A Black Crows backpack is designed to meet the needs of skiers, Freeriders, and ski tourers. The Dorsa model family combines a close-fitting design with attachments for skis and ice axes, separate compartments for ski goggles or safety gear, and durable materials such as Cordura, X-Pac, and ripstop nylon. The volume of popular models ranges from compact daypacks to larger versions for longer alpine tours.

Which Black Crows backpack is right for you depends primarily on the length of your trip, the gear you need, the carrying system, and the attachment options. For a day at the ski resort, a compact ski backpack is usually sufficient. For ski tours or longer Freeride days, more storage space, an easily accessible safety compartment, and additional mounts become more important.

What Black Crows backpacks are available?

Black Crows markets its ski and touring backpacks under the Dorsa model name. The individual models differ primarily in terms of volume, material, main compartment access, and alpine features. Product generations may change, so you should always check the specifications of the specific model before purchasing.

The listed volume alone does not determine how much gear will actually fit inside. The shape, opening, interior layout, and items attached to the outside also affect the usable capacity.

➡ Don't choose the largest backpack possible; instead, choose one that's appropriate for the length of your hike, your gear, and your planned use.

What is a reasonable volume?

A compact Black Crows ski backpack with a capacity of about 22 to 23 liters is ideal for day trips, short tours, or Freeride days with a manageable amount of gear. In this size range, you can typically carry safety gear, extra clothing, food, drinks, and small personal items.

A backpack with a capacity of about 27 liters offers more space for longer day hikes. The Dorsa 27 features a separate front compartment for a shovel and Probe, access via a roll-top and the back, and two options for securing skis. This makes it easier to organize your gear and access the main compartment without having to completely empty the backpack.

A volume of around 37 liters is ideal for carrying extra clothing, extensive safety gear, crampons, rope, or food for a long day. The Dorsa 37 complements its ample storage space with a helmet holder, two ice axe loops, and diagonal and A-shaped ski loops.

These figures are guidelines. If you pack very lightly, you’ll need less space. Bulky winter clothing, photography gear, or extensive mountaineering equipment, on the other hand, take up more space.

Carrying System and Fit

A ski or touring backpack should fit snugly against the body so that it sways as little as possible during turns, traverses, and kick turns. Black Crows describes the Dorsa models as having a slim profile that lies close to the back. Depending on the model, they feature either thermoformed or lightweight, breathable back panels.

A one-size-fits-all design doesn't automatically mean the backpack will fit everyone equally well. The key factors are back length, the position of the shoulder straps, the hip belt, and weight distribution. Therefore, try on the backpack with some weight and winter clothing whenever possible.

You can tell that a setting is correct because:

• the shoulder straps lie flat against the body without rubbing against the neck,
• the backpack doesn't swing from side to side,
• The hip belt provides stability without restricting mobility,
• the head remains free to move even when wearing a helmet,
• Do not hit your legs or head with your skis or ice axe.

➡ A technical backpack only works well if its capacity and fit are right for the person.

Compartment for shovel and Probe

Several Black Crows backpacks feature a separate or clearly designated compartment for an avalanche shovel and Probe. On the Dorsa 22, Dorsa 27, and Dorsa 37, this compartment is located on the front. On the Dorsa 23 Freebird, the shovel and Probe are stored inside.

Safety equipment should be easily accessible and not buried under clothing, food, or camera gear. The shovel handle and Probe must fit inside completely and be easy to retrieve, even while wearing gloves.

However, a safety compartment does not make a backpack an avalanche airbag backpack. The well-known Dorsa models are ski and touring backpacks with gear compartments—they are not airbag systems. In open terrain, avalanche condition assessment, tour planning, and the safe use of an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and Probe remain essential. The avalanche transceiver must be turned on and worn on your body.

➡ A well-organized safety kit saves time in an emergency, but it is no substitute for avalanche safety knowledge or a complete emergency kit.

Carrying Skis: Diagonally or in an A-Frame?

Black Crows uses different ski-carrying systems depending on the Dorsa model. The Dorsa 22 and Dorsa 23 Freebird are designed for diagonal carrying. With the Dorsa 27 and Dorsa 37, skis can be attached either diagonally or laterally in an A-frame configuration.

Before a trip, you should test the bindings with the skis you’ll actually be using. Especially wide Freeride skis, thick ski brakes, and unusual binding designs can affect how securely the skis fit to your backpack.

Materials and Weather Protection

Dorsa backpacks are made from durable technical fabrics. Depending on the model, the Dorsa 22, Dorsa 27, and Dorsa 37 use Cordura fabric. The Dorsa 23 Freebird combines water-repellent X-Pac with lightweight ripstop nylon made from recycled materials.

"Durable" or "water-repellent" does not mean completely waterproof. Black Crows notes that the backpacks are water-repellent but not waterproof. Sensitive gear such as spare clothing, electronics, or documents should therefore be protected in waterproof stuff sacks as well.

After use, the backpack should be opened and allowed to dry at room temperature. Snow and moisture tend to accumulate especially in zippers, padding, and the security compartment. Damaged straps, buckles, and ski attachments should be checked before the next trip.

How to Choose a Black Crows Backpack in Five Steps

1. Determine the area of application

First, determine whether the backpack will be used primarily at a ski resort, for Freeride, on classic ski tours, or for more technical alpine adventures. The more complex the use, the more important specialized compartments and attachments become.

2. Choose a realistic volume

Pack your usual gear—either mentally or physically. A backpack that’s too small makes it difficult to access your gear or forces you to attach it to the outside. A backpack that’s unnecessarily large, on the other hand, tempts you to bring more than you need.

3. Check the safety and main subject

The shovel and Probe must be easily accessible. For the main compartment, rear access and large zipper openings are convenient when you need to retrieve gear from the bottom.

4. Compare fasteners

Determine whether carrying your skis diagonally is sufficient or if an A-frame system is needed. For high-altitude tours, mounts for ice axes, ropes, crampons, and helmets can be crucial.

5. Test the fit with the gear on

Pack the backpack and try it on with your ski jacket and, if necessary, your helmet. Only under realistic conditions will you be able to tell if the back length, shoulder straps, and hip belt fit properly.

➡ With a Black Crows backpack, capacity and comfort are more important than having as many individual features as possible.

Advantages and potential limitations

Are Black Crows backpacks suitable for races?

For classic Freeride events or technical ski excursions, compact Dorsa backpacks may be suitable due to their ski attachments and safety compartments. However, the rules of the specific event, the required emergency equipment, and the necessary storage space are the deciding factors.

For ski mountaineering races, people often use particularly lightweight, minimalist race backpacks with very quick ski attachments. The Dorsa 23 Freebird is designed for fast and easy ascents, but shouldn't automatically be equated with a specialized competition backpack.

➡ Dorsa backpacks are designed with functionality in mind for touring and Freeride; for competitions, the specific rules apply.

FAQ

Which Black Crows backpack is best for a day hike?

For a classic day hike, backpacks with a capacity of between about 23 and 30 liters are usually a good choice. The actual capacity needed depends on the weather, your gear, and the nature of the hike.

What is the difference between the Dorsa 22 and the Dorsa 27?

The Dorsa 22 is more compact and features a diagonal ski attachment system. The Dorsa 27 offers more volume, two main compartment entrances, and both diagonal and A-shaped ski-carrying options.

What does "Freebird" mean on a Black Crows backpack?

Freebird represents the brand’s product line that is more geared toward ski touring. The Dorsa 23 Freebird is designed for fast, lightweight ascents and features, among other things, a crampon compartment, a rope attachment, and water bottle pockets on the shoulder straps.

Are Black Crows backpacks waterproof?

No. Black Crows describes the backpacks as water-repellent, but not waterproof. Delicate items should be stored in waterproof inner pockets or stuff sacks.

Can you attach skis to the Black Crows backpack?

Yes. The well-known Dorsa models are equipped with ski-carrying systems. Depending on the model, the skis are secured diagonally or, in addition, in an A-frame configuration.

Is a Black Crows backpack an avalanche airbag?

The well-known Dorsa backpacks are not avalanche airbag systems. Depending on the model, they feature compartments for a shovel and Probe, but they are not a substitute for an airbag or a complete set of avalanche emergency gear.

Sources and further links

• https://www.black-crows.com/de/collections/rucksacke-taschen
• https://www.black-crows.com/de/products/102207
• https://www.black-crows.com/de/products/101916
• https://www.black-crows.com/de/products/101742
• https://www.black-crows.com/de/products/101743
• https://support.black-crows.com/en-US/articles/bags-293840
• https://www.alpenverein.de/verband/presse/pressemeldungen/lawinen-pravention-und-sicherheit

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