Small size, big safety: Arva Ride 18 backpack review

I had the opportunity to ski around the French Alps this week with a French brand ‘Arva’ backpack and here are my findings from not knowing them beforehand.

First impressions: Compact and recycled

At 18 litres capacity, this ski and snowboard backpack is a smaller in-resort backpack, not for your longer days out in the back country, and made from 100% recycled materials, which is great.

Initially I was surprised it had what I thought was only a chest strap- I felt a bit lost for a moment, as both a strap at the chest as well as around my waist has become a security blanket I depend on. However, I discovered it discretely tucked into the bag at the base. By then, I’d adapted to a one-strap situation so kept the waist strap tucked in. With the one strap, using it in-resort, I could easily take it off with ‘one click’, you never know when the lifties ask you to remove it. Hidden away it also took away loose straps at the waist, and these waist straps are the ones you hear about being caught in a chairlift, so I was happy about that.

Chairlift comfort and hardware fit

At this size, it was fairly discreet sitting on a chairlift and not too bulky.  The back section touching your back was extra cushioned, so I couldn’t feel the metal of my shovel poking into me. Please note, I own two shovels and the smaller shovel fits into the backpack, which is a consideration for purchase. Naturally bigger shovels have more grunt for bigger avalanche situations but smaller shovels still do the work, when needed.

First Aid and First Response 

Over the years, I’ve been involved in several on-snow incidents where having a backpack made all the difference, whether it was offering electrolytes and an extra layer to someone in distress, or basic first aid for an injured skier. The most serious moment came years ago in Japan, when a spontaneous side-country run ended with an experienced member of our group falling into a crevasse, and none of us were carrying gear. Since that day, I never ski without my backpack. It’s not optional for me. it’s a safety decision.

Hiking and versatility 

I love the strong side straps that fit an A’frame set up for hiking , as well as first a snowboard across the back.I have two sons, age 17 and 19 who are getting more adventurous, wanting to be away from the parents and head out with their mates at the snow, and with some avalanche training this is the perfect backpack to equip them with, that just goes everywhere with them out of habit for those days that call for in-resort hiking and side country, you have everything with you for planned and spontaneous adventures.

The Verdict

Allow for the smaller size of the backpack to determine what size shovel, probe and beacon you take and Arva also specialises in these products. Great that you can open the pack from the back and the front and the top ‘emergency section’ is bright red so you’re not scrambling in a panicked situation. Great that the straps are extra strong yet discreet. All in all – I loved it! 

Arva now distributes to Australia

Related reviews:
https://snowaction.com.au/xtm-ski-gear-review-japan/
https://snowaction.com.au/from-burton-to-the-world/