Osprey Soelden & Sopris Ski Pack Review (25L, 32L, 45L)

The Osprey Soelden (men’s) and Sopris (women’s) ski packs are purpose-built backcountry packs designed for ski touring, splitboarding, bootpacks, and technical descents. Both pack lines share the same features, materials, and size options, with the only differences being fit geometry and sizing tailored to men and women.

If you’re comparing the Osprey Soelden vs Sopris, the decision comes down to fit—not performance or functionality.

See the full Osprey Sopris and Soelden series packs on one page here.

I tested the Soelden 45L on a four-day, three-night backcountry hut trip, carrying nearly 40 pounds of gear. Everything discussed below applies equally to the Sopris 45L, as well as the 25L and 32L versions in both the men’s and women’s lines.

If you want a pack with an airbag, check out the Soelden Pro and Sopris Pro ski packs.

Pros and Cons of the Osprey Soelden

Osprey Soelden & Sopris Ski Pack Review: Overview & Intended Use

The Soelden (men’s) and Sopris (women’s) packs are designed specifically for backcountry skiing and snowboarding, with features that prioritize safety, stability, and efficient access to gear in snowy environments.

Sizing Options: Soelden 25L vs 32L vs 45L

Available sizes are the same across the men's and women's lines:

• 25L – Big day tours
• 32L – 1- to 2-day overnights or hut approaches
• 45L – Multi-day hut trips and heavier loads

I used the 45L version on a hut trip and was able to squeeze four days and three nights' worth of gear into it, though it was tight. Roughly half of our group carried 45L packs, while the rest were in 50L+ packs.

Key Features of the Osprey Soelden & Sopris Ski Packs

All features are identical between the Soelden and Sopris models.

• Dedicated avalanche safety pocket (shovel, probe, tools)
• A-frame or diagonal ski carry
• Vertical or horizontal snowboard carry
• Stowaway helmet carry
• Backpanel access to the main compartment
• Internal radio pocket with hand-mic pass-through 
• Multiple compression straps for load control

You can see in the picture below that I have the hand mic for my Rocky Talkie Expedition 5-watt radio routed to my right shoulder strap. This was hugely useful the entire trip as we maintained contact between groups. You can read our review of the Rocky Talkie 5-watt radio here.

Fit, Comfort, and Carry System on the Soelden & Sopris

Fit and suspension are where the Soelden and Sopris really stand out.

With my Soelden 45L fully loaded to ~38 pounds, the pack remained comfortable and stable—impressive considering I was pushing its maximum recommended load.

Comfort highlights:

• The EVA foam backpanel has a noticeable lumbar arch that provides excellent lower-back support
• You can cinch the waist belt tight, pulling the lumbar pad snug into your lower back
• The LightWire frame kept the load stable on steep, off-camber ascents and switchbacks
• Shoulder straps were comfortable with zero hot spots, even on first use

Despite being a winter-specific pack, it feels surprisingly light. My Soelden weighs 3.2 lbs (1.5 kg), compared to 4.9 lbs for my Osprey Aether 55 backpacking pack. The Aether 55 is a great summer pack and you can read my full review here. On snow, that weight difference matters for both ascending and descending.

Ski & Snowboard Carry Options (A-Frame, Diagonal, Vertical)

The Soelden and Sopris offer excellent versatility for ski and snowboard carry. You can carry skis in an A-frame configuration or diagonal. Snowboards likewise can be carried vertically or horizontally. I briefly carried my skis in an A-frame over some dirt from the car to the trailhead, but otherwise I haven't had to carry my skis.

• Skis: A-frame or diagonal
• Snowboards: Vertical or horizontal

Avalanche Gear Storage & Backcountry Safety Design

The external avalanche pocket is well thought out and easy to access.

I was able to fit:

• Shovel

• Probe

• Tools

• Extra water

• Extra gloves

…with room to spare.

Additional safety-focused details:

• Bright orange zipper pulls for fast identification

• Internal radio pocket with hand-mic routing (worked great clipped to my shoulder strap)

• Exterior lash points for snowmobile transport

This is a pack designed with real backcountry workflows in mind.

On-Snow Performance: Touring, Bootpacks, and Descents

Our tour started at 9,800 feet with a 2,200-foot climb in the first few miles. The Soelden hugged my back well and transferred weight efficiently to my hips.

What stood out:

• The pack rides low and close, keeping weight centered
• The top of the pack doesn’t extend far above your head—great for steep skin tracks and skiing downhill
• I felt stable and balanced, even descending in poor snow conditions

I also appreciated:

• Hip-belt pocket for food (no need to take off the pack)
• Backpanel access made gear swaps easier depending on how full the pack was
• Compression straps kept the pack tight when used as a big day pack

How the Osprey Soelden Compares to Other Ski Packs

Osprey Soelden vs Ortovox and Black Diamond Ski Packs

On our trip we had the Osprey Soelden 45, Ortovox Peak 55, and Black Diamond Cirque 50. In my comparison table I'm using the Peak 45 because it's a closer match to the Soelden 45.

The Black Diamond Cirque 50 is light and minimal (a staple of Black Diamond Equipment). The 50L has a slightly larger main compartment than my Osprey Soelden, but it does not have a removable top section with pocket, so be aware of that. It's darn light for a 50L (yes, lighter than my Osprey 45L). Choose this if you're a lightweight minimalist.

The Ortovox Peak 45 uses really nice materials. It also has a pocket on the waist strap, which is one of my favorite features of the Osprey Soelden. The Ortovox Peak 45 is slightly heavier than the Soelden and costs $40 more. Choose the Peak 45 for its full features and premium materials.

After spending time with all three packs in the backcountry, I'd still buy the Soelden because of how comfortable it is fully loaded and its perfect mix of quality, features, specs, and price. 

Osprey Soelden & Sopris FAQ

What is the difference between the Osprey Soelden and Sopris?

The difference is fit and sizing only. Features, materials, and performance are identical between the men’s Soelden and women’s Sopris packs. See the full Osprey Sopris and Soelden series packs on one page here.

What is the difference between the Soelden and Soelden Pro?

The main difference with the Soelden Pro 32L and Sopris Pro 30L is that they have Osprey Alpride E2 Electronic Avalanche Airbag units included. Pro models are only offered in one size. See Osprey's airbag ski packs here.

Is the Osprey Sopris good for multi-day ski tours?

Yes. The Sopris 45L can handle 3- to 4-day hut trips. The 32L is good for an overnight but not suitable for multi-day trips unless you don't need to carry a sleeping bag or all of your food.

Do the Soelden and Sopris carry skis securely?

Yes. Both packs support A-frame and diagonal ski carry, as well as vertical or horizontal snowboard carry.

Are the Soelden and Sopris waterproof?

They are highly water-resistant, using PFAS-free DWR-coated recycled nylon. They will keep your gear drive in even the wettest snow, but they are not fully waterproof.