BCA Stash Packs Review – The Stash Series Has Your Back

A good backpack is a mandatory piece of gear for all backcountry adventures and certainly a valuable asset for many resort days. BCA Stash packs have something for everyone with well constructed products that range from a 20L size for the weekend warrior all the way up to a 40L bag designed to stow all the necessities needed for a backcountry adventure you can tell your grandkids about.

BCA Stash 40 in Classic Black retails for $189.99

Stash 30 comes in both black and blue and retails for $159.99

The Stash line has all the things you would expect from a solid ski touring bag such as helmet carry and and a good amount of gear loops to hang stuff you need. All Stash packs are designed to integrate with BCA’s BC Link radios. The base unit fits into a specific pocket in the main compartment and the handset cord runs inside the right hand pack strap where it clips on allowing for easy access and use. If you already use the BC Link radios, these packs are a great choice.

BC Link radio integration

Easy access to BC Link handset is a plus

BCA Stash packs also have a separate “mud room” designed to hold your shovel and probe which features a drain hole on the bottom to allow any melted snow to escape. Also, the zippers that open this compartment feature a clip to ensure the pocket doesn’t accidentally open on a burly descent or hairy sled ride exposing your snow safety tools to potential loss. The inside of the pockets are a nice contrasting colour which allows for easy visibility of the contents.

Mud Room for Snow Safety Tools

Locking zipper to protect valuable tools

The variety of pockets in these bags is great as well. We particularly liked the two small pockets located on the lower strap. These allow for easy access to small items without removing the pack altogether. The fleece lined goggle pocket is also very useful.

Fleece lined goggle pocket

Easy access pockets on the waist belt

Hydration on long journeys is essential and the Stash packs have you covered with a hydration system (sold separately) that runs your hydration sleeve inside a channel along the left strap of the pack where you have easy access. In our testing, we found that you should still insulate your line as to prevent freezing.

The stow away helmet carry is simple, lightweight, easy to use and is totally hidden when not in use.

Stow away helmet carry

BCA Stash packs also allow for vertical snowboard carry as well as A frame carry of skis with stowable straps. This is made more comfortable due to the rigid internal frame against the back of the pack which provides additional support.

Stash 40 is a legit ski mountaineering pack.

Product testing the Stash 30 at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

Overall we found the BCA Stash packs to have bomber construction, comfortable straps and certainly seem worth the price. The only minor gripe we had were with the waist strap buckle being a bit hard to use with gloves on. Other than that, we couldn’t really complain about anything. BCA stand behind their product with a three year warranty as well for that added peace of mind. If you are on the lookout for a new pack , be sure to give the Stash line a look.