovox, the S fit has a significantly shorter back, narrower shoulder straps and shorter hip fins.

What this backpack can do

Volume: 52 lH
Weight: 1,580 gH
Back length according to Ortovox: 36 to 44 cmH
Back: S (short)H
Back system: Swisswool 3D Back SystemH
Safety compartment for shovel and probe: yesH
Suits: Ski touring, Hiking & Mountaineering, Alpine mountaineering

Good to know

Not ideal if you count every gram: at 1,580 g, the Peak is one of the heavier packs here.

Compare

Back check for Ortovox packs

Options with trade-offs

Ortovox packs by back length

How to measure your back length

S

Standard

Explained briefly

Frequently asked questions