Winter is gear junkie paradise. Crampons, ice axes, snowshoes, shovels, skis, snowboards, avalanche gear...whole worlds of specialized equipment await the cold-weather adventurer. There's just one problem. You need a way to carry it all. And for that, you need the right winter backpack.

Strap up
Winter gear is bulky stuff. Until they invent collapsible snowshoes, skis, and snowboards, you'll need a way to lash them to the outside of your backpack. Look for packs that feature multiple side straps and no side pockets to get in the way. Longer straps are better, though you can always extend them with accessory straps to provide additional length if needed. Avoid slide-through buckles; they are maddening to adjust and thread with icy fingers. Choose buckles that clip and unclip, which makes it much easier to secure gear quickly. Finally, look for sewn-on patches or loops that allow you to add extra straps if you need them.

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Check out author Matt Heid's Equipped gear blog.

The shred factor
Winter gear is sharp. Ice axes, snowshoes, shovel blades, and ski and snowboard edges can quickly shred fabric, especially the thin nylon found on many lightweight packs. Look instead for tougher materials that can withstand sustained winter abuse. To carry an ice ax, most packs incorporate an ax loop near the bottom. Make sure the pack also includes a small accompanying strap to secure the handle farther up; many packs neglect this crucial feature. (You can add a pick and adze cover to your ice ax for extra slice protection.) Try to avoid attaching crampons—and their many sharp points—to the outside of your pack; invest instead in a crampon bag to stash them safely inside.

Winter-specific packs
If you spend a lot of time in the winter backcountry, you may want to consider a specialized pack. Ski and snowboard packs feature strap systems specifically designed to lash on your gliding gear; they also incorporate reinforced materials to fend against sharp metal edges. Many winter styles also have a designated shovel pocket for quick access, a crucial feature if you're traveling in avalanche terrain. Snowboard packs secure the board to the back of the pack; these also work well for attaching snowshoes instead. Ice climbers can choose from a variety of super tough packs that feature dual attachment points for ice tools, plus reinforced loops to clip and access climbing gear easily.

Overnight adventures
Winter backpackers need beefier gear than their summer peers. Tents must be stronger, sleeping bags warmer, and clothing more extensive. As a result, the bulk factor goes up considerably. To accommodate it all, packs must have significant capacity. Look for styles with at least 4,500 cubic inches (74 liters) of volume to ensure adequate room. Packs between 3,500 and 5,000 cubic inches (57 to 74 liters) can work with careful packing; anything less than that will be a challenge for all but the most ultralight winter adventurers. Finally, make sure the pack's hipbelt and suspension system are designed to accommodate heavier pack weights, which can easily exceed 35 pounds for even a short overnight excursion.

Finishing touches
A large, easily accessible pocket provides instant access to a down jacket or other warm layer when you need it. Adding an accessory pouch to your shoulder straps or waist belt offers a convenient stash for regularly used items, such as lip balm, map, GPS unit, or camera. Winter clothing can add an inch or two to your waistline; make sure your hipbelt comfortably accommodates it. Finally, look for capacious water bottle pockets that can handle the extra diameter of an insulating water bottle cozy.