Ortovox Ravine 34L Backpack Review

When venturing into the backcountry for a skiing or splitboarding adventure, having a reliable backpack is critical. From safety gear to hydration and extra layers, a capable pack should comfortably accommodate all the necessary equipment for a successful outing. I have recently been testing the Ortovox Ravine 34 on tours around the Tetons and have found that it fulfills all these needs, ensuring that you can carry everything you need securely and comfortably. This backpack would be a great choice for any backcountry enthusiast.

Ortovox Ravine 34 Design and Features

The Ravine 34 is a well designed backpack that allows the user to easily store and access their gear. Its spacious main compartment has both a top entry and a side zipper, allowing for easy access to your gear regardless of the situation. The separate safety compartment for avalanche gear ensures that essential equipment is readily accessible. Additionally, two smaller pockets offer convenient storage for other essentials, such as snacks or a GPS device.

The Ravine 34 includes important features for technical days in the backcountry, with a carrying point for an ice axe and a top compression strap that doubles as a rope carry system. The main pocket has a dedicated zipper for accessing your crampons while the backpack is on. For long day’s with a full backpack, the supportive hipbelt and light frame will transfer weight off of your shoulders to reduce fatigue. Overall, the thoughtful design of the Ortovox Ravine 34 makes accessing your gear very comfortable and efficient.

Volume, Sizing, and Fit

At 34 liters the Ravine is ideal for tours up to a full day. With its side compression straps the volume can be reduced making the pack great for shorter trips in the backcountry or quick sidecountry laps. One of the few issues with the Ravine is its one size fits all design. Taller individuals may find that the hip belt sits a little higher on their hips than they would like. This is only going to be a problem when carrying heavy loads and trying to get the most out of the backpack’s hip belt and frame. In future revisions it would be great to see a couple different sizing options to ensure the best fit for the widest range of people.

On the downhill the backpack is incredibly comfortable and hugs the user’s body well. The wider than average shoulder straps and quality hip and sternum straps hold the backpack close preventing any unwanted shifting of weight. Once you have put on all of your gear the side compression straps allow the backpack to significantly reduce in volume, minimizing its footprint.

How is the Ski and Splitboard Carry on the Ortovox Ravine 34

The Ravine 34 offers the option to carry either skis or a split board in an A-frame configuration, providing ample room even for wider split boards thanks to its adjustable straps. Whilst in this arrangement it is still easy to access the avalanche gear compartment or the outer pockets. Additionally, skis can be carried diagonally across the back of the pack. A notable limitation is its lack of ability for carrying solid snowboards or assembled splitboards, a common issue for many backcountry packs.

Ortovox Ravine Backpack Materials and Build Quality

Ortovox struck a great balance between weight and durability with this pack. Constructed primarily of 420 denier Cordura this backpack should hold up to many years of use. This thicker material will resist cuts from ski edges and any accidental pokes from crampons of ski poles. Most of the seams in high wear areas such as the bottom and sides of the backpack have been reinforced to ensure their durability.

Ortovox Ravine 34L Backpack Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Spacious main compartment with easy access
• Dedicated safety compartment for avalanche gear
• Supportive hipbelt and light frame for weight distribution

Cons:

• One size fits all design limitation
• Lacks ability to carry solid snowboards

Overall Impression

The Ortovox Ravine 34 is great for any backcountry enthusiasts looking for a backpack for tours lasting up to a full day or those enjoying shorter sidecountry excursions. Its versatile design and sturdy construction make it well-suited for demanding backcountry environments, promising to endure many seasons of use. The backpack’s ability to efficiently distribute weight ensures comfort during extended approaches.

The A-frame ski carry is easy to use and will fit any pair of skis or splitboard. However, one notable drawback is its single torso size, which may limit its suitability for taller individuals. Despite this limitation, the Ravine 34 remains a standout choice for those seeking a practical backpack for their backcountry adventures. At $240 the Ravine 34 is fairly priced for its robust feature set and versatility.

Related Ski & Snowboard Backpacks

1. Dueter Freerider 30L Backpack
2. Ortovox Tour Rider 30L Backpack
3. Dakine Poacher 40L Backpack