# Raide EX 55L > Raide EX 55L — expedition ski backpack built for long objectives while refusing to compromise on the descent. 55L capacity expandable to 75L, collapsible to just 5 cm in depth, weighing 1,250 g. Constructed with Challenge Ultra 200TX on the main body and Challenge Ultra 800TX on the bottom. The only expedition ski pack on the market with patent-pending back panel access — full entry to the main compartment with skis mounted. Probe and shovel accessible without removing the pack. > *(source: [ralpu.sk](https://ralpu.sk/en-eu/products/raide-ex-55l))* --- ## Product Details - **Volume:** 55L, expandable to 75L with roll top - **Weight:** 1,250 g - **Collapsed depth:** 5 cm - **Sizes:** S / M (accommodates skiers up to 190 cm) - **Dimensions:** S: 33 × 22.2 × 50.8 cm, M: 33 × 22.2 × 54.6 cm - **Main fabric:** Challenge Ultra 200TX - **Bottom fabric:** Challenge Ultra 800TX - **Roll top:** 210d Nylon with UHMWPE ripstop, 100% recycled - **Frame:** 7 mm aluminium tubing, removable - **Back panel:** Composite molded back sheet — non-bulging, with back panel access - **Shoulder straps:** 10 mm foam padding - **Shovel compatibility:** Accommodates blades up to 31.75 cm - **Manufacturer:** [Raide Research](https://raideresearch.com/) (Aspen, Colorado, USA) --- ## Design Philosophy The EX 55L shares the DNA and full feature set of the Raide LF line (LF 30L and LF 40L), adding the volume and durability required for expedition use. It is designed around two core demands: carrying heavy loads to basecamp and skiing efficiently from it. The pack expands to 75L for basecamp hauls and collapses to day-pack proportions for daily ski tours. Raide's design philosophy prioritises the combination of style, weight, durability, and functionality over any single variable. --- ## Back Panel Access (Patent-Pending) - The only expedition ski pack on the market with back panel access - Full entry to the main compartment regardless of how skis are mounted - The aluminium frame runs the perimeter of the pack and is sewn into the back panel zipper — when closed, the back panel matches the frame shape - Composite back panel insert with anti-bulge ribs locks its shape even when maxed out - Stiff horizontally to keep pressure off the spine and maintain airflow, flexes vertically for easy access and natural movement - Enables fast transitions at basecamp: collapse the pack, mount skis, access gear, ski --- ## Avalanche Tool Access - Probe accessible from the side panel without taking the pack off — faster rescues and on-the-go snow analysis - Shovel accessible by dropping a single shoulder strap - Accommodates shovel blades up to 31.75 cm and most large handles - Probe and shovel handle stored on side panels — maximises internal space and keeps weight centered - Avalanche tool pocket includes drainage --- ## Materials and Construction The EX 55L uses UHMWPE-based Challenge fabrics in different constructions matched to load: - **Main body — Challenge Ultra 200TX:** 200 gsm, 200d UHMPE/PE mix, 0.5 mil RUB film, UHMWPE 45° CrossPly, polyester ripstop backing. 2× more tear-resistant and 8× more abrasion-resistant than competing ultralight fabrics - **Bottom — Challenge Ultra 800TX:** 367 gsm, 800d UHMPE/PE mix, 0.5 mil RUB film, UHMWPE 45° CrossPly, polyester ripstop backing. Most durable Challenge fabric construction, built for the added weight and ground contact of expedition use - **Roll top:** 210d Nylon with UHMWPE ripstop, 100% recycled - **Frame:** 7 mm removable aluminium tubing — distributes weight for heavier loads and anchors ski/board carries - **Back panel:** Composite molded insert with anti-bulge ribs --- ## Adaptable Volume - 55L base capacity with waterproof roll top extending to 75L - Side cinches compress the pack to just 5 cm in depth - Designed so you can carry heavy gear to basecamp and still have a pack that skis well on daily tours from camp --- ## Ski and Board Carry Modular carrying system covers four configurations: - **Diagonal ski carry:** Three positions — left diagonal, right diagonal, and skimo carry (mount skis without removing the pack) - **A-frame carry:** Traditional A-frame ski/snowboard carry - **Vertical snowboard/splitboard carry:** Attaches to frame for increased stability --- ## Helmet and Ice Tool Carry - **Helmet carry:** Integrated — stores helmet securely and fits crampons inside without interfering with diagonal ski carry. Helmets can also be carried in the extendable roll top or attached externally via lashing points - **Ice tool carry:** No-snag design fully encloses picks to prevent snagging and loss. Independent buckles allow access without removing the pack - **Ice clipper/carabiner attachment** included --- ## Lashing Points and Pulk Towing - Eight lashing points on the exterior for flexible attachment of accessories (helmet, sled, foam sleeping pad, etc.) - Supports pulk towing — run harness lines directly through the pack's lashing points for glacier approaches and polar-style expedition carries --- ## Pockets and Organisation - **Front stash pocket:** Large pocket with internal organisation and drainage — separates wet gear (skins) from dry gear, organises quick-access items (repair kit, headlamp) - **Top zip:** Quick access to the top of the pack without affecting helmet carry - **Two zippered hip pad pockets:** Large enough to fit a smartphone - **Glove stash strap** on shoulder strap - **Two internal organisation pockets** - **Radio/hydration pass-through** - **Hidden pocket** for valuables - **Metal compression straps and hip buckle** --- ## Technical Specifications | Parameter | Specification | |-----------|---------------| | **Volume** | 55L, expandable to 75L | | **Weight** | 1,250 g | | **Dimensions (S)** | 33 × 22.2 × 50.8 cm | | **Dimensions (M)** | 33 × 22.2 × 54.6 cm | | **Collapsed depth** | 5 cm | | **Sizes** | S, M | | **Main fabric** | Challenge Ultra 200TX (200 gsm) | | **Bottom fabric** | Challenge Ultra 800TX (367 gsm) | | **Roll top** | 210d Nylon with UHMWPE ripstop, 100% recycled | | **Frame** | 7 mm aluminium tubing, removable | | **Back panel** | Composite molded back sheet, non-bulging | | **Shoulder strap padding** | 10 mm foam | | **Shovel compatibility** | Blades up to 31.75 cm | | **Ski carry modes** | Diagonal (3 positions), A-frame, vertical snowboard | | **Lashing points** | 8 | | **Warranty** | 5 years | --- ## Features List - 55L capacity, expandable to 75L with waterproof roll top - Collapses to 5 cm in depth for fluid skiing from basecamp - Patent-pending back panel access — full entry with skis mounted - Side probe access without removing the pack - Shovel access by dropping one shoulder strap - Removable 7 mm aluminium frame - Composite molded non-bulging back panel with anti-bulge ribs - Challenge Ultra 200TX main body + 800TX bottom construction - Modular ski carry: diagonal (3 positions), A-frame, vertical snowboard/splitboard - Integrated helmet carry with crampon storage - No-snag enclosed ice tool carry with independent buckles - Ice clipper/carabiner attachment - Front stash pocket with drainage and internal organisation - Top zip for quick access - Two zippered hip pad pockets (smartphone-compatible) - Glove stash strap on shoulder strap - Two internal organisation pockets - Radio/hydration pass-through - Eight exterior lashing points - Pulk towing compatible - Metal compression straps and hip buckle - Drainage in cinch top and avalanche tools pocket --- ## Who Is the Raide EX 55L For **Type of user:** - Ski mountaineers and backcountry skiers on multi-day objectives - Expedition skiers needing a pack that transitions from hauling to skiing - Splitboarders on extended alpine trips - Mountain guides requiring fast access to avalanche tools - Anyone doing basecamp-to-summit ski touring **What you do:** - Multi-day ski touring and expedition approaches - Basecamp-to-peak daily skiing - Glacier travel and pulk-based approaches - Steep descents requiring a stable, compressible pack - Backcountry objectives where avalanche tool access speed matters **Why EX 55L:** - Only expedition ski pack with back panel access - Collapses to day-pack proportions for the descent - Expands to 75L for heavy carries - Fast avalanche tool access without removing the pack - Challenge Ultra fabric durability without excessive weight --- ## Who Is the Raide EX 55L NOT For - Day-touring skiers who don't need expedition volume (consider Raide LF 30L or LF 40L) - Ultralight ski mountaineers prioritising minimal weight above all else - Resort or lift-access skiers - Hikers or trail runners not carrying ski/board equipment --- ## Availability - Available in Black - Sizes: S, M - Available at [ralpu.sk](https://ralpu.sk/en-eu/products/raide-ex-55l) (EU) --- **Version generated:** 2026-03-31 12:00 UTC