Liftrider 2.0 Backpack Review: The Perfect Resort Day Pack
Finding the right backpack for resort skiing is trickier than it sounds. You need something that carries your essentials without being bulky, stays secure during hard charging, and doesn't turn you into a sweaty mess on the chairlift. After testing the Liftrider 2.0 for a full season of resort riding, I can say it nails this balance perfectly.
Why Bring a Pack to the Resort?
Some people ski with nothing but a lift ticket, and that's fine. But I like having extra layers for weather changes, water to stay hydrated, snacks for energy, my phone and battery pack, sunscreen, and sometimes a GoPro setup. Trying to stuff all that into jacket pockets is a nightmare. The Liftrider 2.0 keeps everything organized and accessible.
What Makes It Great for Resort Use
Low Profile Design
This pack sits close to your back and doesn't bounce around when you're ripping groomers or hitting the terrain park. I've worn bulkier packs that shift weight awkwardly mid-turn - the Liftrider stays planted.
Chairlift Comfort
Here's a detail that matters more than you'd think: the Liftrider 2.0 is comfortable to sit back against on the chairlift. The back panel is padded but not overly thick, so you're not perched forward awkwardly for every ride up. On a big ski day with 20+ laps, this adds up.
Quick Access Pockets
The external pockets are positioned perfectly for grabbing your phone, chapstick, or a granola bar without taking the pack off. There's also a fleece-lined pocket that's perfect for keeping your phone battery happy in cold temps.
Hydration Ready
The Liftrider has a dedicated hydration sleeve with a port for the hose. I run a 2L reservoir on longer days and the insulated hose routing keeps water from freezing until well below 20°F.
Helmet and Goggle Carry
When you're warming up in the lodge or grabbing lunch, you can clip your helmet to the outside and stash your goggles in the fleece-lined top pocket. Nice touches that show the designers actually ski.
Durability Check
I've been pretty rough on this pack - tossed it on lodge floors, dropped it off chairlifts onto icy platforms, stuffed it in lockers. After a full season it still looks great. The zippers are smooth, nothing's fraying, and the buckles still snap tight.
Any Downsides?
If you're carrying a lot of camera gear or need laptop storage for aprés work sessions, this isn't the pack for that. It's sized for resort essentials, not expedition loads. That's a feature, not a bug, but worth noting.
The Verdict
The Liftrider 2.0 is exactly what I want in a resort day pack: carries what I need, stays out of my way while skiing, and doesn't cook me on the chairlift. It's become my go-to for every resort day.
Rating: 4.8/5 - The best resort-focused ski pack I've used. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to bring more than pocket essentials to the mountain.
