This is a gear list I use for an average
day of backcountry skiing. Some of it is
individual, some of it group. Light is great,
depending on how much risk you are willing
to take. As Art so much likes to say, "Fast
and light, cold at night."
Sub in snowshoes if needed (and then add
gaitors).
Ski stuff
- Skis
- Boots
- Poles
- Skins + skin wax
- Helmet
- Goggles
- Repair kit w/screwdriver, knife,
tape, pole sleeve or splint, couple
screws, spare cable, skin wax, something
to bend with (pliers or tiny cresent
wrench)- this depends on how far
you are going, how far you're willing
to ski one-legged, etc.
Avy stuff
- Shovel
- Probe
- Saw marked w/inches
- Avy beacon
- Inclinometer (some compasses have
this feature)
- Magnifying glass
- Thermometer
- Notebook w/pencil
Other basic gear
- Pack
- Camp chair/foam pad (optional if
you are willing to sit on your pack)
- One or two water bottles (w/lukewarm
liquid, in an insulated sleeve, and/or
carried upside-down so the threads
don't freeze)
- Thermos of your favorite hot libations
- First aid kit, including handwarmer
heat packs AND MATCHES
Clothes
- Pants, some sort of stretch-woven
(and/or goretex shell with side zips
for venting)
- Wool uns, or longies if it's really
cold
- Light zip t-neck top, either wool
or Capilene
- Medium pile jacket
- Vest if it's really cold
- Socks (whatever fits in the boots,
but knee-high to prevent seam rub)
- Jacket- stretch-woven and/or goretex
shell
- Puffy insulating jacket
- Hat and neck gaitor (unless your
jackets have hoods)
- Gloves/mittens- I like shells with
multiple liner sets
Misc.
- Map and compass
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip stuff
- Camera
- Bivy bag or space blanket
- Baby headlamp
- Radios?
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