Image: kurt cotoaga & Raide & Nathan Anderson
Mountains are calling, a call to push yourself and see what you’re made of. To do that safely, you need gear that works with you, not against you.
That’s where Raide Research comes in. They’ve quietly changed the mountain gear biz with a simple idea: light equals fast. They make top-notch equipment for moving fast in the mountains. What’s cool is they figured out how to make things light without losing all the good stuff that climbers and skiers need.
The company was started by a former engineer from SpaceX and The North Face. He took his skills from aerospace and started applying them to mountain gear. The result? Their ski pack was named the best of 2024 by Field Magazine, and mountain pros are starting to see them as the future of alpine gear.
But Raide is more than a gear company. Raide means steep in French, and that’s what inspires them. They’re all about taking on the steepest, toughest challenges in the mountains because that’s where the best rewards are.
Raide: Where Great Engineering Meets the Mountains
From Rockets to Peaks: The Story
Raide Research started because the founder had a problem: finding gear that didn’t suck. Usually, you have to pick between light and useful, tough and good, or cheap and quality. The founder’s background in aerospace at SpaceX and product work at The North Face gave him the know-how to fix this.
This mix of high-tech skills and mountain knowledge has led to gear that feels super dialed. They think about every gram, every feature, and test everything in tough mountain conditions.
The Idea: Light Means Fast
Raide makes sure that light means fast by crafting amazing equipment that looks good and works great. This isn’t just a sales pitch. It’s a new way of thinking about mountain gear.
Normally, when people make light gear, they cut out everything. Raide does things differently. They’ve reworked every part to make gear that’s lighter AND better than what you’re used to.
The Star: Raide LF Series Backpacks
LF 30L: The Sweet Spot
The LF 30L hits the spot between weight, features, and toughness. It has everything you need but stays super light. This isn’t just bragging. It’s because of hardcore engineering and testing in real mountain conditions.
LF 30L Features:
- Super light but still tough
- Easy access to your safety stuff
- Feels good when you’re moving on the mountain
- Stands up to bad weather
- Places to strap on skis, axes, and climbing gear
They didn’t just want to make a light pack with the LF 30L. They wanted to make a light pack that helps you move better on the mountain, like grabbing your avy tools quickly when you need them.
Get the LF 30L: Raide Research LF 30L
LF 40L: Holds Lots, Weighs Little
The Raide LF 40 is a smart and user-friendly pack. It’s got some cool features and a light build that make it a leader in ski mountaineering packs. People in the know are saying it’s a total win, beating the Crux on price, weight, and how long it lasts.
Cool Features:
- 40L space for longer trips
- Places to put all your gear
- Feels good even when it’s heavy
- Places to add extra stuff
- Strong in areas that wear down
See the LF 40L: Raide Research LF 40L
The Whole LF Crew
These light packs are great for ski touring, mountaineering, and splitboarding. Each size is made for certain mountain activities:
LF 2L: Super small for moving fast
LF 30L: Good all-around for day trips
LF 40L: Holds a ton for long trips
Check Out All the Packs: Raide Ski & Snowboard Packs
Real Talk: What People Are Saying
What the Industry Thinks
People in the mountain world are noticing Raide’s innovation. Reviews talk about how well they balance features and weight. Many see these packs as the new standard for mountain performance.
Powder Magazine is a big fan, with repeat reviews calling the LF series a clear leader among ski mountaineering packs. The hype isn’t just marketing. It’s recognition that they’re solving real problems for mountain athletes.
Used by Pros
From ski guides to climbing teachers, mountain pros are picking Raide gear for its solidness and performance. The combo of light weight and full use means guides can carry safety gear and client gear without getting as tired.
Smart Design: The Little Things That Matter
Good Materials
Raide thinks beyond just picking the lightest fabric. They think about how materials work together, how they hold up, and how they feel to use.
Good Fabric Tech:
- Strong, light fabrics that last
- Weather protection
- Stronger in areas that wear down
- Colors that help you be seen
Feels Good
Every curve and strap is placed to help you move on the mountain. This isn’t about being comfy on the couch. It’s about moving with you when you’re climbing or skiing.
Good Design:
- Spreads weight so it doesn’t hurt
- Straps that help you move
- Easy to reach spots even with gloves
- Straps to keep the pack tight
For All Mountains: Raide for Every Sport
Ski Touring and Splitboarding
Winter sports need gear that works in tough conditions. Raide has you covered with what you need in the cold and snow.
Winter Features:
- Easy access to avy gear
- Straps for skis and snowboards
- Place to keep water from freezing
- Easy zippers and buckles for gloves
Alpine Climbing and Mountaineering
When things get serious, Raide gear won’t let you down. They know what climbers need.
Climbing Features:
- Straps for axes
- Place for ropes
- Works with helmets
- Not too bulky
Trail Running and Fast Packing
Raide gear helps trail runners move fast in the mountains.
Running Features:
- Doesn’t bounce around
- Easy to reach food and water
- Helps keep you cool
- Doesn’t get caught on stuff
Raide: More Than Just Packs
What Else They Make
Raide also makes clothes for moving in the mountains.
Stuff They Make:
- Clothes that are light and work well
- Accessories that fit the packs
- Gear for new mountain sports
How They Do It
They use the same ideas for all their gear: weight, function, durability, and how it feels to use.
Good Gear: Responsible Mountain Gear
Made To Last
Raide gear is 5-year warranty, showing how well it’s made.
Good Gear:
- Made for years of hard use
- Easy to fix
- Looks good for a long time
- Won’t go out of style
Good Standards
Raide has high standards for making their gear, so it’s solid and reliable.
Pick Your Fit: Choosing Your Raide
Right Size
The right Raide pack depends on what you do in the mountains and what you like to carry:
LF 30L is good for:
- Day trips
- Short overnight trips
- Ski touring
- Light alpine climbing
LF 40L is good for:
- Multi-day trips
- Lots of gear
- Guiding and instruction
- Photos
Feels Good
Raide packs feel good on different body types. But make sure you get the right fit.
Tips:
- How much weight do you carry?
- Do you wear layers?
- What do you do on the mountain?
- Any special needs?
Take Care: Protecting Your Investment
Making It Last
Take care of your Raide pack, and it will last. The materials are tough, but maintenance is important.
Take Care:
- Clean it
- Store it well
- Look for wear and tear
- Have it fixed if needed
Warranty
Raide has a 5-year warranty, so you know they stand behind their gear.
The Cost: Is It Worth It?
Price
Raide gear is high-end, but it’s worth the price.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Good features
- Good materials
- 5-year warranty
- Helps you do better in the mountains
Cost Per Use
If you use your gear a lot, it’s worth investing in quality. A pack that lasts for years is better than a cheap one that you have to replace.
Where To Buy: Raide
From Raide
Raide Research Website: raideresearch.com
Buy from Raide to get:
- Latest gear
- Full warranty
- Free shipping over $50. Free returns in the US
- Exclusive stuff
Other Stores
Mountain Shops:
- SkiUphill | RunUphill
- Keus Store
- Other outdoor stores
These stores offer:
- See the gear in person
- Get advice
- Local help
Be Part Of It: The Raide Community
Mountain Sports
Raide gear is used by everyone from weekend skiers to pro athletes.
Benefits:
- Share tips
- Test new gear
- Talk to designers
- See how it works in real life
Stay Connected
Follow Raide to see what they’re up to.
The Future: What’s Next
Coming Soon
Raide will keep making great mountain gear.
What’s Coming:
- Smart features
- Good materials
- Modular designs
- Gear that’s good for the environment
More Markets
Raide will start selling in more places around the world.
In short: Light Means Fast
Raide makes light, functional gear that looks good.
They’ve fixed a problem that climbers have had for years by taking aerospace ideas and applying them to mountain gear.
Whether you’re a skier or a climber, Raide has gear for you.
Raide means steep in French, reminding us of the best moments in the mountains.
The mountains are calling. With Raide, you’re ready to answer.
It’s time to see what Raide can do for you.
Shop Raide Mountain Gear
LF Series Backpacks
LF 30L – The Best All-Around
Good balance
Shop LF 30L
LF 40L – Holds the Most, Weighs the Least
For longer trips
Shop LF 40L
Official Store
Raide Research – Straight From the Source
raideresearch.com
- Free shipping over $50
- Free returns in the US
- 5-year warranty
Other Stores
SkiUphill | RunUphill – LF 30L 2025 Model
Keus Store – LF 30L Ski Adventure Backpack
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