The Burton Sidehill 18L Pack is a compact, low-profile technical pack designed for snowboarders who want dedicated backcountry functionality without the bulk of a larger day pack. Built for sidecountry utility, it provides organised storage for essential snow gear while maintaining a streamlined profile that stays comfortable and unobtrusive both on the lift and while riding.
With an 18-litre capacity, the Sidehill is sized for shorter backcountry missions, sidecountry laps and resort days where carrying safety equipment, hydration and a few additional layers is important. Its panel-loader design, snow-tool storage, board-carry systems and helmet attachment make it considerably more technical than a conventional everyday backpack.
Key Features
- 18-litre capacity
- Low-profile panel-loader construction
- Main compartment with dedicated snow-tool storage
- Hydration sleeve
- Fleece-lined goggle/accessory pocket
- Built-in helmet carry
- A-frame splitboard carry
- Vertical snowboard carry
- Stowable pole and ice-axe loops
- Ergonomic back panel
- Cushioned ergonomic shoulder straps
- Padded hip belt
- Adjustable sternum strap with built-in whistle
- Side compression straps
- Internal zipped mesh pocket with key clip
- External daisy-chain attachment
- External equipment attachment loops
- Heavy-duty recycled polyester construction
- PFC-free/C0 DWR with PU backing
- bluesign® approved materials
- Lifetime warranty
Compact 18L Panel-Loader Design
The Sidehill’s 18-litre capacity offers a useful balance between carrying enough equipment for a full session and keeping the pack compact enough for comfortable riding. Burton describes it as a low-profile panel loader designed specifically for sidecountry use, with a shape intended to provide smooth lift transitions and unrestricted movement while riding.
The pack measures 51 x 31 x 16 cm and weighs approximately 0.79 kg, making it considerably lighter and smaller than larger technical touring packs. The single-compartment capacity is complemented by dedicated storage areas that help keep frequently used equipment organised.
Backcountry-Ready Organisation
Despite its compact dimensions, the Sidehill is equipped with a useful collection of snow-specific storage features.
A dedicated internal snow-tool storage pocket provides easy access to essential snow-safety equipment, while a hydration sleeve accommodates a compatible hydration system. The pack also features a fleece-lined goggle and accessory pocket, providing a protected place for goggles and other smaller equipment.
An internal zipped mesh pocket with a key clip adds a secure location for smaller personal items, while external attachment loops provide further options for carrying compatible equipment.
Snowboard, Splitboard & Helmet Carry
The Sidehill is designed to carry snowboards in multiple configurations. Its vertical board-carry system provides a straightforward option for carrying a snowboard when hiking, while the A-frame splitboard carry is designed for splitboard approaches and backcountry travel.
A built-in helmet carry with attachment loops allows riders to secure a helmet externally when it is not being worn. The pack also features stowable pole and ice-axe loops, adding further versatility for more technical approaches.
These systems can be tucked away when they are not required, helping preserve the pack’s clean, low-profile shape for normal resort riding.
Comfortable and Secure Carrying System
The Sidehill is built around an ergonomic back panel and cushioned ergonomic shoulder straps, helping distribute the load while maintaining a comfortable fit during extended use. A padded hip belt provides additional support, particularly when the pack is carrying heavier equipment.
An adjustable sternum strap with an integrated whistle helps stabilise the shoulder straps and provides an additional safety feature. Side compression straps allow the volume of the pack to be reduced when it is not fully loaded, helping keep equipment secure and preventing unnecessary movement inside the pack.
Durable Weather-Resistant Construction
The Sidehill uses heavy-duty recycled polyester designed to withstand regular use in demanding outdoor conditions. Burton lists a combination of 250D polyester twist-stripe dobby and 420D nylon Oxford, both incorporating C0 DWR and PU backing.
The lining is made from 150D recycled polyester, also treated with C0 DWR and PU backing. This construction provides resistance to wet weather while maintaining the durability needed for repeated contact with snow, equipment and rough outdoor surfaces.
Burton also identifies the materials as bluesign® approved, reflecting the use of materials and manufacturing processes intended to meet defined environmental, resource and worker-safety criteria.
Practical External Storage
The Sidehill combines its dedicated snow-sports compartments with several useful attachment points.
An external daisy chain and additional attachment loops provide options for securing compatible accessories or equipment to the outside of the pack. Side compression straps can also help keep the load compact and stable when the main compartment is not completely full.
The result is a pack that can be configured according to the demands of the day, whether carrying a splitboard on an approach, snow tools for sidecountry riding or simply the essentials for a resort session.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | Burton Sidehill 18L Backpack |
| Capacity | 18L |
| Dimensions | 51 x 31 x 16 cm |
| Weight | 0.79 kg / 1.75 lbs |
| Design | Low-profile panel loader |
| Use | Snowsports / Hiking |
| Main Storage | Panel-loading main compartment |
| Snow Tool Storage | Easy-access internal pocket |
| Hydration | Dedicated sleeve |
| Goggle Storage | Fleece-lined pocket |
| Snowboard Carry | Vertical |
| Splitboard Carry | A-frame |
| Helmet Carry | Built-in with attachment loops |
| Pole / Ice Axe Carry | Stowable loops |
| Back Panel | Ergonomic |
| Shoulder Straps | Cushioned ergonomic |
| Hip Belt | Padded |
| Sternum Strap | Adjustable with built-in whistle |
| Compression | Side compression straps |
| Internal Organisation | Zipped mesh pocket with key clip |
| External Attachment | Daisy chain and attachment loops |
| Main Fabric | 250D recycled polyester / 420D nylon Oxford |
| Lining | 150D recycled polyester |
| Fabric Treatment | C0 DWR with PU backing |
| Sustainability | bluesign® approved materials |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Specifications based on Burton’s official product information.
Who Is It For?
The Burton Sidehill 18L Backpack is aimed at snowboarders who want a compact technical pack for sidecountry, backcountry and resort use.
Its 18-litre capacity is particularly suitable for shorter missions where carrying a full touring load is unnecessary. Dedicated snow-tool storage, hydration compatibility, helmet carry and multiple board-carry configurations make it much more capable than a standard daypack, while its low-profile construction keeps it comfortable for lift access and riding.
It is also a good option for riders who prefer a smaller pack and want to carry only the equipment they actually need for the day’s objectives.
Summary
The Burton Sidehill 18L Backpack combines a compact 18-litre format with a comprehensive set of snowboarding-specific features. Its low-profile design is intended to remain unobtrusive while riding, while dedicated snow-tool storage, hydration compatibility, goggle protection and multiple board-carry options provide the functionality needed for sidecountry and backcountry use.
With an ergonomic carrying system, padded hip belt, adjustable sternum strap, helmet carry and durable recycled construction, the Sidehill offers a strong balance of comfort, organisation and technical versatility.
For riders looking for a compact, snow-specific backpack that can transition seamlessly between resort laps and sidecountry missions, the Sidehill 18L is a practical and capable choice.
